Beyond the canals: Unique Venetian cultural experiences
Sat within a shallow lagoon between the mouths of Po and Piave rivers, Venice comprises 118 islands formed by some 170 canals connected by over 400 bridges. The entire city is considered a World Heritage Site – Venice cultural experiences navigate an extraordinary architectural masterpiece in which even the smallest building may contain works by some of Europe’s greatest artists.
As a city state independent from the mainland, liberal Venice accrued great wealth through maritime trade, becoming the heart of a Mediterranean empire and a centre for European art and culture from the Middle Ages through to the Renaissance. It has produced some of Europe’s most celebrated minds, including Casanova, Marco Polo, Palladio, Titian, Canaletto, Giovanni Bellini and Vivaldi, which hint at Venice’s unique and far reaching influence.
Hailed as one of the most romantic cities on Earth, floating down the city’s waterways on a traditional gondola is one of the most romantic things to do in Venice. In fact, visitors have been sculling down Venice’s canals and getting lost amongst its winding alleyways since the time of the 18th-century Grand Tour. Iconic attractions on the main Rialto islands are evocative by name alone – Piazza San Marco, the Rialto Bridge, Doge’s Palace, Saint Mark’s Basilica and the Grand Canal – a unique collection of brooding Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque architecture.
It’s also famed for its culinary mastery, and its picturesque alleys hide an exciting collection of fine dining restaurants and local delicacies such as fresh lagoon seafood and cicchetti – traditional Venetian antipasti served with a spritz. Venice is also famous for the annual Carnevale di Venezia, which falls in February or March and sees revellers don intricate masks and costumes.
Away from the main islands, you’ll find a rich variety of traditional Venetian culture. From Burano’s pastel coloured houses, Mazzorbo’s secluded vineyards, Murano’s artisanal glassware and Lido’s famously exclusive beach, a carefully crafted Venice private tour can help you really experience the city.
If you’re looking for something truly special, why not hop on the beautiful art deco Belmond Venice Simplon-Orient-Express and travel in style across the Alps, from London to Venice.
Highlights
Explore the world-famous Venice canals from a gondola, one of the most iconic experiences in Venice
Learn about the city’s rich Renaissance history and significant contributions to art, culture and science on a private guided tour
Sip a glass of wine accompanied by traditional cicchetti overlooking the picturesque canals
Delve into Venetian culture and artisans on a visit to Burano, Maazorbo and Murano islands
Venice is arguably one of Europe’s most romantic destinations, famed for its picturesque canals, splendid architecture, cultural and artistic history and fine dining. A private tour of Venice can help you really immerse yourself in all the fascinating aspects of this multi-faceted wonder.

Meg Simpson
Travel Designer
Luxury accommodation in Venice
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When to visit
Each season in Italy offers its own unique delights. For optimal weather for exploration, we recommend travelling during the spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October), when the climate is pleasant but not too hot, and there are fewer visitors. The peak summer months of June–August can see temperatures soar above 30°C (86°F).
The timing of Venice carnival changes each year depending on the date of Easter, but always falls in February or March.

Summer
June–August

Winter
December–February
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