One of the most enchanting cities in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site, Venice rises from a lagoon on more than a hundred tiny islands linked by the iconic network of canals. A romantic gondola ride provides the perfect introduction to the city, gliding underneath the Ponte di Rialto – the oldest and most famous of Venice’s hundreds of bridges – and past the ornate palaces lining the Grand Canal. The power and wealth of the Venetian empire are on display at Piazza San Marco, the city’s most splendid square, where stands the grand St. Mark’s Basilica and the Gothic-style Doge’s Palace. Priceless art collections vie for attention, including the Italian masters in the Gallerie dell’Accademia and the modern works of the Peggy Guggenheim Collection. Some of the world’s most talented glassblowers showcase their wares on the island of Murano, while the colorful shops of Burano are home to artisan lace makers.
