DK Eyewitness - DK Eyewitness Top 10 Venice (Pocket Travel Guide)

Clockwise from top: Giudecca, lion statue in Piazza San Marco, Basilica di San Marco mosaic, Grand Canal, Carnival mask, gondolas with San Giorgio Maggiore in the background, Burano

Gliding gondolas. Glorious sunsets over the lagoon. Spritz aperitivos. Black cuttlefish-ink pasta. Renaissance palazzi. Gorgeous Carnival masks. A time warp. And no cars; not one. It doesnt matter how many times youve been, a visit to Venice is as memorable as it is romantic. With DK Eyewitness Top 10 Venice guide, its yours to explore.

Theres nothing like Venice anywhere else in the world. Start in the Piazza San Marco and wonder at the architectural splendour of Basilica di San Marco. Explore the labyrinthine Doges Palace, take a vaporetto ride on the Grand Canal, or travel to the breathtaking islands of Murano and Torcello. Theres also several hundreds of years worth of art to explore in the Accademia Galleries and Peggy Guggenheim Collection.

Away from the famous sights, this unique city is just as enchanting. Simply wander its narrow streets, crossing ancient bridges and pausing in campi (small squares). Relax at the outdoor cafs, taking in the atmosphere while sipping a cappuccino or a traditional spritz, hunt for a costume for the annual Carnival, and shop at amazing craft stores and fashion boutiques.

Whether youre visiting for a weekend or a week, our Top 10 guide brings together the best of everything that Venice has to offer, from the dazzling art collection of the AccademiaGalleries to a gondola ride down the meandering Grand Canal. The guide has useful tips throughout, from seeking out whats free to places off the beaten track, plus ten easy-to-follow itineraries, designed to tie together a clutch of sights in a short space of time. Add inspiring photography and detailed maps, and youve got the essential pocket-sized travel companion. Enjoy the book, and enjoy Venice.

EXPLORING VENICE

Venice is a sightseeing paradise for people of all ages. To make the most of a holiday and see the best the city has to offer, here are some time-efficient ideas for both two- and four-day stays.

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Two Days in Venice

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Day 1

Morning

Start off at the marvellous . The Campanile tower gives a superb view over the city.

Afternoon

A visit to the past many elegant palazzi and under the Accademia and Rialto bridges.

The Grand Canal cuts a meandering path through Venice and offers a delightful perspective from the water.

Day 2

Morning

Begin with Venetian art at the for a bite to eat.

Afternoon

Its a short walk to the Venetian Gothic masterpiece and, from there, on to the lovely Campo San Polo square with its great neighbourhood feel.

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Four Days in Venice

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Day 1

Morning

A good place to start any visit is the magnificent main square, to wonder at the ancient mosaics.

Afternoon

After lunch, take time to explore the , once the powerhouse of the Maritime Republic. Dont miss the Bridge of Sighs and the dank prisons.

The impressive Doges Palace dominates the waterfront leading to Piazza San Marco.

Day 2

Morning

Catch a vaporetto at Piazzale Roma or the railway station for the spectacular trip along the .

Afternoon

After lunch on the sun-blessed .

Day 3

Morning

Make an early start to enjoy the best of , a masterpiece of Venetian Gothic architecture.

Afternoon

for an overview of Venetian painting through the centuries.

Day 4

Morning

Take a leisurely ferry trip over the Northern Lagoon to the island of for lunch.

The island of Burano is well worth a visit for its splendid array of colourful houses.

Afternoon

Pick up a ferry to take you cruising via Treporti and for a trip to the beach. Afterwards, head back to Venice proper.

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Top 10 Venice Highlights

Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute viewed from Ponte dellAccademia

Top 10 Venice Highlights

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BASILICA DI SAN MARCO

The breathtaking Byzantine basilica dominating Piazza San Marco was constructed in such ornate fashion for two reasons: as an embodiment of the Venetian Republics power and as a fitting resting place for St Mark. Serving as the doges chapel, it was the site of coronations, funerals and processions, all gloriously framed by more than 4,000 sq m (43,000 sq ft) of mosaics, eastern treasures and 500 columns, some dating back to the 3rd century.

NEED TO KNOW

Piazza San Marco 041 270 83 11 www.basilicasanmarco.it Guided visits: book on www.alata.it

Basilica: Open mid-AprOct: 9:30am5pm MonSat, 25pm Sun & pub hols; Novmid-Apr: 9:30am5pm MonSat, 24:30pm Sun & pub hols

Pala dOro, treasury and Loggia dei Cavalli: Open mid-AprOct: 9:35am5pm; Novmid-Apr: 9:45am4:45pm MonSat, 24:30pm Sun & pub hols; adm Pala dOro 2; treasury 3