Venice

Luring in lovers, artists, poets and traders for centuries, Venice simply inspires as it transports you into another world. Enjoy the delights that this historic and world-famous city has to offer by taking a walking tour on foot, see the real Venice by getting away from the tourist hot spots, purchase a Vaporetto pass and sail up and down the Grand canal, hop on and off wherever and whenever you want to. Holidays to Venice have an unforgettable appeal. With beautiful historic buildings, traditional gondolas to transport you around the waterways and a romantic ambience to warm every heart, this really is a special place. Couples will love being punted down the waterways while being serenaded by the gondolier before alighting to enjoy a romantic meal for two in one of Venice’s traditional restaurants. But it’s not only couples who are drawn by its charm; the city’s historic buildings and splendid architecture are perfect for those looking to experience history and culture. Food lovers will enjoy exploring the streets and seeking out the most beautiful authentic trattoria serving up delicious delicacies. I have visited Venice four times; every time I discover somewhere new. The most recent visit to Venice we stayed at the Hotel Excelsior on the Lido as I fancied a combination of the city and beach but preferred to stay in a hotel with a pool, which is a rare find in Venice. This hotel offers a regular, complimentary water taxi into Venice City. The Hotel Excelsior is also home to the Venice film festival and resides on a 10km stretch of beach. The beach on the Lido is a local escape from the city for the venetians and it’s where some spend their holidays, alternatively visit the Lido on a day trip from Venice City and enjoy your day at the beach! Venice is made up of 118 small islands two of the most popular island visits are Murano and Burano both of which are accessible by the Vaporetto (the Venice water bus) or private water taxi. The Island of Murano is actually a series of seven islands linked together by bridges in the Venetian Lagoon. Known as the 'glass island' for its famed glass production, it acquired the name in 1291 when all Venetian glass makers were forced to inhabit Murano due to the fire risk to the city’s mostly wooden buildings. Nowadays, this island provides a quieter slice of Venetian life, offering tourists glass shops selling everything from paper weights to chandeliers. For those interested in the craft itself, there's the Museo del Vetro (glass museum) which details the development of glass making over centuries, and many glass factories offer demonstrations showcasing modern day production. As well as a focus on glass, the island also houses a variety of Byzantine architecture to admire, as well as its very own grand canal. Another wonderful island to visit in the same day is Burano the home of beautiful colourful houses and famous for its lacemaking. Every so often it is compulsory for neighbours to paint the facades of their homes, they are not allowed to choose the colour but are notified of the specific shade according to where their residence is located. Burano was home to fishermen and legend says that the houses were painted in bright hues so they could see their way home when fog blanketed the lagoon. ... The houses look like they have been painted a pastel hue in soft light and as the shadows move, they become more vibrant. There are so many lovely restaurants in Burano to enjoy a tasty meal, I recommend “Trattoria al Gatto Nero” a delightful place that was featured on one of Jamie Oliver's programmes. Go for fresh seafood and homemade pasta the food its delicious. VENICE BLOG CONTINUED - NEXT MY TOP TIPS WHEN VISITING VENICE !