A holiday to Venice is like stepping into a fairy tale. A place without cars, where the only sound at times is that of a gondola quietly lapping by and you can lose yourself in the myriad of alleyways. But step out onto the Grand Canal and you will be amazed at the illuminated Doge’s Palace, the stunning Venetian architecture that seems so precariously perched on the banks of the lagoon. Wonder at the gilded domes of Saint Mark’s Basilica and search out rare treasures. At carnival time the city transforms into a riot of colour and sound, spectacle and drama. This is an unconventional and creative city; it is home to artists, poets, mask makers and gondoliers. Look at our holiday packages and you could soon be on a flight to Venice.
Venice is one hour ahead of the UK. Italy is a member of the European Union and the currency is the euro. If you’re planning a holiday to Venice via a flight from London to Venice or a flight from Manchester to Venice, then you will probably fly into Venice Marco Polo or Treviso Airport. Marco Polo is the city’s official airport and is located on the mainland just by the lagoon - a short bus or boat ride away. Treviso Airport is about 19 miles away and a coach service links the airport with the bus terminal in Venice. Check out our discount holidays to Venice and you can be sure of a memorable trip however you arrive.
Venice has a moderate continental climate, with the Adriatic Sea buffering the city from extremes. Summers are hot, with average daytime temperatures around 23 to 28 degrees Celsius, while winters can be cool, with average daytime temperatures around 7 to 10 degrees. Spring and autumn temperatures are a pleasant 12 to 20 degrees. Rainfall is spread throughout the year, with slightly more in spring and autumn. Weather phenomena include acqua alta (high water) which is caused by wind and tide conditions. Fog is more common in winter and spring and coats the city in an otherworldly atmosphere. In winter the cold wind of the bora from Eastern Europe brings cold dry weather and it is not uncommon to see a scattering of snow. Whatever the weather, you can be sure of a good holiday to Venice with our flight and hotel deals.
No holiday to Venice is complete without ticking off the main tourist attractions. But to step into the heart and soul of La Serenissima, as the city is so beautifully named, you need to delve a little deeper. Here are our top ten Venetian experiences:
Taking to the water is certainly one of the best ways to experience the city and riding on the vaporetto, the water bus, while not having the same allure as a gondola still offers amazing views of the architecture and sights. Venice is a city that lends itself to gentle exploration, losing yourself in alleyways, stopping for coffee or lunch as you like and discovering hidden gems along the way. This being Venice find some time to watch some glassblowing or mask-making, and while the centre of Venice is an amazing place just step outside a little to find quirky places like the coloured houses of Burano and Poveglia Plague Island with its dark history. With our low-cost holidays, you can experience all this and more.
So there are a few sights that should simply not be missed on a holiday to Venice. Here are ten to tick off the list:
Ca’ do’Oro and Palazzo Rezzonico are both palaces – Ca’ d’Oro was built in the late Middle Ages, while Palazzo Rezzonico dates from the Baroque and Rococo periods. The Doge’s Palace, of course, was the Doge’s residence and is the iconic symbol of Venice. The Peggy Guggenheim Collection has a good collection of early and mid-century European and American art. There is much to see and do in Venice and the artwork and architecture really give a glimpse into this city. Our holiday packages let you explore further.
This is Italy after all and nobody on holiday to Venice should miss the chance to sample some Venetian specialities. With its lagoon location, Venetian cuisine has an emphasis on fish, with vegetables coming from the island gardens of Sant’Erasmo. Salted and pickled fish dishes were developed as ways to preserve fish, something which is no longer necessary but the dishes are still a large element of Venetian food culture. Here are five classic dishes to try:
Venetians are also fond of sweet pastries. Baicoli are traditional biscuits that sailors would take on their voyages – these days they are often served with coffee but you can also try dipping them in dessert wines. Fritole are sweet fritters with pine nuts and raisins. They are molded into balls, fried and dusted with sugar and are traditionally served before Lent. For a chance to try out all these delicacies be sure to check out our flight and hotel deals today.
If a getaway in Venice doesn't quite captivate you, why not venture into other vibrant cities? Explore our incredible flight and hotel bundles for your upcoming holiday escapade!