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Venice Tours, Vacation Packages & Travel Experiences

  • The famous Grand Canal from Rialto Bridge is a must photograph spot while on your Italy vacation.
  • A couple enjoying Venice
  • Golden venetian carnival mask
  • Gondolier near Rialto Bridge on the Grand Canal
  • Gondolas with San Giorgio di Maggiore church in the background
  • Grand canal and basilica Santa Maria della Salute

Venice is one of Italy's most beautiful and romantic cities with many attractions. Its small, traffic-free streets mingled with the winding canals make for great walking. You will find many magnificent churches and palaces, lively squares, and interesting shops all to be enjoyed on an Italy vacation. 

Venice and the Grand Canal

Venice actually consists of 118 small islands connected by more than 400 bridges over its 150 canals. The Grand Canal is like a main street cutting through the centre of the city. The city in its entirety is listed as a World Heritage Site, along with its Lagoon. 

Venice is divided into 6 regions plus Venice Lido. Some of the most important sites on an Italy vacation package include the following but these are just a smattering of wonderful places to visit. Piazza San Marco, known in English as St Mark's Square, is the principal public square of Venice. The Piazza is dominated at its eastern end by the great church of St Mark. The Cathedral Basilica of Saint Mark is the most famous of the city's churches and one of the best known examples of Italian-Byzantine architecture. It lies adjacent and connected to the Doge's Palace. It is noted for its opulent design, gold ground mosaics and its status as a symbol of Venetian wealth and power. St Mark's Campanile is the bell tower of St Mark's Basilica in Venice and is one of the most recognizable symbols of the city. The ornate but beautiful Doge's Palace is a palace built in the Venetian Gothic style and one of the main landmarks of the city. The palace was the residence of the Doge of Venice, the supreme authority of the Republic of Venice and is now a museum. 

In another part of Venice is the district of Santa Croce which can be divided into two areas: the eastern area being largely mediaeval and the western, including the main port, mostly lying on land reclaimed in the 10th century. The attractions here are the churches, the Patrician Palace and the Museum of the History of Fabric and Costume. 

The Rialto Bridge is one of the four bridges spanning the Grand Canal in Venice. It is the oldest bridge across the canal and was the dividing line for the districts of San Marco and San Polo. The Bridge of Sighs is an enclosed bridge made of white limestone and has windows with stone bars. It passes over the Rio di Palazzo and connects the New Prison to the interrogation rooms in the Doge's Palace. The view from the Bridge of Sighs was the last view of Venice that convicts saw before their imprisonment. 

A common sight in Venice on a trip to Italy is its water transportation system. This can be via the vaporetto (water taxis or the more romantic gondola.  The gondola is a traditional, flat-bottomed Venetian rowing boat well suited to the conditions of the Venetian canals. For centuries gondolas were the chief means of transportation and most common watercraft within Venice. In modern times the iconic boats still have a role as public transportation within the city.

Venice Lido is an 11 kilometre/7 mile long sandbar in Venice and home to about 20,000 residents. The Venice Film Festival takes place at the Lido every September. At least half the Adriatic side of the island is a sandy beach, much of it belonging to the various hotels that house summer visitors. This includes the renowned Des Bains, setting for Thomas Mann's classic novel Death in Venice. 

Visit Murano and Burano from Venice

On Italy vacations, not far from Venice are three interesting locations. Murano is a series of islands linked by bridges to the Venetian Lagoon.  It lies about 1.5 kilometres/1 mile north of Venice It is famous for its glass making, particularly lampworking. Burano is an island in the Venetian Lagoon. It is situated at the northern end of the Lagoon and is known for its lacework and brightly coloured homes. Torcello is a quiet and sparsely populated island at the northern end of the Venetian Lagoon. It is the oldest continuously populated region of Venice. Its main attraction is the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, founded in 639 with 11th and 12th century Byzantine work including mosaics.

 

Italy Vacation Information

At Goway we believe that a well-informed traveller is a safer traveller. With this in mind, we have compiled an easy to navigate travel information section dedicated to Italy vacations. 

Learn about the history and culture of Italy, the must-try food and drink, and what to pack in your suitcase. Read about Italy's nature and wildlife, weather and geography, along with 'Country Quickfacts' compiled by our travel experts. Our globetrotting tips, as well as our visa and health information will help ensure you're properly prepared for a safe and enjoyable trip. The only way you could possibly learn more is by embarking on your journey and discovering Italy for yourself. Start exploring...book your Italy vacation today!

 

Extend your Stay

Consider an additional stopover to your Italy vacation at one of Goway's other European destinations. You can choose from  a Paris vacation, a London vacation or an Amsterdam vacation. This can be done stopping over en route to or from Italy.

 

 

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Venice, Italy

  • Italian Indulgence: Rome to Venice

    Explore and discover the beauty and charms of Northern Italy - Umbria, Tuscany and Piedmont. Visit medieval cities, hilltowns, enjoy wine tasting, stay at an Idyllic villa and learn to make the perfect pasta. As a grand finale, spend time in Venice, city of canals.
    Duration:
    14 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 4,341
    Trip Type:
    Bucket List Travel Ideas, Escorted Coach Touring, Small Group Touring
    Italy See Trip Details

  • Classic Italian Highlights: Rome to Florence to Venice

    Discover the beauty and charm of three of Italy's iconic cities - Rome, Florence and Venice. Visit historic Rome with it's ancient ruins and Vatican City, enjoy wine tasting and the magnificent art and architecture of Florence. As a grand finale, spend time in Venice, city of canals.
    Duration:
    8 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 2,339
    Trip Type:
    Bucket List Travel Ideas, Classics (Bestsellers), Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Italy See Trip Details

  • Classic Art Cities of Italy: Venice, Florence, Rome

    Explore the Italian classics with this tour through the nation's three most popular cities. On this vacation through Venice, Florence, and Rome, you'll gaze upon artistic masterpieces, explore the wonders of Ancient Rome and the Middle Ages, and feast on delicious Italian cuisine.
    Duration:
    10 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 2,972
    Trip Type:
    Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Italy See Trip Details

  • Classic Exploring Italy: Venice, Florence & Sorrento to Rome

    This Italy tour takes you to the country’s most romantic cities. Cruise the canals in Venice, step back into the Renaissance in Florence, and marvel at Rome’s ancient splendour, all in between magnificent meals and charming local discoveries.
    Duration:
    14 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 4,233
    Trip Type:
    Classics (Bestsellers), Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Italy See Trip Details

  • Classic Northern Italy: Milan, Venice, Florence

    Enjoy special moments starting in Milan, where you will discover Leonardo's masterpiece and visit the dramatic scenery of Lake Como. In Venice, explore this charming maze, take a traditional gondola and see the famous balcony in Verona. In Florence, try traditional gelato, see Michaelangelo's ‘David’ and explore the Chianti region in a unique way – by vespa!
    Duration:
    10 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 3,595
    Trip Type:
    Classics (Bestsellers), Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Italy See Trip Details

  • Classic Italy & Cruise the Greek Islands

    Explore historical treasures and windswept islands on this journey across Italy and Greece. Starting in Italy, you’ll explore the masterworks of Rome, Florence, and Venice before cruising the Greek islands and visiting the medieval walled city of Dubrovnik.
    Duration:
    15 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 4,979
    Trip Type:
    Cruises & Sailing
    Greece See Trip Details

  • Classic Italy & Dalmatian Coast

    Explore three of the great cities of Italy before cruising the Adriatic to Croatia and Greece. This European vacation takes you through Rome, Florence, and Venice to see iconic Italian sites before cruising the waters of the Adriatic Sea to showcase historical treasures from Dubrovnik to Athens.
    Duration:
    15 Days
    Prices:
    On request
    Trip Type:
    Bucket List Travel Ideas, Cruises & Sailing
    Italy See Trip Details

  • Europe Express for 18 to 39: London to London

    Experience a wonderful cross section of countries and cites including vibrant Paris, a Swiss mountain resort, Venice and its canals, Munich with its colourful architecture, the romantic Rhine River, cosmopolitan Amsterdam and beautiful Bruges. This balanced itinerary shows the interesting contrasts of this exceptional continent.
    Duration:
    11 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 1,590
    Trip Type:
    Ideas for 18 to 30 Somethings, Multi Country Vacation Ideas
    England See Trip Details

  • Highlights of Venice

    Discover Venetian culture, enjoy unique experiences, and stay in first-class accommodations on this trip to Venice. This program includes a guided walking tour to landmarks off the beaten track, a visit to three local wine bars, cicchetti (tapas) tastings, and a lesson in the art of Venetian rowing from a local gondolier.
    Duration:
    4 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 1,123
    Trip Type:
    Stopovers/City Breaks, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Italy See Trip Details

  • Italy for Families: Rome to Venice

    Explore Italy’s most famous cities on a family-friendly vacation that brings the country to life. As you explore Rome, Florence, and Venice, you’ll take advantage of Hop-On Hop-Off bus tickets, skip-the-line access to the Colosseum, St. Mark’s Basilica, and Doge’s Palace, and an interactive cooking class that’s fun for the whole family.
    Duration:
    8 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 2,609
    Trip Type:
    Family Vacations, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Italy See Trip Details

  • London to Venice Signature with Belmond Simplon Orient Express

    Escape to London and Venice for a luxury stay in some of the world’s most famous cities, connecting between the two cities aboard the Belmond Venice Simplon Orient Express. Stay in deluxe hotels and enjoy private walking tours that’ll showcase historical landmarks like Buckingham Palace and St. Mark’s Square.
    Duration:
    7 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 6,670
    Trip Type:
    Luxury and Beyond, Rail Travel Ideas, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    England See Trip Details

  • Venice for Families

    Head on a family-friendly journey through Venice to discover its main highlights. Your whole family will get engaged as you head on a scavenger hunt through St. Mark’s Basilica, explore Doge’s Palace, and enjoy a boat cruise to three famous islands of the Venetian Lagoon.
    Duration:
    4 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 1,296
    Trip Type:
    Family Vacations, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Italy See Trip Details

  • Venice Simplon Orient Express: Venice to London

    Indulge yourself and enjoy the excitement of a 2 day luxury train journey on the historic Orient Express with a brief stop in Paris en route. Gourmet meals, outstanding on board service and comfortable sleeping accommodation all add up to an experience extraordinaire!
    Duration:
    2 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 3,296
    Trip Type:
    Luxury and Beyond, Rail Travel Ideas, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Italy See Trip Details

  • Venice: Stay of Distinction: Luna Hotel Baglioni

    Combine an extraordinary stay at a magnificent former Venetian palace with private sightseeing including a walking tour of Venice, a gondola ride, a private boat tour to Murano and Burano plus a full day to the beautiful city of Verona and the surrounding countryside.
    Duration:
    5 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 3,662
    Trip Type:
    Stays of Distinction, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Italy See Trip Details

  • Vistas of Italy and Switzerland: Venice to Zurich

    From historic Venice to the soul-stirring alpine villages of Switzerland, join a memory-making adventure that takes in time honoured traditions, local culture and even some remarkable rail journeys - all among some of the world's most enchanting scenery.
    Duration:
    10 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 4,590
    Trip Type:
    Small Group Touring
    Italy See Trip Details
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