Exploring Venice's Lap of Luxury: My Top 6 Hotels to Indulge in Serenity and Splendor

Venice, an enchanting mosaic of sparkling canals, storied architecture, and rich cultural tapestry, invites the luxury-seeker into its embrace. Hidden amongst its captivating alleys and shimmering waters are grand hotels, each a sanctuary of opulence, history, and unparalleled hospitality.

For those yearning to immerse themselves in the Venetian allure, here are six exquisite hotels that redefine the essence of luxury.

1. Hotel Gritti Palace

Nestled on the Grand Canal, the Gritti Palace is more than just a hotel; it's a piece of Venetian history brought to life. Once the residence of noble families and dignitaries, this hotel dazzles with its meticulously restored interiors and art collection. The Terrazza Redentore Suite, offering panoramic views of Venice, is a testament to luxury living.

2. Belmond Hotel Cipriani

Located on the serene Giudecca Island, a short boat ride from St. Mark's Square, the Belmond Hotel Cipriani embodies exclusivity and privacy. With lush gardens, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, and views that stretch out to the Doge's Palace, it's a sanctuary where elegance meets tranquillity.

3. Aman Venice

Housed in a 16th-century palazzo on the Grand Canal, Aman Venice is a blend of Renaissance beauty and contemporary comfort. Its rooms and suites, adorned with historic frescoes and reliefs, offer a tranquil escape, complemented by bespoke Aman service. The hotel's private garden, a rarity in Venice, is perfect for moments of reflection.

4. JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa

For those seeking a modern retreat, the JW Marriott on the private island of Isola delle Rose offers contemporary luxury with a Venetian twist. Its state-of-the-art spa, multiple dining options, and infinity pool provide a holistic experience, away from the hustle and bustle yet close enough to the city's heart.

5. The St. Regis Venice

Merging historic legacy with avant-garde hospitality, The St. Regis Venice boasts a prime location overlooking the Grand Canal. Its rooms and suites, with floor-to-ceiling windows, offer mesmerizing views of Venice's iconic sights. The hotel's Arts Bar is a nod to Venice's artistic heritage, serving craft cocktails amidst contemporary artworks.

6. Ca' Sagredo Hotel

Living museum and luxury hotel, Ca' Sagredo Hotel is an authentic Venetian palazzo that stands as a national monument. With its grand staircase, opulent ballrooms, and art-adorned walls, staying here is a journey through the history of Venice. Each room is a work of art, offering a unique blend of antiquity and comfort.

Conclusion

Venice is not just a city to visit; it's an experience to be lived. These luxury hotels offer a gateway into the city's soul, combining the city's rich history with the comforts of modern luxury. Whether you're here for the art, the architecture, or simply to soak in the atmosphere, Venice's luxury hotels promise an unforgettable stay.

Embracing the Serene Beauty of a Venetian Winter

With its timeless canals and echoing alleyways, Venice unfolds a different kind of enchantment during the winter months.

As the city bids farewell to the bustling summer tourists, a tranquil atmosphere descends, cloaking Venice in a silent reverie that only the colder months can bring. A misty fog often rolls in, draping the city in a veil of mystery and serenity.

This is when Venice, stripped of pretences, bares its soul to the discerning visitor.

The Winter Palette of Venice

With the onset of winter, the city’s colour scheme transforms. Summer's bright blues and luminous hues give way to a subtler, more reflective range of greys and deep greens. The marble of its palazzos and the Byzantine mosaics of its churches seem to echo the cooler tones of the overcast sky, and the waters turn into a mirror reflecting a steelier world above. This changing light is crisp, almost brittle, casting elongated shadows that offer a feast for photographers and artists before the early dusk.

Festive Ambiance Amidst Historic Grandeur

Venice doesn’t abandon its flair for the dramatic as the year wanes. The festive season infuses the city with a gentle vibrancy. Piazza San Marco transforms into a storybook scene, with elegant strands of lights woven between its historic cafes and landmarks. A grand Christmas tree twinkles with lights, mirroring the sparkle of anticipation in the eyes of passersby. The scent of roasted chestnuts mingles with the briny air, and shop windows are a tableau of Venetian artistry, displaying ornate masks and handcrafted gifts.

Cultural Immersion in the Quieter Months

Winter is the perfect time to delve deep for those seeking cultural riches. With significantly fewer visitors, one can leisurely explore the treasures housed in the Doge's Palace or the modern masterpieces in the Peggy Guggenheim Collection without the press of crowds. The Teatro La Fenice presents a winter repertoire that allows its operatic notes to swell and fill the opulent space unhindered. Attending a performance is a multi-sensory journey into the heart of Venetian tradition.

A Feast for the Senses

Venetian culinary offerings in winter are a testament to the city's adaptability. Seasonal vegetables like radicchio trevisano and zucca (pumpkin) find their way into rich stews and risottos, providing comfort from the chill. Trattorias and bacari (local bars) become havens of warmth, offering refuge with a steaming plate of polenta e schie (tiny shrimps with polenta) and a glass of robust Valpolicella. Each bite is a reminder of the region’s gastronomic legacy, tied intricately with the season's bounty.

A Photographer's Perspective

Winter's unique light and serene waterways present endless photographic opportunities. Here are a couple more tips for capturing Venice's winter charm:

Embrace the Mist: Fog can be a photographer’s ally, adding a layer of depth and mystery to compositions. Early mornings are particularly atmospheric.

Play with Contrasts: The starkness of bare branches against the muted colours of Venetian buildings can provide a striking contrast, perfect for black-and-white photography.

Concluding Reflections

A winter’s sojourn in Venice is an invitation to experience the city’s quieter contemplation. It’s a time when the Venetian way of life, unhurried by the demands of peak tourism, reveals itself to those who wander its calles and campi. With its subdued thrum and reflective beauty, Venice in winter offers an offer to witness its most authentic moments that resonate with the city's soul long after the winter fog lifts.

How to Find an Address in Venice

Italy's Venice is a city with many sights to see, but finding these sights can be difficult if you're not familiar with the town's address system. The city was built to make sense to those using the canals, not those on foot. You're bound to get lost at least once as you wander the streets searching for hidden gems of the city.

A map may tell you the name of alleys and squares, but a typical Venetian address is simply: San Marco 1323. Venice is split into districts called sestieri, and each building in a sestiere is numbered in one long consecutive sequence. Venice's random and informal street names are not officially part of an address, although many businesses will helpfully provide one. To pin-point a location therefore, you don't just need the brief official address, you also need a street/square name and also some helpful geographical pointer, e.g. a nearby church.

Even street names are far from straightforward. Most have evolved to describe an established location and mean descriptive things like 'Alley of the carpenters' or 'Courtyard with a well'. Consequently there are often several places with the same or similar names. If you are locating a street, you will require the name of the sestiere as well (what's more, sometimes there is more than one place with the same name in one sestiere). And even armed with official address, and street name, your task still isn't simple.

The next confusion is that sometimes one place may have more than one name. Even one name may have different versions - many streets in Venice are known both by their dialect name and by the Italianised version. Either of these may appear on maps. This is why you'll see many variations of placenames such as Fondamenta Nove (even throughout this website).

Streetsigns are not always easy to spot in narrow lanes. They may offer one or more variations on the name (o means 'or'), and they are often joined on the walls by signs identifying the parish (parocchia) and any adjacent canal (rio) or bridge (ponte).

If you're spending a long time in Venice or are just very interested in the city's structure, there is a good book called Calli, Campielli e Canali which provides extremely large scale street plans, along with property numbers. It covers Venice and the lagoon islands, and enables you to locate any address in the city, as well as providing some background information in Italian and English on landmarks and principal buildings. You can buy it in most bookshops in Venice. Sadly, it's rather too bulky to carry around as you explore.

What the names mean

Here are some of the most common titles for places in Venice: Calle - a lane or alley Campo - public open space (irregularly-shaped and less formal than a 'piazza'). Campo means field, and once these were rough-surfaced in earth or grass, and used for burials. They are still the hubs of their neighbourhoods. Campiello - a small square or courtyard. Corte - courtyard. Fondamenta - canalside walkway. Piazza - public square. There is only one in Venice, Piazza San Marco. Ponte - bridge. Piscina - filled-in pool of water. Ruga - significant lane, generally one which used to contain shops. Ramo - branch off a more important thoroughfare, whose name it takes. Rio - canal. Rio terrà or terà - filled-in canal, now a street. Salizzada - name given to the earliest streets to be paved. Sottoportego - covered passage under a building, often leading only to water.

Navigating Venice - theories, routes and landmarks

You can spend many idle moments in Venice evolving navigational theories. Landmarks are all-important, both major ones and private reminders. Routes between significant points are learned this way: e.g. ' left by the greengrocers, straight over the square with a tree in it, down the lane between the red house and the yellow house, left past the Renaissance doorway'. Even if you're the sort of person who has an excellent sense of direction, you'll still find that concentrating on a chain of landmarks is more effective in Venice than working from a mental map. If you're arriving for the first time and finding your hotel, make sure they give you simple, descriptive directions. Once you've found your base, memorise the route to the nearest major landmark or street (one that's marked on your map) - then you'll be able to find your way back. While route-finding and consulting maps, do bear in mind the Venetian rules of conduct; walk on the right and don't block streets.

There are certain through-routes in Venice - chains of lanes linking places together. At busy times of the day you'll see locals filing along these tortuous routes, striding down seeming dead-end alleys and darting around sharp corners. After a while you learn those of use to you, and create your own mental database of Venetian routes.

The only destinations signposted at all consistently are St. Mark's (San Marco), the Rialto, the railway station (Ferrovia) and the bus terminus (Piazzale Roma). Even these painted signs do sometimes falter, but generally they are reliable and can help you to head in the right direction. The ones to San Marco are the most suspect, as some signposted lanes can take you a long way round (something to do with shopkeepers wanting passing trade, perhaps?).

My Favorite Maps are here

20 Great Things to do in Venice 5/20 - Fireworks

Watch the New Year's Eve Fireworks from S Giorgio

Experience New Year's Eve Fireworks from a Unique Vantage Point at San Giorgio Island: This is a fresh recommendation that I stumbled upon just recently. While the traditional spot for watching the New Year's Eve fireworks is St. Mark's Square, it can get incredibly crowded, with over 70,000 people gathering there last night alone. Why not opt for a less congested yet equally mesmerizing location? Consider viewing the fireworks from San Giorgio Island, which offers a stunning backdrop of the beautifully illuminated St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace (Palazzo Ducale). This alternative location allows you to escape the crowds while still enjoying a spectacular view.

20 Great Things to do in Venice 3/20 - Ice Cream

Cool down with a delicious gelato in Venice.

Artisan Ice Cream: The Art of Making Gelato

Savoring Gelato: A Sweet Delight in Venice

Venice, with its winding canals and historic charm, offers countless experiences to its visitors. Among these, indulging in authentic Italian gelato stands out as a delightful sensory journey.

Why Gelato in Venice is Special

While gelato can be found throughout Italy, there's something uniquely enchanting about enjoying a scoop (or two!) while wandering the narrow alleys of Venice or sitting by a canal as gondolas glide by. The city's gelaterias, many of which have been passed down through generations, take pride in crafting flavors that are both traditional and innovative.

Flavors to Try

While classics like 'cioccolato' (chocolate) and 'vaniglia' (vanilla) are always a hit, don't miss out on more unique offerings. 'Fior di latte' is a creamy, milky flavor that serves as the perfect base for toppings or sauces. 'Stracciatella', with its ribbons of chocolate, is a crowd-pleaser. For something distinctly Venetian, seek out 'fior di rosa' (rose) or 'mandorla' (almond).

Eco-Friendly Indulgence

Many gelaterias in Venice are now focusing on sustainable practices. They source local ingredients, reduce plastic usage, and some even offer vegan or dairy-free options. So, you can relish your gelato knowing it's kind to the environment.

Finding the Best Gelato

While numerous gelato shops are scattered across Venice, it's essential to distinguish between artisanal gelaterias and more commercial outlets. Look for places where the gelato is stored in metal tins and appears less vibrant – a sign that natural ingredients are used without excessive colourings.

In Conclusion

As you explore the myriad wonders of Venice, taking a gelato break is more than just a treat; it's a rite of passage. Whether you're a purist sticking to classic flavours or an adventurer eager to try the latest seasonal offering, Venice's gelato scene promises a delectable experience long after the last bite.

A list of my favourite ice creams in Venice

20 Great Things to do in Venice 2/20 - St Mark's Square

See three major sights in one square

Landscapes Of Venice In The Snow

The Splendor of Saint Mark's Square

Standing at the heart of Venice, Piazza San Marco, commonly known as Saint Mark's Square, is more than just a landmark; it's an emblem of the city's rich history and cultural tapestry. Once described by Napoleon as the "drawing room of Europe," the square today remains a vibrant gathering spot, often bustling with visitors from all corners of the continent.

St. Mark’s Basilica (Basilica di San Marco) is at the centre of this grand piazza. This architectural marvel is a testament to Venice's deep connections with Byzantium and a symbol of the city's spiritual heart. Its intricate mosaics and domes reflect the grandeur of Venetian art and architecture.

Adjacent to the basilica stands the Doge’s Palace, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. This imposing structure was once the epicenter of Venice's political and judicial activities, bearing witness to the city's most significant historical events.

Completing the trio of iconic structures is the Torre dell’Orologio, a magnificent clock tower constructed between 1496 and 1506. Its intricate astronomical clock and the statues of the Moors striking the hour are a testament to the craftsmanship and technological prowess of its time.

Together, these architectural wonders define the square and stand as enduring symbols of Venice's illustrious past and artistic heritage.

20 Great Things to do in Venice 1/20 - Gondola

Experience Venice: The Timeless Gondola Ride

One of the most iconic symbols of Venice, the gondola, has gracefully navigated the city's canals for centuries. A trip to Venice feels incomplete without experiencing the serene beauty of its waterways from the plush seats of a traditional gondola.

Why Choose a Gondola Ride?

While Venice offers numerous modes of transportation, nothing compares to the charm and intimacy of a gondola ride. It's not just about getting from one point to another; it's about immersing oneself in the city's history, culture, and unparalleled romantic ambience. Gliding through the canals, you'll witness Venice from a unique vantage point, catching glimpses of hidden courtyards, majestic palazzos, and everyday Venetian life.

Planning Your Gondola Experience

The Istituzione per la Conservazione della Gondola e Tutela del Gondoliere, also known as the Gondola Board, is an excellent resource for those looking to delve deeper into this Venetian tradition. They offer recommended itineraries to ensure you capture the essence of Venice during your ride. You can explore their suggestions on their official website: www.gondolavenezia.it.

Pricing Details

The cost of a gondola ride is based on the duration and time of day. Here are the updated fees:

Daytime Rides (8 am - 7 pm): €100 for a 40-minute ride. If you wish to extend the experience, it's an additional €50 for every subsequent 20 minutes.

Evening Rides (7 pm - 8 am): The canals take on a different charm as the sun sets; the fee reflects this unique experience. It's €120 for a 40-minute ride and an extra €60 for every 20 minutes.

These prices are for the entire gondola, accommodating up to six passengers. It's a flat rate, making it a perfect experience to share with family or friends.

Final Thoughts

A gondola ride is more than just a tourist attraction; it's a journey into the heart of Venice. Whether you're seeking romance, history, or a moment of tranquillity amidst the hustle and bustle, a gondola ride promises memories that will last a lifetime.

Photo By: Marco Secchi

Venice During Easter and Spring

Venice is one of the most beautiful and romantic cities in the world, and Easter time is a perfect time to visit it. This Italian city is known for its stunning architecture, canals, and gondolas, making it an ideal destination for couples, families, and solo travelers. Here are a few reasons why visiting Venice during Easter time is an excellent idea.

Firstly, Easter is an important holiday in Venice, and the city comes alive with celebrations, parades, and special events. You can witness the solemn processions that take place throughout the city, including the religious processions on Good Friday, which are particularly impressive. In addition, there are many concerts, exhibitions, and performances that take place during the Easter period, offering a chance to experience the vibrant cultural scene of Venice.

Another reason to visit Venice during Easter is the beautiful spring weather. The city has a mild climate in March and April, and the temperatures are usually pleasant for exploring the city on foot or by boat. The springtime also brings beautiful flowers and blossoms, adding to the charm and beauty of the city.

During Easter, Venice is less crowded compared to the peak summer season, making it a perfect time to enjoy the city's attractions and cultural treasures at a more leisurely pace. You can take a gondola ride through the canals, explore the city's museums, art galleries, and historical landmarks, or simply wander through the narrow streets and soak up the atmosphere.

Moreover, Easter is a time for indulgence and food in Italy, and Venice is no exception. The traditional Easter feast includes roasted lamb, sweet Easter bread, and Colomba Pasquale, a dove-shaped cake. You can also sample other delicious Venetian specialities such as risotto with seafood, polenta, and the famous Venetian cicchetti (small plates of food served with drinks).

Finally, Venice is a city that celebrates its traditions and history, and Easter is no exception. During this time, you can witness the city's traditions and culture firsthand, such as the ancient custom of Venetian gondoliers wearing traditional clothing and colorful sashes during the Easter period.

In conclusion, visiting Venice during Easter time is a fantastic idea, as it offers an opportunity to experience the city's vibrant culture, beautiful weather, delicious food, and traditional celebrations. Whether you are seeking a romantic getaway, a family holiday, or a solo adventure, Venice during Easter is an unforgettable experience that will stay with you forever.

Christmas in Venice

While preparation are taking place in Venice and the Lagoon for Christmas here are few tips:A wonderful way to spend Christmas Eve is to attend midnight mass at St. Mark's Basilica. But remember, midnight mass starts at 10:30 p.m. and you should get there early to get a seat (no tickets are needed). Try to enter through the north entrance and not the west entrance often used by tourists.

Even though December 26th is a national holiday (St. Stephen's Day), most of Venice's museums and sites will be open.

Several Venice restaurants are closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and even on the 23rd and 26th. Most hotel restaurants and Harry's Bar are open. Be sure to do your homework and make reservations ahead of time for Christmas meals. We hear Caffe Quadri and the restaurant - Piazza San Marco's famous cafe - is open on Christmas Day. Good place for Christmas breakfast and coffee!

Remember that the vaparetto schedule changes on major holidays. Check the signs posted on the platforms for schedule information.

Each year on December 26, the Frari Church in San Polo (in the Campo dei Frari) offers a free concert at 4:00 p.m. The church is filled with magnificent art, including Titian's Assumption of the Virgin, Canova's Tomb and a carved monk's chair from 1468.

For an incredible seafood dinner and a warm celebration at midnight, go to Trattoria Antiche Carampane on New Year's Eve. (San Polo 1911; (39) 041 524-0165) The price for dinner runs about £70 per person. No matter where you go that night, you must make reservations.

Another restaurant recommendation: Antica Trattoria Poste Vecie (Rialto Pescheria Venezia; (39-041-721-1822) is open on Christmas Day and New Year's Day. This restaurant also has excellent fish and a larger menu as well. The soups and Venetian-style calf's liver are terrific. Fireplaces keep the restaurant warm on cold nights.

If you're in Venice on January 6, don't miss the Befana races. Men clad in long skirts, wigs and babushkas climb into boats for races on the Grand Canal. The best views are from the Rialto Bridge.

The Befana in Venice

Every child of Italian heritage has heard of La Befana, a character in Italian folklore who delivers presents to children throughout Italy. It is believed that the legend of La Befana may have originated in Rome, then spread as a tradition to the rest of Italy. Some believe her name is derived from the word Epiphany, but others say La Befana descended Roman goddess named Strina.

In folklore, Befana visits all the children of Italy on the eve of the 6th of January (the Epiphany) to fill their socks with candy and presents if they are good or a lump of coal or dark candy if they are bad. Because she is a good housekeeper, she will sweep the floor before she leaves. The child's family typically leaves a small glass of wine and a plate with a few morsels of food for La Befana.She is usually portrayed as an old lady riding a broomstick through the air wearing a black shawl and is covered in soot because she enters the children's houses through the chimney. She is often smiling and carries a bag or hamper filled with candy, gifts, or both.

Christian legend has it that La Befana was approached by the magi (the biblical three kings) a few days before Christ's birth. They asked for directions to where the baby Jesus was, but she did not know. She provided them with shelter for a night, as she was considered the best housekeeper in the village with the most pleasant home. They invited her to join them on the journey to find the baby Jesus, but she declined, stating she was too busy with her housework. Later, La Befana had a change of heart, and tried to search out the astrologers and Jesus. That night she was not able to find them, so to this day, La Befana is searching for the baby Jesus. She leaves all the good children toys and candy, while the bad children get coal or bags of ashes.

Another Christian legend takes a slightly darker tone. La Befana was an ordinary woman with a child whom she greatly loved. However, her child died, and her grief maddened her. Upon hearing news of Jesus' birth, she set out to see him, delusional that he was her son. She eventually met Jesus and presented him with gifts to make him happy. The infant Jesus was delighted, and he gave La Befana a gift in return; she would be the mother of every child in Italy.

Italians believe that if one sees La Befana one will receive a thump from her broomstick because she doesn't wish to be seen. This aspect of the tradition may be designed to keep children in their beds while parents are distributing candy (or coal) and sweeping the floor on Epiphany Eve.

Traditionally, all Italian children may expect to find a lump of "coal" in their stockings (actually rock candy made black with caramel coloring), as every child has been at least occasionally bad during the year.

20 Things to do in Venice - 14/20 Getting Lost in Venice

There is nothing, I repeat nothing, that is as important when you’re visiting Venice than just wandering aimlessly through its streets and alleys. If you only had 3-4 hours in the city, I’d recommend that you do this before you set foot inside a single museum or attraction – it’s that critical to enjoying your visit. By wandering (especially if you point yourself in the exact opposite of the direction where the herd is going) you can find Venice’s many charming and often-empty squares and streets, which goes a long way toward helping you appreciate the city. I’d almost say you could ignore basically everything else on this list and just stroll around without a map… But although I might not go that far (again, unless you’ve only got 4 hours or less), I do consider the sentence “get lost in Venice” an order, not a suggestion.

But really, the point of Venice – for me, anyway – is to wander its maze-like alleyways and bridges, getting thoroughly lost and then finding your way back to something familiar. It’s about accidentally finding a gondola workshop where the men are working their lathes into the groove of the boats outside in the sun. It’s about seeing a market boat (rather than a brick-and-mortar store) selling Venice’s few residents their vegetables and fish. And it’s quite a challenge to do any of that in a day-trip, or by staying close to the Piazza San Marco.

20 Great Things to do in Venice 13/20 – Eat seafood you've never seen before

The lagoon city has a long and glorious culinary tradition based on fresh seafood. A writhing, glistening variety of sea creatures swims from the stalls of the Rialto and Chioggia markets into local kitchens. Going with the flow of la cucina veneta requires a certain spirit of open minded experimentation. Not everybody has eaten granseola (spider crab) before, or garusoli (sea snails) or canoce (mantis shrimps), but Venice is definitely the place to try these marine curios.

20 Great Things to do in Venice 12/20 – Tour of Venice

A Venice tour has been a sought-after experience since the golden age of travel, when people set off on Grand Tours of the European continent. Its lasting allure is a testament to just how unique and unforgettable Venice is - as you look for a Venice tour to suit you, make sure it includes these elements:In addition to providing a deeper experience of the most famous sights, allows you to relax and enjoy your surroundings without the stress of needing to arrange all the varied elements of your trip. And in a city as labyrinthine as Venice, it can help to have a little added guidance so that exploring on your own is truly a pleasant experience. * Art. Venice is a work of art in its own right, but the visual delights ensconced within the city's many museums should not be missed. You'll find plenty of classical treasures, as in the collection at the palazzo Ca'Rezzonico, but the Venetian art scene is as welcoming to modernity as it is to classicism - as evidenced by the Venice Biennale festival. A Venice Tour allows you to see works that run the gamut of styles and periods in the famous Peggy Guggenheim collection.

* Architecture. The fading grandeur of Venice's canal houses makes for an intriguing atmosphere everywhere you go in the city, but there are also some standout structures that shouldn't be missed. Perhaps foremost among them is the Basilica di San Marco, which is beautiful outside and nothing short of breathtaking inside. San Marco's glittering Byzantine mosaics bring Venice's history to life in stunning visuals. Also on the docket should be the legendary Bridge of Sighs and the marble halls of the Scuola Grand di San Rocco, decorated by one of Venice's most famous residents, Tintoretto.

* Wine. Italy and wine production are inextricably linked - and for good reason. On your Venice tour, you have a unique opportunity to taste the lighter side (in color, not taste) of Italy's wines. Tauck's Culturious experience takes you to visit makers of pinot grigio, Prosecco and grappa in the Veneto region, giving you insight into the cultivation, production and enjoyment of these white-grape-based beverages.

* Food. The food culture of Italy is incredibly varied and often fiercely regional. A well-planned Venice tour takes you to exceptional trattorias and cafes where the splendors of Venetian cuisine - particularly its seafood - are yours for the tasting. And don't miss the opportunity to stroll through the city's fresh food markets to see the quality and diversity of ingredients used in local dishes.

One of the Tour I recommend is here

Bigoli in Salsa

For this dish, the pasta is all important. Originally made with duck eggs and buckwheat flour (these days, wholewheat flour and chicken eggs), Why is the pasta so important? Every pasta in Italy is shaped to serve a purpose, and in this case the pasta has a spaghetti-like length and shape, but with a coarse rather than smooth exterior. The texture of this pasta allows more sauce to ‘stick’ to the pasta, so the pasta is generally used when you have a pasta sauce with a gravy-like consistency. The following recipe come from Vini da Gigio ....but this is another story....

Ingredients (serves 2) 250g Bigoli pasta 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 8 anchovy fillets or Sarde 1 medium red onion, chopped finely 1 good bunch of Italian parsley, chopped finely Salt and pepper

Directions 1. Bring a large pot of water to the boil for the pasta. Add a tablespoon of good salt. 2. In a large sauté pan over low-medium heat, add the olive oil, the anchovies and the onion. 3. Stir the mix, helping to break down the anchovies. This should take around 10 minutes. 4. When you have a thick gravy, the sauce is ready, so put your pasta on. 5. When the pasta is al dente, drain it and add it to the sauce. Mix through most of the parsley and serve. Add a little parsley on top to make it pretty. Season and add more olive oil if you wish and enjoy with a medium to full bodied white wine.

20 Great Things to do in Venice 9/20 – Tour the Lagoon

If you're spending more than a few days in Venice, take time to visit the islands of the Venetian Lagoon. Explore the famous islands of  - Murano, Burano and Torcello - on a half-day or full day excursion. You'll see  glass-blowing display on Murano, shop for lace on Burano, be lost in the wonderful colours of Burano and visit Venice's first church on the tranquil island of Torcello. This tour is a great introduction to the magical islands of the Venetian lagoon

You'll reach the islands on water buses operated by ACTV, the Venice public-transportation company best place will be from Fte Nove. Allow a full day for the entire excursion, or half a day if you skip one of them.

ACTV's lagoon water buses can be crowded during peak season, on weekends, or if local groups of senior citizens or schoolchildren are travelling between the islands. If crowds bother you, or if you're unwilling to stand on a moving boat when seats aren't available, consider one of these alternatives:

• Take an escorted tour of Murano, Burano, and Torcello. This half-day tour is more expensive than a tour by public transportation, but it's worth considering if your schedule is tighter than your budget. The trip is offered by Viator, our sightseeing-tour partner.
• Hire a water taxi by the half-day or day, which could easily cost several hundred euros. If you want the services of a private guide, try a customized lagoon itinerary from WalksInsideVenice or the Venice Tourist Guides Association and let the guide arrange transportation.

Tips:

• Organized tours don't give you much time on the islands, so we'd recommend traveling independently unless you're in a hurry or have limited mobility.
• Instead of buying individual tickets for the boat trips between the islands, buy a 12-hour to 7-day  tourist card at any Hellovenezia or ACTV ticket booth. (See our Vaporetto Fares article.) Or order the tourist office's Venice Connected pass before you leave home, if you can figure out the byzantine pricing scheme.
•  If you have access to the Internet during your trip, you can check boat schedules at the official ACTV Web site.

Vini Sfusi...Wines by the pump!

Where can I buy wine in Venice? It’s easy. You enter the store advertising Vini Sfusi with your bottles ( not always necessary!), peruse the selection, noting the alcohol and the types of grapes used, and then, if possible, taste what you think you might want to buy. After than you just hand your bottles over and the rest is done by the shopkeeper. Prices in Venice range from 1.20 to 2.50 Euros per liter. Here are a few of the shops which specialize in "vino sfuso", most of which I think are still active:

Nave de Oro: Cannaregio 1370, rio terà San Leonardo (041 719 695) recognizable by a barrel out front, usually with a model ship atop, also a good selection of reasonably priced wines selected by near by producers. They also have the following shops:

• Nave de Oro: Castello 5786B, calle del Mondo Nuovo (041 523 3056);
• Nave de Oro: Dorsoduro 3664, near campo Santa Margherita (041 522 2693)
• Nave de Oro: via Lepanto 24D, Lido (041 276 0055)
• Nave de Oro, Cannaregio 4657, rio Terrà dei SS. Apostoli, near the Giorgione Theatre

Enoteca in Fondamenta Ormesini on the corner of Calle del Forner Very nice place and good choice of wines all very nice. They have most of the time Raboso, Raboso frizzante and Prosecco Frizzante. In season they stock Fragolino

Vini Sfusi S Polo 59 Small shop under the arcades in front of the church of S Giacometto. Smallchoice of Vini Sfusi but great quality!

La Cantina  S Polo 970 (041 523 5042) My Local!!  A short walk from Rialto and Rialto Market in a side alley. Wide choice of Vini sfusi very good quality. They also sell some specialty foods oils, jams, biscuits

Al Canton del Vino: Castello 3156, Salizada San Francesco, Very good choice and lot of wines by the pump!

Enoteca Vino e...vini: Castello 3566 , Salizada del Pignater (041 521 0184, enoteca@vinoevini.it)

Fondamenta di Cannaregio (near the Guglie bridge)

Rio Terà di Cristo and Calle di Cristo (entrance on two opposite sides) also has a wide selection of bottled wines and speciality foods

P.S. the Nave de Oro is not really a "chain" as much as a sort of expansion which started out many years ago as two brothers with two shops, then a third, then one of the first ones got sold, then a cousin got into it, and then one of the brothers moved across town... ... ...

20 Great Things to do in Venice 8/20 – Buy a Carnival Mask

Venetian masks are a centuries-old tradition of Venice, Italy. The masks are typically worn during the Carnevale (Carnival of Venice), but have been used on many other occasions in the past, usually as a device for hiding the wearer's identity and social status. For a list of what to do during Carnival check my previous post The mask would permit the wearer to act more freely in cases where he or she wanted to interact with other members of the society outside the bounds of identity and everyday convention. It was useful for a variety of purposes, some of them illicit or criminal, others just personal, such as romantic encounters.

Venetian masks are characterized by their ornate design, featuring bright colours such as gold or silver and the use of complex decorations in the baroque style. Many designs of Venetian masks stem from Commedia dell'arte. They can be full-face masks (e.g. the bauta) or eye masks (e.g. the Columbina). Other types of masks are Medico della Peste, (The Plague Doctor), Moretta and Volto

One of my favorite shops for Masks is Ca del Sol in Fondamenta Osmarin near Ponte dei Greci..

Another very nice shop is "La bottega dei Mascareri", of brothers Sergio and Massimo Boldrin, located at the foot of the Rialto bridge in Venice since 1984, offers authentic masks worked in a centuries-old craft.

if you have any recommended shop please do add it in the comments or send us an email and we will add it.....

20 Great Things to do in Venice 6/20 - Art

Tour the Venetian masters of art

Venice is a unique and precious repository of art. From the late Middle Ages until the mid 18th century, artists of the highest caliber left thier mark all over the city and works by Venice's grand masters Titian (c1488-1576), Tintoretto (c1518-94), Canaletto (1697-1768) and Tiepolo (1727-1804) can still be viewed in situ today. See Titian’s glorious 'Assumption' above the high altar at I Frari, Tintoretto's epic masterpiece 'Crucifixion' at Scuola Grande di San Rocco, and Tiepolo's monumental frescos at the Pietà and Ca’ Rezzonico.

For a one-stop-shop of Venice’s foremost artistic treasures, head for the Gallerie dell’Accademia.

Bacari, Ombre e Cicchetti - Venice Osterie

If there is a tradition I got accustomed very quickly since relocating in Venice is the custom of the  "ombra" (a glass of wine)....and you cannot possibly have an ombra without some cicchetti...that are small snacks or side dishes. Please do not call them "tapas"! I usually end my Venice Photo Walks with my clients in one...or two of them ;-)

Few photos form Bacari around Venice are here

The bacari, open just for lunch and dinner, are the local down to earth version of wine bars which serve 'ciccheti, a kind of snack  traditionally washed down with a glass of wine, and Venetians stop to snack and socialize before and after meals.

May be would be a nice idea to write in the comments a list of YOUR  favourite Bacaro!

I am working on a list of Restaurants in Venice and in the Lagoon....and is here

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Cantina Azienda Agricola or Da Roberto in Rio Tera San Leonardo in Cannaregio. Very good wines and Excellent cicheti all using top products

My review Wine 9/10 Food 9/10 Prices ££ Friendliness 9/10 Value for Money Excellent

Al Volto Calle Cavalli 4081 San Marco Venezia Having  moved not even “a ponte e una calle” from them, decided to test this Bacaro Choice is really good as is the quality. The Risotto was out of this world!

My review Wine 9/10 Food 9/10 Prices ££+ Friendliness 8/10 Value for Money Excellent

Do Spade Just behind Rialto Market Sestiere San Polo 860, 30125 Venice, Italy Another bàcaro dating back to the 15th century, Do Spade offers a great selection of traditional Venetian cicchetti in a cozy if not somewhat dark atmosphere. It is a busy little place and it is full of locals. It’s on a little calle between the Rialto Bridge and Calle dei Bottieri

My review Wine 9/10 Food 9/10 Prices £ Friendliness 7/10 Value for Money  Very Good

Ca’ d’Oro/Alla Vedova. Calle del Pistor, Cannaregio 3912. One of the most famous bàcari in Venice, this one’s both away from the city’s crowds and on the cheap (€1) end of things, ideal if you’re on a budget. Don’t miss the polpette, meatballs made of pork.

My review Wine 8/10 Food 9/10 Prices £ Friendliness 6/10 Value for Money Brilliant

Osteria Al Portego. Calle della Malvasia, Venice, Italy The place is tuck away in a quiet area near S Lio and the Ponte delle Paste. It is owned by a group of young guys. Cicchetti are nice and really fresh, wine is good and staff is very courteous. My only remark is that the prices are on the expensive side if you seat at a table, May just be me...I am used to  drink on the other side of Rialto!

My review Wine 8/10 Food 810 Prices ££ Friendliness 8/10 Value for Money Ok (I suppose)

Do Mori. Sestiere San Polo 429, Calle dei Do Mori. Myth has it that Casanova frequented this bàcaro, also near the Rialto Bridge. Even if he didn’t, it’s still thought to be the oldest in Venice, dating back to 1462. Ask for the “francobollo” (postage stamp)—a tiny sandwich with various fillings, it’s the house specialty.

My review Wine 7/10 Food 7/10 Prices £+ (Polpette are quite expensive) Friendliness 7/10 Value for Money  Good

Cantinone–già Schiavi. Ponte San Trovaso, Dorsoduro 992. This family-run bàcaro, located across from a gondola workshop, boasts raw fish, meats, more than 30 wines available by the glass, and much more. Crowded with Venetians in the evening!

Al Ponte. Calle Larga Giacinto Gallina. One of the cheapest bàcari—and, therefore, places to eat—in all of Venice, Al Ponte has pasta and fish plates and a welcoming atmosphere.

Banco Giro. Campo San Giacometto, San Polo 122. A Grand Canal view, a variety of cheeses, fish, and wine, and a lively atmosphere. What’s not to like?

All’Arco. Calle Arco, San Polo 436. Another one of Venice’s most-loved spots, All’Arco, near the Ponte Rialto, is packed at lunchtime with shoppers from the local fish market. Everything from calamari to liver to shrimp is on offer, and if it’s available, don’t miss the hot sandwich of boiled beef sausage and mustard.

My review Wine 9/10 Food 9/10 Prices £ Friendliness 9/10 Value for Money Excellent

Osteria La Ciurma Calle Galeazza, Venice,  this is a nice little wine bar on a quiet alleyway a short distance from the Rialto Mercato vaporetto stop. Wines are very drinkable and mostly 2 Euros per glass; some less, some a little more. Food offerings are tasty morsals from 1.30 Euros. A great place for a drink among neighborhood people.

My review Wine 9/10 Food 9/10 Prices £+ Friendliness 9/10 Value for Money Very Good

Osteria Ai Osti Sestiere Cannaregio, 3849 Strada Nuova, Venice, A really welcoming ( I think family run) tiny restaurant with no frills but full of real Venetian character. Great traditional food and a good chance to meet the locals

My review Wine 7/10 Food 7/10 Prices £+ Friendliness 7/10 Value for Money Very Good

Diavolo e Acquasanta San Polo 561b, Venice, Italy, Located a few steps away from the more famous restaurant "alla Madonna", this tiny Osteria is geared toward locals rather than tourists. Do not expect upscale atmosphere, or welcoming nice english-speaking waiters. But if you go beyond the unpretentious appearance and the rough manners, you'll find some genuine home-style food, priced below the Venetian average.

My review Wine 8/10 Food 8/10 Prices £+ Friendliness 8/10 Value for Money Very Good

Al Vecio Penasa (not even worth my proper review!)

If they think you are a tourist...they will try to hit you nicely. Been twice and will never get there again. I am Italian but from a different area so the accent is different... both times they charged me the wrong amount. First time was 2 Euros out of 5 E!!!  Today they asked me if I wanted a Tramezzino and Wine at the table and I said NO  still they tried to charge me the price of table service. NOT nice at all  Tramezzini can be nice but do not want to be taken for a ride!

38th Venice Vogalonga

The Vogalonga is an act of love for Venice and its waters, for its lagoon and its islands, for rowing and its boats. The Vogalonga retains over time its original purpose: to disseminate knowledge, awareness and respect for the essence and culture of our city. The Vogalonga is a celebration for the entire ‘people of the oar,’ and today, just as in the beginning, it is a peaceful testimony against the wave-motion, so dangerous for the city and the lagoon.

More images can be found here