Europe Explored » venice https://europeexplored.com Travel through the most beautiful places in Europe Sun, 08 Sep 2013 13:36:19 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=3.6 Top European Destinations Recommended By Fellow Travellers https://europeexplored.com/2013/08/22/top-european-destinations-recommended-by-fellow-travellers/ https://europeexplored.com/2013/08/22/top-european-destinations-recommended-by-fellow-travellers/#comments Thu, 22 Aug 2013 13:34:26 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=15515 The thing about hype is that perspective can often be lost about the subject in question. When it comes to the best holiday spots across Europe and those places which are great for sightseeing and exploring, the usual suspects are always at the top of the list.   However, when the leading destinations are those […]

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The thing about hype is that perspective can often be lost about the subject in question. When it comes to the best holiday spots across Europe and those places which are great for sightseeing and exploring, the usual suspects are always at the top of the list.   However, when the leading destinations are those chosen by travellers who have experienced a particular location and all it has to offer, this can give others peace of mind that the trip to a certain city or place has been recommended by genuine people.

This is what is great about Trip Advisor’s Travellers’ Choice Destination Awards, which honour those destinations voted by millions of tourists across the world. So when it comes to planning a school trip or weekend away as a couple, you can check out the winners of the places which lie fairly closer to home.

Eiffel tower, Paris, France
Eiffel tower, Paris, France by Derek Key

The leading travel site has already published its results for 2013, with some surprises as well as the popular destinations featuring at the higher end of the European list.   If you have decided to travel somewhere in Europe this year to get a closer look at its history, culture and learn something from the expedition, it would be worth taking a look at the top 25 destinations in Europe – with the winner no shock to most people.

Paris was not only the leading destination in Europe, but it also pipped New York to the highest global accolade too. London had many reasons to be pleased with itself, taking the second spot in the European honours. A spokesperson for the site, Angus Struthers, explained: “These awards honour the world’s best destinations as decided by those judges that really matter – travellers themselves.

Now that the Jubilympics are over it’s vital that UK tourism continues to flourish so it’s great news that London is rated so highly among the world’s and Europe’s best destinations.”   It was good to know that the English capital had so much to offer tourists to these shores, with events like the Diamond Jubilee and the Olympic Games doing no harm in raising the country’s profile last year.

The top 10 for Europe also included the likes of Barcelona, Berlin and Prague, with Italian cities featuring quite heavily (Rome, Venice and Florence).

Old town square, Prague, The Czech Republic
Old town square, Prague, The Czech Republic by Claire for Europe Explored

There is so much to learn about the nations around the UK, while a trip to one of these breath-taking cities is certainly affordable. Whether you choose to travel on your own, as a couple or as part of a larger group, you can decide on any of these places and not be disappointed.

See what makes France’s capital such an appealing destination for global travellers and enjoy the ideal Paris experience. Stroll along the Seine and take in famous attractions like the Arc de Triomphe and the Eiffel Tower, not forgetting to savour the fine exhibitions at the Louvre and explore the rich history of the place.

Alternatively, pick somewhere else on the list and find out why each country has its own distinctive charm and appeal to tourists. Use this guide as a starting point and explore Europe even further whatever your age or interests.

Christian Hewlett is a travel advisor who recommends packages for individuals and groups travelling throughout Europe and the rest of the world. For school trips he’d suggest you try speaking with the team at Encounters Europe.

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Family Travel Attractions In Three Of Italy’s Top Destinations https://europeexplored.com/2013/08/19/family-travel-attractions-in-three-of-italys-top-destinations/ https://europeexplored.com/2013/08/19/family-travel-attractions-in-three-of-italys-top-destinations/#comments Mon, 19 Aug 2013 19:42:30 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=15461 Not long after we were married, my husband and I spent a romantic week in Venice.  It was so enchanting that I promised myself we would come back one day.  Little did I know that we’d be returning with two kids in tow.   We visited two cities and one island and found that it wasn’t […]

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Not long after we were married, my husband and I spent a romantic week in Venice.  It was so enchanting that I promised myself we would come back one day.  Little did I know that we’d be returning with two kids in tow.   We visited two cities and one island and found that it wasn’t difficult to find friendly and enjoyable places to take our little ones.  Here are our favorites:

Rome

No vacation with children is complete without a trip to the zoo.  The Bioparco is one of the finest zoos I’ve ever visited.  There is a stunning array of animals including amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals.  My children were especially fond of the capybaras and the pygmy hippopotamus.  However, the Bioparco is more than just a zoo.  It’s also a botanical garden featuring many exotic plants from around the world.  There’s a sweet little train that runs throughout the zoo and gives tours.  It was a fun way to give our feet a break.

Lion in Bioparco, Rome, Lazio, Italy
Lion in Bioparco, Rome, Lazio, Italy by Bruno

The Sistine Chapel may seem like an unusual place to take your children, but at four and seven, my children were both in awe of the impressive architecture and the stunning artwork.  As a former art nerd, I couldn’t help but tear up as I viewed Michelangelo’s frescos and Raphael’s tapestries.  No matter what your age, this beautiful chapel is well worth a visit.

It’s almost a requirement to visit ancient ruins when in Rome.  While the Colosseum might seem like the obvious choice, I recommend the Pantheon.   Built in 27 BC by Marcus Agrippa, the Pantheon was a temple for all the gods of ancient Rome.  When you enter the building, the first thing your eyes are drawn to is the massive cupola.  Despite its age, the Pantheon’s dome is still the world’s largest unreinforced concrete dome.  The oculus opens into the sky allowing natural light (and sometime rain) to enter the building.  It is truly breathtaking.

Pantheon, Rome, Italy
Pantheon, Rome, Italy by Claire for Europe Explored

Venice

The Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale) is an absolute must see in Venice.  I recommend taking a guided tour so you can get a detailed history of this magnificent palace.  My husband and I enjoyed the art and architecture while our children were most excited by the Bridge of Sighs and the prisons.

Take a relaxing ride in a gondola on the Grand Canal. It’s the best way to see the gorgeous architecture of Venice.  My son was so soothed by the water that he fell asleep in my arms!

The Lido di Venezia is a fabulous place to let your kids be kids.  They can play in the sand and surf while you and your partner enjoy a private beach hut.  Be sure to get some delicious gelato while you’re there!

Gondolas on Grand Canal, Venice, Italy
Gondolas on Grand Canal, Venice, Italy by Claire for Europe Explored

Sicily

Ancient ruins aren’t just a Roman specialty.  The Temple of Concordia is amazingly preserved and the grounds are positively lovely.  Surrounded by olive and almond trees, there’s a real sense of serenity surrounding the ruins.  Local legend is that newlyweds who visit the temple on their wedding day will have a peaceful marriage.

The Museo Archeologico Regionale Eoliano was so entertaining that we spent four hours exploring its fascinating exhibits.   With artifacts spanning 5000 years, there is so much to see that it might seem overwhelming,  Take your time and look over all the exhibits, be sure to visit the church and climb the steps to see the dazzling view from the cliffs.

If you’re traveling in Sicily during the summer, a great way to beat the heat and see something endlessly captivating is to visit the Catacombs of St. John.  My daughter was so enthralled that it was all she would talk about for weeks afterward.  The tour is incredibly informative and the guide speaks English extremely well.  Although there are no bodies, photography is still prohibited.

Temple of Concordia, Sicily, Italy
Temple of Concordia, Agrigento, Sicily, Italy by Berthold Werner

If you’re planning on taking your family to Italy, be sure to visit some of these amazing destinations.  You’ll create memories that will last a lifetime.

As a freelance writer for Holiday Place, Susan Crown spends an inordinate amount of time chasing her children through crowded airports.  When she’s not writing, she enjoys reading, sailing and eating her body weight in gummy worms.

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City Break Versus Beach Break: Combine the Two! https://europeexplored.com/2013/05/01/city-break-versus-beach-break-combine-the-two/ https://europeexplored.com/2013/05/01/city-break-versus-beach-break-combine-the-two/#comments Wed, 01 May 2013 11:49:31 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=14725 Sometimes choosing a holiday to please everyone can prove a mean feat; the kids scream for beach fun, your partner yearns for culture and romance, and your friends crave non-stop partying in a metropolitan concrete jungle. So, how can you keep everyone happy? By choosing a holiday that rolls all of that into one, plus […]

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Sometimes choosing a holiday to please everyone can prove a mean feat; the kids scream for beach fun, your partner yearns for culture and romance, and your friends crave non-stop partying in a metropolitan concrete jungle. So, how can you keep everyone happy? By choosing a holiday that rolls all of that into one, plus a whole lot more!

Check out our top picks for combining city breaks with beach holidays.

Barcelona | Spain

A popular choice for combining a metropolitan city feel with Catalonian sunshine, Barcelona offers everything from golden sands and great food to city living and culture. Every summer, millions of sun-worshippers flock to Barcelona’s beaches to soak up some Mediterranean sun with Platja de la Nova Icaria proving the most popular, probably due to its accompanying beach bars. For a calmer experience, sink your toes into the sands at the Port Olimpic Marina or if you’re into bathing au naturel, try the nudist beach at Platja de la Mar Bella.

For a break from the sands soak up some culture; visit the La Sagrada church, an intricately detailed building that is still being built 100 years after it was started. Head to bustling Las Ramblas for thriving streets, packed full of street artists and tarot readers, as well as La Boqueria food market. If you want to break free from the tourist areas, hire a car and head to Carrer de la Riera Baixa and explore quirky vintage shops and great bars.

Barceloneta beach, Barcelona, Spain
Barceloneta beach, Barcelona, Spain by Jose Manuel Mota

Dubrovnik | Croatia

Dubrovnik is rapidly becoming as popular as Barcelona and it’s not hard to see why; urban tradition and seaside charm seem to go down pretty well with holidaymakers.
Protected by medieval walls the city’s white sandy beaches, marbled streets and impressive churches offer culture in abundance. If you’ve got bags of energy slip into a kayak (see https://www.adriatickayaktours.com) and take a tour of the city walls, or enjoy unrivalled views whilst the Adriatic laps at your feet on the beach.

Dubrovnik, Croatia
Dubrovnik, Croatia by hozinja

Nice | France

If you fancy a holiday that resembles a postcard then the French city of Nice won’t disappoint. There are plenty of pebble beaches drenched in Mediterranean sun, as well as 15 private beaches complete with changing rooms and loungers along with bars and restaurants. When you’ve perfected your tan get lost amongst Nice’s winding streets and stumble across Roman ruins in the old town. Art buffs will be impressed by the works of Monet, Warhol and more in the city’s art museums and music lovers will adore getting in the groove as the sun goes down on this French delight.

Nice, France
Nice, France by dalbera

Venice | Italy

When most people think of Venice they picture winding alleys and canals filled with gondolas, but guess what? Venice has beaches too! In fact, more than half of the Adriatic side of Venice is made up of fine, sandy beaches, and the best part? These beaches are such a well-kept secret that whilst couples enjoy romantic gondola rides you can be enjoy the beach in privacy!

Be quick! Experts predict that this floating city will have sunk below sea level in just 70 years.

Venice, Italy
Venice, Italy by Michela Simoncini

So, whether you are a beach bum or a city slicker, it doesn’t matter. These European beauties combine it all and now all you need to do is pick one!

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What Type of Italian Holiday Would You Like https://europeexplored.com/2012/07/26/what-type-of-italian-holiday-would-you-like/ https://europeexplored.com/2012/07/26/what-type-of-italian-holiday-would-you-like/#comments Thu, 26 Jul 2012 21:42:41 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=9387 Lots of us now go on holiday to Italy every year, and it is no wonder with so many different attractions there. In fact, it is one of the world’s top tourist attractions for a number of different reasons and any one of the following reasons to go there could be of interest to you. […]

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Lots of us now go on holiday to Italy every year, and it is no wonder with so many different attractions there. In fact, it is one of the world’s top tourist attractions for a number of different reasons and any one of the following reasons to go there could be of interest to you.

Colosseum, Rome, Italy
Colosseum, Rome, Italy / Photo by admin

A Bit of Romance

If you want a bit of romance you know where to go, don’t you? Actually, the whole country is extremely good for romantic breaks but the word Venice springs instantly into the minds of most couples who want to enjoy an unforgettable break. Even if you have read a thousand stories about the place and seen hundreds of pictures of it you will still be bowled over by the setting and the atmosphere.

A Lot of Art

Art is all around you when you go to Italy and nowhere more so than in Florence. This famously beautiful city holds some of the most exciting art treasures known to man. If walking from one museum to another and looking from one stunning piece of art to another is your idea of heaven this is a fantastic choice of destination. As it is in Tuscany you can expect great food and lots of friendly hospitality.

A Whole of Sight Seeing

The only problem with Rome is that there is just so much to do there. This is fine if you have plenty of time to wander around and see the famous sights but in shorter breaks the overwhelming number of things to do can be just too much to take in. The Coliseum, the Roman Forum, the Vatican and the Pantheon are just some of the amazing tourist attractions which have fascinated visitors here for centuries. If you want to feel as though you are steeped in history while on holiday then you can’t do much better than go to Rome, as long as you have the time to enjoy it all.

A Huge Amount of Freedom

Going on a camping holiday has always been a popular choice with those people who want to enjoy a lot of freedom while they are away. This type of break is especially recommended for families and those who want to enjoy their family holidays on a relatively tight budget. Camping in Italy is increasingly common now as there are lots of top campsites across the country. A quick look at a travel site like Eurocamp or Keycamp ones will give you a good idea of what to expect once you get across there.

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Venice on a budget | Italy https://europeexplored.com/2012/04/21/venice-on-a-budget-italy/ https://europeexplored.com/2012/04/21/venice-on-a-budget-italy/#comments Sat, 21 Apr 2012 10:03:12 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=7037 Venice – this beautiful city, famous for it’s network of canals and gothic architecture is unfortunately also famous for being one of the more expensive cities in Europe to visit. It’s easier than you think however to plan a break on a budget, especially with cheap flights to the nearby town of Treviso. Photo by […]

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Venice – this beautiful city, famous for it’s network of canals and gothic architecture is unfortunately also famous for being one of the more expensive cities in Europe to visit. It’s easier than you think however to plan a break on a budget, especially with cheap flights to the nearby town of Treviso.

Venice in the evening, Italy
Photo by admin

Accommodation

Staying on the outskirts of Venice is generally much cheaper than staying in on the Grand Canal, however the city is small enough to walk around on foot so you won’t be far from the centre of the action. Some of the best budget accommodation can be found in guest houses where the owners pride themselves on providing cheap and clean rooms for as little as £18 a night. Alternatively you can stay in the mainland area of Mestre for a fraction of the cost of a Venice hotel but you may wish to consider transport costs in and out of the city.

Eating Out

Head to the markets for a bit of lunch if you are eating on a budget. There are a number of outdoor markets near Rialto that packed with fresh fruit and veg, delicious breads and pastries and seafood.

If you are eating out in the evening avoid the main tourist squares such as the Piazza San Marco. Here you may be charged by the restaurant just for sitting down, and you can be sure that they will also charge you heavily for the little bowl of bread left on the table. Instead look for the restaurants on the edge of the city, especially if there are locals dining. Try the Trattoria Alle Due Gondolette in the Sestiere Cannaregio for some outstanding local cuisine and seafood for around €12. Portions are big and there is no cover charge either.

Don’t forget that some of the finest pizza and calzone to be found can be purchased from the numerous street stalls around the city. Grab yourself a slice, sit down by the canal and watch the world go by. Even better when followed by some of Venice’s famous gelato!

Venezia, Italy
Photo by admin

Travel

By far the best and cheapest way to travel round Venice are the network of public transport boats known as Vaporetti. You can buy passes for the Vaporetti that are valid for from 12 hours to up to a week depending on how long you are staying. A 12 hour ticket is €16. Just remember to validate your ticket using the machine each time you get on and off the boat or you may be fined by the inspectors. The Vaporetti routes can take you all over the city, down the Grand Canal and even over to the island of Murano where you can watch glass-blowers creating some stunning works of art.

Seeing the Sights

The most wondrous sight in Venice is the Carnival which is celebrated all over the city during the month of February. There are events throughout the city and many of them are free – there’s no need to book one of the over-priced tours that are offered by so many agents. The official Venice website has a downloadable brochure of what’s going on during this special time from masked parades to music.

If you are thinking of visiting some of the famous tourist attractions, how about the Basilica di San Marco which is free? Many of the churches such as the Santa Maria della Salute are also open to visitors and host some amazing artwork and architecture.

And finally…

Even if you’re a hopeless romantic, BlueTrips.co.uk recommends you avoid the gondolas like the plague. You can eat and drink for a couple of days on the cost.. Instead pop a little Vivaldi on your iPod when you’re cruising around on the Vaporetti and I promise you won’t miss out! If you enjoy taking a break near the water, why not have a look at Dongo on the shores of Lake Como, still in Italy?


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Top 5 Tourist Destinations in Italy https://europeexplored.com/2012/04/15/top-5-tourist-destinations-in-italy/ https://europeexplored.com/2012/04/15/top-5-tourist-destinations-in-italy/#comments Sun, 15 Apr 2012 14:17:08 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=6851 Italy has more World Heritage Sites than any other country in the world. Visitors find historic artwork scattered throughout the country. The world famous cities of Florence, Rome and Venice attracted tourists for centuries and remain popular destinations today. Besides having historic architecture and fine art, Italy boasts picturesque coastlines, majestic mountains and lakes. Photo […]

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Italy has more World Heritage Sites than any other country in the world. Visitors find historic artwork scattered throughout the country. The world famous cities of Florence, Rome and Venice attracted tourists for centuries and remain popular destinations today. Besides having historic architecture and fine art, Italy boasts picturesque coastlines, majestic mountains and lakes.

Florence, Italy
Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Chris Yunker

Florence

This medieval Italian city features beautiful flower gardens, ancient buildings constructed with various colors of marble, and many of Michelangelo’s masterpieces. See the Boboli Gardens at the Pitti Palace and the Rose Garden near Michelangelo Square. One of the Renaissance artist’s most recognized pieces includes the Statue of David, which stands 17 feet (5.2 meters) tall and is on display at the Accademia Galleria. Visitors also find the tombs of Michelangelo and famed scientist Galileo in Florence. The amazing artwork throughout city also features works created by medieval artists Ammannati and Cellini.

Rome

This ancient Italian city features a number of iconic landmarks that include the Coliseum, the Forum and the Pantheon. Vatican City also attracts millions of visitors who admire the fountains, statues and dome of St. Peter’s Cathedral. See original masterpieces created by Leonardo da Vinci and Raphael in the Vatican museum. The building is also the site of the famous Sistine Chapel.

Venice, Italy
Photo by admin

Venice

The dozens of interconnected waterways and romantic gondola rides are but some of the attractions of this popular tourist destination. The city also features Byzantine to Neoclassic architecture, which spans from the 13th to the 18th century. One of the popular buildings that guests visit is the Doge’s Palace. Filled with carvings and amazing wall-sized frescoes, the palace once imprisoned famous con artist Casanova. The Bridge of Sighs is another well-known structure that connects the Doge’s Palace with a more modern prison.

Pisa

This city contains the famous tilting, freestanding bell tower of the Pisa Cathedral. Construction began on the tower in 1173 and sinking initiated only five years later. When construction resumed 100 years later, contractors compensated for the tilt by building floors higher on one side than the other. The tower stands 183 feet (56 meters) tall on the low side and 186 feet (57 meters) tall on the high side. Now stabilized by using lead counterweights and excavated soil displacement, visitors climb the 296 stairs to the top.

Pisa, Italy
Photo by admin

Pompeii

In 79 A.D., Mount Vesuvius violently erupted, covering the nearby ancient Roman city of Pompeii with 13 to 20 feet (4 to 6 meters) of ash. Though all 20,000 residents lost their lives on that fateful day, the ash protected and preserved all of the city’s structures. Since the community’s discovery and excavation in 1749, Pompeii attracts millions of visitors annually. Besides architectural features, buildings display complete mosaic tiles and frescoes depicting mythological figures and legends.

Have you considered a luxury apartment for your next holiday to Italy? Worldwide Accom has a huge selection of Rome apartment rentals available. Each apartment is personally inspected so you can be sure you’ll be staying in quality, safe accommodation.


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Venice – the most important tourist destination at Adriatic Sea | Italy https://europeexplored.com/2012/01/08/venice-the-most-important-tourist-destination-at-adriatic-sea-italy/ https://europeexplored.com/2012/01/08/venice-the-most-important-tourist-destination-at-adriatic-sea-italy/#comments Sun, 08 Jan 2012 22:29:37 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=5917 The world-famous city on the lagoon, the romantic city full of canals and the historic city of museums and monuments – that’s Venice (Venezia)! Venice is absolutely the most important tourist destination from all places located on the northern coast of the Adriatic Sea. With its romantic location and a unique charm attracts thousands of […]

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The world-famous city on the lagoon, the romantic city full of canals and the historic city of museums and monuments – that’s Venice (Venezia)!

Venice is absolutely the most important tourist destination from all places located on the northern coast of the Adriatic Sea. With its romantic location and a unique charm attracts thousands of tourists from around the world every year. Its historical, artistic and cultural heritage makes it the world’s cultural center. There are several museums and galleries of all mankind. During the year it is also home to many large celebrations and festivals.

Canal Grande, Venice, Italy

Venice, the capital of Veneto, have over 360,000 inhabitants, of which, however, only about 100,000 live in historic city of Venice or on the islands in the lagoon. The rest live on the coast of Venice-Mestre (Venezia – Mestre). This part consists of industrial and transportation center, it’s a new part of Venice. Historic centre of Venice is situated on total of 117 islands and islets, which are connected by 409 bridges. There are no roads or cars, but instead of those you can see here 177 canals with romantic boats and gondolas.

History

City, which we now know as Venice, was founded in distress, when residents, at the end of the Roman Empire, scuttled away into uninhabited and empty regions, where they found safe against barbaric tribes. So gradually people settled the islands and in the year 810 they established a town here. Shortly after that, in the year 827, there was founded the bishopric. Venice was first a Byzantine colony, but gradually it made independent and its power and wealth grew up.

In 1204 the Venetians participated in the conquest of Constantinople (Istanbul) and Venice reached the top of its golden age.

The Chiesa di San Moisè, Venice, Italy

When the Turks conquered Constantinople in 1453, began a time of slow decline, which continued by moving the trade routes from the Mediterranean to the Atlantic Ocean. There were also large European countries standing against Venice. In the 18th century, Venice dominated only its surroundings, and in 1797 felt itself under the Habsburg yoke. In the years 1805 – 1815 belonged to Napoleonic satellite state and then again to the Habsburgs until 1866, when finally joined the Italian kingdom, later Republic.

Venice’s Islands and channels

Venice lies, as already mentioned, at 117 islands, connected by over 400 bridges. In addition to channels there are also lanes for pedestrians in the streets, so you can get anywhere in the old Venice on foot.

The city is divided into traditional administrative districts (called Sestiere): Cannaregio, Castello, San Marco, Dorsoduro, San Polo and Santa Croce. The most attractive tourist district is San Marco, where is the Doge’s Palace, St. Mark’s Cathedral, Piazza di San Marco and the Piazzetta with two columns, symbols of Venice.

The most important is Canal Grande over which you can get through 4 bridges or by numerous ferries.

On one side of the Canal Grande is the railway station (Stazione Venezia S. Lucia) and even nearby is a bus station Piazzale Roma. Those are the two entrances to the city. At the other end of the channel is St. Mark’s Square with the great church of St. Mark and the Doge’s Palace.

Orientation is relatively easy because you can use the vaporetto water bus along the Canal Grande or around Venice, or go on foot. There are lots of directional signs to the most important objects (S. Marco, Rialto, Rerrovia). They can navigate you anywhere even without using a map of the city.

Streets of Venice, Italy

Accommodation in Venice

When booking a room, make sure that your hotel lie in the main part of Venice, because then you can easily get everywhere on foot. Mainly cheaper hotels and hostels lie on the surrounding islands or mainland, from which you are then transported by a ferry to Venice centre. An advantage of staying out of the city centre can be, in addition to lower prices, that those hotels mainly have a parking spot available for you when arriving by car. And in addition to the city centre you will see also its surroundings which is interesting and nice as well. I could recommend staying in some of the camping sites located at Punta Sabbioni, where you can get easily by car and transport to Venice’s centre by regular ferry.

Culture and heritage

For careful examination you would need several months, for further explore reserve at least three days, preferably more. However, even within a single day you can see many beautiful and very interesting sights.

St. Mark's Church, Venice, Italy

Architecture and walks

In each local area (Sestiere) you will find dozens of churches, palaces and houses of exhibition that are worth seeing, also all kinds of shops worth exploring. Venice, it is a pure joy of discovering something new.

Venice, however, is not attractive only because of its art and history. Venice’s romance lies also in the sunset over the lagoon. Even if you come just for a single day, be sure to do the walk through small streets, narrow bridges, around the channels. Also experience, when you get lost in the old streets, is one of the finest travel experiences, make sure you do not miss this opportunity. It’s really worth it!

Canal in Venice, Italy


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Canal Grande – the most beautiful street in the world | Italy https://europeexplored.com/2011/08/15/canal-grande-the-most-beautiful-street-in-the-world-italy/ https://europeexplored.com/2011/08/15/canal-grande-the-most-beautiful-street-in-the-world-italy/#comments Mon, 15 Aug 2011 12:01:33 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=4757 A major symbol and the main thoroughfare of the Italian Venice is certainly Canal Grande. The waterway, which is actually the former riverbed of the River Brenta, is almost 4 km long and passes through the ancient heart of the city. It is probably the most beautiful traffic artery in the world. This meandering water […]

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A major symbol and the main thoroughfare of the Italian Venice is certainly Canal Grande. The waterway, which is actually the former riverbed of the River Brenta, is almost 4 km long and passes through the ancient heart of the city. It is probably the most beautiful traffic artery in the world.

This meandering water channel is the deepest of all the channels and divides Venice into two parts. In some places it is up to 80 meters wide and there are just three bridges crossing it: the Ponte degli Scalzi, the Ponte di Rialto and the Ponte dell’Accademia. You can sail through this canal by a historical sailing regattas or water taxi but you may save a lot of money if you use a water bus lines, which are called a “vaporetto”.

During the boat tour through Canal Grande you can admire the beautiful Venetian palaces built in the Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance style. During the Venetian glory, many monumental churches were built among the palaces. If you go from Piazzale Roma or from the train station to San Marco, the first church you will see will be Chiesa degli Scalzi. It was built in 1656 by Baldassare Longhenem. The same architect built the church of Santa Maria della Salute and several prestigious palaces around the Grand Canal.

Just a few steps away you can see the church of San Geremia, with the relics of St. Lucy, martyr of the 4th century. On the opposite bank rises Fondaco dei Turchi, where Turkish buyers centre was situated in the years 1621 – 1838. Now it houses the Venice Museum of Natural History. Neighbouring simple building Deposit del Megi dates from the 15th century and served as the emergency breadbasket, in case there would be famine or siege.

One of the most beautiful palaces in the Canal Grande is the Palazzo Vendramin-Callergi designed by an Italian architect of the early-Renaissance Mauro Codussi. Today it houses a casino. Two additional magnificent palaces standing nearby, Ca’Pesaro, which houses a museum of modern art and Ca’d'Oro, which today serves as a space for a museum of medieval art. At the opposite side you can see the neo-Gothic Pescheria, fish market, which together with the contours of the Ponte di Rialto bridge marks the entrance to the ancient heart of Venice.

After the bridge you can see Palazzo Loredan and Palazzo Farsetti, where is now Venice city hall. In the past, the palace was occupied by Antonio Canova, the sculptor who was the representative of classicism. A little further you enjoy building Palazzo Benzon, which was inhabited by Countess Benzon in the 19th century. E.g. British poet Lord Byron belonged to the most important guests who often stayed here for the night. The poet lived a bit further in the palace of Mocenigo family for two years. He didn’t live here alone, but with a dog, wolf and monkey. Among his frequent guests was the Cogne Margherita, one of his many mistresses, who tried to kill him once he left her.

Further you can see another palace Ca’Rezzonico where is now a public museum dedicated to 18th century Venice. When you pass the bridge Ponte dell’Accademia you will see Palazzo Barbaro from 15th century, which was bought in 1885 by the Curtis family from Boston (USA). Just opposite the palace there is Palazzo Barbarigo distinguished by its mosaics of Murano glass applied in 1886. The palace is owned by the proprietors of one of the glass factories.

Another interesting building on the banks of the Canal Grande is Palazzo Venier dei Leoni that has never been completed. In its immediate vicinity there is Palazzo Dario, considered as one of the most beautiful palaces lining the waterway. However despite its beauty, none of the locals would not want to have it as it is considered to be cursed.

Another great building that is owned by a glass company is Palazzo Salviati with a mosaic facade. Further you can see the Church of Santa Maria del Giglio and Palazzo Gritti which is known as one of the best Venetian hotels. The hotel is located just beside Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute which is one of the most impressive buildings in Venice and a place where history meets the present. This is an unusual scene for organizing summer concerts, literary readings and other activities. Just a few meters further, you will enjoy the look at the Doge’s Palace and Piazza San Marco.

Do you know any other street that is so amazing? Please let us know by commenting below.


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Aqualandia Water Park – the biggest and best aquapark in Italy https://europeexplored.com/2011/07/01/aqualandia-water-park-the-biggest-and-best-aquapark-in-italy/ https://europeexplored.com/2011/07/01/aqualandia-water-park-the-biggest-and-best-aquapark-in-italy/#comments Fri, 01 Jul 2011 14:25:27 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=4598 Aqualandia Water Park is the largest aquapark in Italy and one of the biggest attractions of holidays in Lido di Jesolo (just few steps from Venice). Actually the whole park is a small big world full of fun offering summer mood, extreme sports, water games and entertainment shows. It is perhaps mistakenly called water park, […]

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Aqualandia Water Park is the largest aquapark in Italy and one of the biggest attractions of holidays in Lido di Jesolo (just few steps from Venice). Actually the whole park is a small big world full of fun offering summer mood, extreme sports, water games and entertainment shows.

It is perhaps mistakenly called water park, because in addition to all kinds of aquatic attractions you can find also the animation programs (such as Latin-American dance, diving lessons, water spinning), or even a gym, bungee jump, climbing wall. There are several thematic attractions – FUNNY LAND for kids, Hemingway port, great acrobatic shows at the 30 m long pirate ship.

In short – it makes no sense to describe all of the largest Italian aquapark in this article. If you want to know more about how to spend time here, we recommend to check out the interactive map at the park official website.

Aqualandia Water Park is open daily from May to September from 10:00 to 18:00.

Admission:
Children up to 100 cm – FREE
Children up to 140 cm – €23
Adults – €27
Adults over 60 years – €23

Admission only for the afternoon (2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.)
Children up to 140 cm – €19
Adults – €23

All attractions except bungee jumping are included in the price.


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Aveiro – Venice of Portugal https://europeexplored.com/2010/12/31/aveiro-venice-of-portugal/ https://europeexplored.com/2010/12/31/aveiro-venice-of-portugal/#comments Fri, 31 Dec 2010 12:18:16 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=2216 Aveiro is a city in Portugal, located in the northwestern part of the country, in the region of Centro. Today there live about 55 000 inhabitants. Aveiro attracts visitors due to its unique atmosphere. Aveiro is often called as the Venice of Portugal. Water is the main feature of the city and its surroundings. Typical […]

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Aveiro is a city in Portugal, located in the northwestern part of the country, in the region of Centro. Today there live about 55 000 inhabitants. Aveiro attracts visitors due to its unique atmosphere.

Aveiro is often called as the Venice of Portugal. Water is the main feature of the city and its surroundings. Typical sign of Aveiro is also contrasting colors, white houses are decorated differently, and the blue lagoon is dotted with colorful boats known as moliceiros. Here you can see the snow-white salt mines. Interesting environment is enhanced by the nearby nature reserve of São Jacinto, which consists of several small islands, sand dunes and abundant vegetation. Those who love the sea and beaches, can go to a nearby popular sandy beach Costa Nova. It is also a popular destination for surf lovers.

In Aveiro there is a number of local historical buildings, such as a former Dominican monastery Convento de Jesús from the 15th century, in which the renowned museum is located, or the Cathedral of Sao Domingos from 15th century as well. A popular tourist destination is also Ílhavo maritime museum, located just a few kilometers away and factory, which produces the famous Portuguese Vista Alegre porcelain. You can also visit nearby lighthouse, which is the highest lighthouse in Portugal and even in the entire Iberian Peninsula.


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