Imagine floating away a lazy arvo on winding canals, sifting through street-side art stalls and filling up on coffee so rich you have to eat it with a spoon. Of course, you’ll want a crooning gondolier and some fancy pastries to go with that, and copious amounts of polenta and white wine spritzes. Actually, all you’ve gotta do is go on a Venice holiday and let the “Bride of the Sea” woo you. If you want to get in on that, scoop up some equally delicious Venice holiday deals and let’s go!
Book one of our Venice packages and stack your itinerary with gondola rides on the Grand Canal. They will take you through the city, past centuries of colourful architecture and waterfront cafes. If a float-by isn’t enough for your water-loving heart, listen up: After a warm spring or summer rain, tourists and locals alike can be found splashing through the flooded streets to St Mark’s Square and Basilica in Piazza San Marco, so pack your wellies. While you’re tromping through the neighbourhood, clean up for a tour of Doge’s Palace, where you can browse the art galleries, search for hidden treasure and haunt the palace prison cells. Now, that sounds like the stuff Venice holidays are all about! To dunk yourself in the local fine arts scene once and for all, take in a Vivaldi concert at the historic La Fenice Opera House or let Venice school you at the Scuola Grande di San Rocco in San Polo, a painting institute and museum—and church—that features some of the artist Tintoretto’s works.
If the famous art pieces scattered through Venice make you want buy some to take home, hit up some of the contemporary artisans selling their wares along the waterfront at St Marks. To get your hands on an authentic Venetian mask, check out the shops in the Dorsoduro district. While you can find glittering Murano glass in every boutique and market, take a water bus out to Murano Island to see where the magic happens.
Much like anywhere else in Italy, if you’re hungry in Venice, you’re doing it wrong. Grab fresh fruit and street eats at waterfront markets, or sit down for fine dining and wine that flows like Venetian waterways, but tastier. Try the cuttlefish with inky pasta and stuff your face with tramezzini sandwiches, bursting with any filling you might be craving.
The nightlife in Venice is as easy-going as the currents in the Grand Canal, and classy to boot. Don’t expect loads of dance clubs, unless you want to form one while listening to live music outside your dinner café. Locals spend the evening with delicious food, thoughtful conversation and a trip to the opera or a jazz club. Glam up and follow suit.
If you’re ready to float through a dreamy holiday, mix and match Venice holiday packages or book full-blown Italy holidays with lastminute.com.au. You’ll find ridiculously affordable airfares and accommodation, so you can splurge on handmade souvenirs. If you decide not to share, hide behind a new mask. We won’t judge.
Ready to get under the covers (and perhaps get acquainted with the mini bar) at your Venice hotel? Too easy. There are more than 729 places to crash listed on lastminute.com.au.
If you're keen to find a cosy room without all the extra frills, the Ca' Lucatello TownHouse, situated at San Marco 3488, is your safest bet. Another place that offers its guests superb service at an affordable price is the Ca Maria Adele, which can be found at Dorsoduro 111. Alternatively, let the experienced staff at The Gritti Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Venice or the Bauer Il Palazzo take care of you. After all, what are holidays for if not splashing cash?
While you're visiting Venice, you'll definitely want to check out Rialto Bridge. Want to stay within a short distance so you can absorb this world‐renowned attraction at your leisure? The Baglioni Hotel Luna is approximately 0.5 kilometres away and the PalazzinaG is 0.7 kilometres away.
Reviewed on 6 Aug. 2018
^Savings based on all package bookings made with Flight + Hotel on lastminute.com.au from January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019, as compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings will vary based on origin/destination, length of trip, stay dates and selected travel supplier(s). Savings not available on all packages.
