Venice International Film Festival Insider's Guide

With its contrasting moods, Venice has long played a key role in cinematic history -- both on screen and off. The city has attracted the eye of some of the world's most famous producers and directors, providing the setting for a diverse range of films from Woody Allen's musical romance, "Everyone Says I Love You" to the spectacular Gondola chase in Broccoli's Moonraker.

Off screen, Venice has become the locus of one of the most prestigious International Film Festivals - the Mostra Internazionale d'Arte Cinematografica attracting thousands of international VIPs and movie stars each year.

So here we wanted to share some glamour of the Festival (taking place this year from 2nd - 12th September 2009) and also to take a "behind the scenes" look at some of the less explored romantic avenues of the city to unlock the secrets of this amazing destination during this magnificent event.

Mirroring the glamour of Moonraker, I (Maurizio) propose starting the day with a romantic dawn sailing cruise and champagne breakfast exploring the lagoon waters as the sun rises, followed by a private tour in a rented sparkling red Ferrari to the nearby Palladium Villas, former countryside residences of the Venetian noble families. Spend the afternoon roaming the Veneto region's wine roads and satisfying your thirst for the refined local wines at a few historic vineyards.

There's no greater pleasure to be had than dining al fresco uncovering favorite haunts of the stars. For water views and Mediterranean flavors try Club del Doge or for waterfront dining with a surreal twist private dining can be arranged at the Peggy Guggenheim Collection.

Mingle with celebrities for cocktails and after-dinner drinks in Venice's best bars. 007 lovers should not miss Bar Dandolo, a Bond Bar. Harry's Bar is a classic for American-style cocktails; Bar Longhi's Bellinis and Sor Acqua cocktail (honouring artist Robert Rauschenberg) are second to none, as is the view from its Grand Canal Terrace, a favorite of W. Somerset Maugham.

Whilst the home of the festival's world premiere screenings is the Palazzo del Cinema on Venice Lido, many of the city's panoramic locations are the scene of glamorous parties and events including our own Restaurant Terrazza Danieli where celebrities and journalists will be welcoming the 66th edition of the 10 day festival on the 1st of September at Star 66, with a cinema-inspired stand-up dinner and dance with live music in collaboration with Variety.

In the tradition of the Woody Allen production my (Giuliano) suggestions for uncovering the best of Venice are intimate, cultural, and romantic.

Between films skip the usual queues by booking exclusive private visits of Venice's cultural jewels -- the Basilica San Marco, the extraordinary Peggy Guggenheim Collection, and the historical Palazzo Ducale -- or of her secret gardens, oases of artistic peace hidden behind majestic Grand Canal facades of the elite's palazzi.

Summer's last weeks are the best time for renting a small boat and visiting all the little canals and unusual places in Venice. Escape the crowded historical centre for a romantic sail on the water, or visit the monastries on the lesser known islands of San Lazzarro and San Francesco del Deserto and explore the fauna and flora of the lagoon. On the way set anchor at Torcello for a spot of Venetian cuisine at Locanda Cipriani, a favorite of the well-heeled.

Not far from the Venice Lido, are the islands of Pellestrina and Chioggia, home to the lagoon's fishermen. A private sail to these colourful centres exposes a realm of guarded tradition and ancient fishing techniques.

Nature and golf lovers should find time for a few rounds at the Venice Alberoni Golf Club. A 10 minute drive from the centre of Venice Lido or a short boat ride from the Venice historical centre, this spectacular 18-hole course is hidden between the ruins of a 17th century fortress, the Malamocco canal and the Mediterranean woodland.

To finish the day with an authentic, intimate Venetian dining experience, close to the Rialto is Enoteca al Volto, a favourite of Elton John and Missoni famed for its wines as attested by its whimsical ceiling display. For authentic regional dishes at Da Fiore is a must - serving dishes like castradina: a soup prepared by simmering for at least twelve hours!

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