Venice, the romantic dream of a city in northern Italy is a conglomerate of several islands in the lagoon, and has been witness to groundbreaking changes in art, politics, religion, and culture. What was once a city-state republic, and the seat of trade and new ideas, and home to patrons of the arts, is now a modern urban sprawl with many visible remnants of its past.
Though its political makeup has changed over the centuries, its architecture and rich history due to its previous inhabitants continues to make it a place where most desire to go to step into its luxurious ambience.
San Marco Square
St Mark’s
The Square and the Basilica it's named after are the most iconic parts of Venice, and what every visitor longs to see with their own eyes. The interior of the building holds gold mosaics, showcasing different styles of art throughout the ages, starting with Byzantine which then became Medieval, and turning into a glorious spot of the Renaissance and its creations.
Wine Tasting
Visitors to this incredible city should make room in their schedule to include one of the many culinary tour options available, to try some of the great food and wine of the region. Have the experience of the aristocracy that once lived in Venice by taking some time to try the different wines available.
Discover Venetian secrets on a gondola tour
Church of San Giorgio Maggiore
Across the lagoon from the famous St Mark’s Square sits this marble masterpiece of a church. This building, which houses the works of artistic masters such as Tintoretto (including his rendition of The Last Supper), is an architectural feat designed and built by Palladio.
Legends and folktales
Among the many local legends of the city, there are tales of lovers who left messages for each other or who met at a particular spot away from the crowds. One of these spots is the arch inside the Sotoportego dei Preti alleyway with a heart etched in stone. Another is the famous Bridge of Sighs which Lord Byron dubbed under this name to tell the tale of prisoners’ last view of the outside world before incarceration in the prison within the Doge’s Palace.
Colorful buildings line Venice's canals
Doge's Palace
The palace which was once the residence of the Duke or Grand Magistrate of Venice, this sprawl includes the former seat of government, the prison where Casanova himself was held, and chambers full of frescoes and gilded decorations. Visitors are likely to be mesmerized by all there is to see in this great edifice.
Peggy Guggenheim Collection
As Venice is the place where art lovers come each year for the Biennal contemporary art exhibit, it's no wonder that it also has an incredible modern art museum. Art collector Peggy Guggeheim’s private collection, found among the walls of an 18th century palazzo, includes the world of Cubists, Surrealists, and Abstract Expressionists who changed the art world and brought it to modernity.
Venice
Venetian Arsenal
This collection of shipyards and armories showcasing the former republic’s naval prowess takes visitors all the way back to the Medieval era. History buffs will be enthralled to walk along the history of technology and progress which led this military protection of Venice into the early modern period.
Caffè Florian
Anyone wanting to get a unique moment, should visit this coffee house located in St Mark’s Square, which was first opened in the 18th century and is the oldest to continue to be in operation in the country. Have an espresso and enjoy the view of of the Cathedral and those who visit this wondrous city.
Discover distinctive Venetian architecture
The Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari
This Gothic edifice is Venice’s largest sacred temple, which holds incredible treasures within. Monuments to many important citizens of the city are found inside this church. Those who admire the work of the great master Titian will appreciate several of his works, including two large altarpieces.
The Canal
Every visitor should take a ride through the Venice canal to see the city and its architecture in all of its splendor. Whether in a romantic gondola ride or by boat, this is one experience that should not be missed.
The holiday of a lifetime. The company is Alaksa-owned and thhat makes a big difference to the experineces you get i.e. meet genuine First Nations tribes people. The amount of wildlife was beyond my expectation, and seeing everything on sucha small, intimate boat made it even more spoecial and unique.
Liz O
2 days ago
Adventure Life covered all the details in planning our trip to Ireland. Any questions we had were answered immediately. Any trip glitches, which always happen when traveling, were resolved immediately. There were no worries, just fun!
Kathleen Weller
2 days ago
It was an outstanding, up-close, educational vacation of nature, culture, history, animals and geology! It was everything they promised! Binoculars were plentiful on the boat, but I'm glad I brought my own. Food was excellent. Rooms had black-out shades. Pack/wear multiple layers of clothing (I carried a small backpack when off the ship). Crew were delightful and very accommodating! Remember to jump FEET FIRST first when taking the optional polar plunge! Spend as much time outdoors as you are able and ENJOY!!!
Janet Dutton
1 week ago
Excellent travel advice and service
This is my second experience working with Adventure Life. I’m sold. Jess Heuermann is an experienced traveler and provides a lot of useful information when planning a trip. These are the questions I like to ask at the outset - What’s it like to go here, there, what would you suggest, what do people report, can we add any additional side trips? Jess took the time to answer my questions and seek additional information to share with me. Petchie Colina is outstanding in helping with travel logistics and final preparations. Adventure Life has excellent guides and offers private guides and small group adventures. We enjoyed the opportunity to talk with the guides and drivers to learn more about their countries, cultures and histories. A highlight was having the guides pick local restaurants where we could share meals together. Highly recommend.
Claire Cordon
1 week ago
Our six-day tour in Iceland went smoothly with one exception. We had asked for two rooms each night. Somehow we were booked with one room with three beds. It could not be fixed at the first hotel in Reykjavik because the hotel was fully booked. Once informed of the problem, however, Adventure Life rebooked for two rooms for the remainder of the trip. As an 85-year-old traveler, I appreciated that one could participate at different physical levels at many of the stops. Iceland is a great place to visit but on the expensive side.