Holidays in Venice - Italy

"When I went to Venice, I discovered that my dream had become-incredibly but quite simply- my address.’’ - Marcel Proust

Marcel Proust wasn’t the first and hopefully he won’t be the last great artist to fall for Venice’s extraordinary beauty. Few holiday destinations on Earth can lay claim to being as inspirational, as romantic or as downright enchanting as the once aptly named ‘La Serenissima’. Even today Venice looks like a Canaletto painting that has been brought miraculously to life.

Of course there are holiday cruise ships queuing to get as close as they can to the city, the vaporetto have long since broken the monopoly of the jet black gondolas but essentially, Venice, thanks in no small part to the absence of the motor car, is largely unspoiled by the trappings of modernity.

View all our holidays to Venice

Touring Holidays in Venice

This is wonderful news for the holiday maker as it means there is very little to disrupt the serious business of soaking up the atmosphere and the ravishingly beautiful scenery. As you float down the Grand Canal you can witness some of the finest examples of renaissance architecture that, 500 years ago, proclaimed that Venice was a major world power in her own right.

It wasn’t until the Turks started heading west and the Portuguese navigators began to pioneer long haul destinations that Venice’s power started to wane. Napoleon’s contribution was perhaps the final nail in the coffin, dispensing with the Venetian Republic in 1797, though there were periods of independence right up until Italy’s long-delayed unification.

Even the turbulent 20th century didn’t manage to ruin this extraordinary place. Sea levels may be rising but Venice carries on much as she always has. Harry’s bar is still making fabulous Bellinis (and, in all probability based on the price of a cocktail, fabulous profits too) and the sights, from the Ponte di Rialto to St Mark’s Square, are still breathtaking.

Venice Sightseeing

Should you tire of renaissance treasures then the Collezione Peggy Guggenheim has paintings and works of art by Picasso, Giacometti and Ernst, though traditionalists might prefer the typically Venetian scenes on display at the Galleria dell’Accademia. Away from the busy ‘must see’ holiday sites, Venice is a city of narrow canals and small squares that often contain wonderful Gothic churches – perfect places to reflect on all you’ve seen.

Tranquil Holidays in Venice

If you’ve time then a visit to the outlying islands is well worth the effort. And, this being Venice, you get to go there by boat too! Torcello is tranquillity itself and noted for the magnificent Byzantine Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta. If you’re looking for souvenirs then Murano has been producing exquisite glass for centuries while Burano is equally famous for its lace.

Despite their long and glorious independence the Venetians have a typically Italian attitude to food: they love it! Almost wherever you go you’ll eat well, though it’s worth remembering that value for money increases markedly once you leave the centre of the city and especially the Piazza San Marco behind. There are many good value set menus though you might just find the a la carte options just too tempting.

These days as you contemplate marvels like St Mark’s Basilica or the Doge’s Palace you might also ponder the irony that although the sea, and Venice’s ability to exploit her location made all this possible, it is the sea that now threatens Venice’s very existence. Flooding is very much part of everyday life in Venice (especially in the winter) but they are becoming so frequent and, occasionally, so severe that the Italian government has been urged to act decisively in order to preserve the city for future generations. The observant holiday maker to Venice will see that many marble steps leading down to the canals, once all above water, are now submerged except at low tide.

Short Breaks in Venice

Too lose Venice would be unthinkable. For most people it is hard enough just to leave the place knowing it might be years before they return again. Indeed Thomas Mann’s masterpiece Death in Venice was inspired after seeing the composer Gustav Mahler break down in tears on the train departing Venice. You won’t have to spend long on a Venice holiday to know exactly how Mahler felt.

Venetian Riviera Holidays

Venice is a great holiday base to explore the Venetian Riviera which is a popular holiday destination with mile after mile of golden, sandy beaches lined with hotels. The beautiful Venetian Riviera town of Lido di Jesolo lies on the Gulf of Venice in the Adriatic Sea.

Other places to visit include Murano, Burano, Torcello, San Marino, Lake Garda, Florence, Verona, Austria, Cortina, Cortina, and the Dolomites.

Archers Direct Holidays in Venice

For a world of holidays that won’t cost you the earth, you’ve come to the right place. From escorted coach tours and train tours to resort-based beach holidays to cruises and short breaks. From Europe to the USA & Canada to Australia, we have getaways to suit everyone – all featuring the amazing value that only direct booking can offer.

View all our holidays to Venice