City Breaks In Venice Venices corroding buildings, colourful back alleys and alluring emerald canals have enticed travellers for centuries. Equally the masquerade masks that hang from the doors of Venices Mask Makers blend seamlessly with the theme music of the Gondoliers as they push their way through the Grand Canal, providing the aura of a theatre for travellers as they arrive in taxi boats from the airport. The streets of Venice are incredible. Venice is great for history fans and just walking the alleys and streets, carefully navigating the arched bridges and taking boats and gondolas will bring you face to face with centuries of history – especially beautiful is the collection of architecture around the Piazza San Marco, which includes the Procuratie Nuove, the Campanile and of course the Basilica di San Marco, and just 10 minutes away the Scala Contarini del Bovolo and Rialto bridge which is a great spot to snap a photo of the impossibly beautiful Grand Canal. Every church in Venice is imposing and grand, and every corner brings a new surprise as you stumble into yet another dimly lit walkway, windows adorned with flowers in full bloom and the scent of water and Italian spices on the air. For something a little different we suggest you visit the Jewish Ghetto which is easy to reach by either foot or water boat. Here, typical Venetian buildings mingle with a yeshiva and a collection of Judaica shops. Something of a must see is the Ponte dei Sospiri or the Bridge of Sighs as it is better known. It connects the Palazzo delle Prigioni and Palazzo Ducale, and was once the final crossing for convicts as they entered prison. It gained the name Bridge of Sighs from Lord Byron, after the sounds the convicts would let out of the small barred windows as they took one last look at the waters of venice. The bridge looks out in two directions – one way to the Adriatic sea and the other onto a quaint backstreet canal and youll find that it gets extremely full so take a break in one of the al fresco cafes close by and taste a classic Venetian Spritz – prosecco and sparkling water spiked with Aperol. Many take a tour or a weekend break to Venice for the sights and sounds, for the beautiful churches the Carnival and of course the romance, but many forget that Venice has a beach too. Lido is quite literally a lengthy sand bar – its also the venue for the annual Venice film festival and is one of few places where you might see a car in Venice. You can get there easily from the Venice mainland by water bus, and its a good place to escape to if you feel like a day sunbathing or a swim. Its not exactly quiet but does make for a pleasant refrain from the busy streets. Venice has a great culinary scene if you know where to look – but you really do need to search and stay away from the tourist traps that litter the main squares. Many are hidden away on hard to reach alleys but all are very much worth the (mis)adventure. One of our favourites is A beccafico on Campo S. Stefano. Youll need to do some walking to find it but once there youll be rewarded with astounding Sicilian fare combined with some of the finest service available in all of Venice. Seafood fans should try the mussel soup that comes served in a clam shaped dish and is wrapped in pizza bread. A more traditional option is the Trattoria alla Madonna near Rialto bridge on San Polo. Its a great place to try the famous black squid, or if youd prefer a meaty dish they also serve great beef, pork and veal mains. If you have the time, then you should consider visiting the islands of Murano – famous for Murano glass and a few open glass blowing factories, and Burano, much like the main islands it is home to many bridges, but also a much quieter experience with a couple of nice restaurants and some very colourful Italian-style houses. A good day trip option is Verona, most famous as the home to Shakespeares Juliet, but if youre there in the summer months you should take in an open air opera at the 2000 year old Roman Arena. City breaks to Venice are memorable and fascinating. Whether you want to simply wander the streets, explore the museums or sit back in a Gondola – youll find it perfect. We have a great collection of offers available for city breaks and tours in Italy – take a look here – and remember – when you book with us you can save up to 5%.

Visit our Venice City Breaks site here ;

http://aspenlowcost.digital-trip.co.uk/city-breaks/venice.aspx