La Serenissima, the Queen of the Adriatic, an Italian wonderland maze of islands, bridges and canals, pigeons and brides, champagne and string music, a place for the eternal romantic to glide down a heavenly canal.
Stay at - Hotel Cipriani & Palazzo Vendramin, Giudecca Island
Go shopping - take the private launch to Piazza San Marco (St. Mark's Square) and start walking
Eat at - Fortuny Restaurant at the Cipriani
Osteria Enoteca San Marco
Harry's Bar
Take side trips to - Murano
Be sure to visit - Piazza San Marco
Doge's Palace (Palazzo Ducale di Venezia)
Bridge of Sighs
St. Mark's Basilica (Basilica di San Marco a Venezia)
Best time of year to go - late summer
Best things to buy - Murano glass, masks, leather, lamps and lampshades, paper products, lace
Best indulgence - private gondola ride, sitting in Piazza San Marco watching brides, floating in the saltwater pool at the Cipriani
Fly into - Venice Marco Polo (VCE)
Transportation - Rail, bus and taxi all connect the airport to the city. When in the city, walk or take water transport. Hire a car and driver for excursions into the countryside. The Hotel Cipriani has a private launch which will take you to San Marco in four minutes.
