Built on stilts and forming an archipelago of 117 small islands, Venice reposes on a liquid tapestry of calm canals and lazy lagoons 2,5 miles from Venice’s mainland. The city’s luminous quality is glimpsed from gliding gondolas and explored on foot through narrow calli, linked to one another by ornate stone bridges. Painted palazzi, Byzantine basilicas and Baroque domes compete with the dove-flocked piazzas that reach the ultramarine waters.

The wealth of Venice is evident in Piazza San Marco and alludes to when the Vatican republic was a dominant mercantile power, trading silks, spices and gemstones carried overland by Bedouin caravans and shipped to Mediterranean ports. Nowadays, modern craft navigate between six ancient sestieri, bearing carefree stowaways to St Marks Basilica, the Piazzo Ducale and on up the Grand Canal to the Rialto, where palazzi lining unhurried channels display architectural styles spanning five centuries.

Become tempted by Venice’s food market below the Rialto Bridge and after having enjoyed a meal head to the shopaholic joys of the Mercerie, which runs between Piazza San Marco and the Rialto Bridge.

 ITALY TAILOR MADE FOR YOU

Everyone wants something different from their holiday and Citalia’s personal service and flexible approach helps clients get exactly what they desire. Their dedicated and Knowledgeable Advisors are on-hand to give you the very best advice. Using their specialist knowledge of Italy, they will recommend the best transport, timings, routes, properties and even excursions to ensure you get the best use of your time away.