One of the world’s most beloved destinations, Venice captures the imagination like no other city. Its romantic bridges, serene canals, historic buildings and unique ambience make a Venice vacation an unforgettable experience.
Made up of 117 small islands in the Venetian Lagoon connected by hundreds of bridges, Venice is Europe’s largest car-free area, a distinction that adds to its charm. A vacation in Venice wouldn’t be complete without getting lost at least once wandering by foot through its narrow alleyways. Luckily, signs point the way to such major landmarks as the Rialto Bridge—Venice’s largest and most recognized bridge—and the Piazza San Marco, or St. Mark’s Square. Landmarks that shouldn’t be missed during a Venice vacation package include St. Mark’s Basilica, the ornate cathedral built to house the remains of St. Mark; the Doge’s Palace; the Campanile, or bell tower, from which visitors can see stunning views of Venice and the Adriatic; and the enclosed Bridge of Sighs. While a romantic gondola ride is a pricey splurge, visitors can cruise the canals in a more economical way by boarding one of the vaporetti, or public water buses.
U.S. citizens traveling to Italy require a valid passport. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days. While many travel to Venice after flying into Rome or Milan, Venice’s Marco Polo International Airport offers water taxi service directly to Piazza San Marco, and has the added benefit of fabulous views when arriving and departing. For obvious reasons, a rental car is unnecessary in Venice. The average daily temperature in Venice during July and August is about 80, but the high humidity can make it feel warmer. Spring and autumn are usually the most pleasant months to visit, and winter can bring many wet days that lead to flooding. For more information on a vacation to Venice, log on to www.turismovenezia.it, the website of the Tourist Board of Venice.