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 (Italyscape)
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 (Italyscape)
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 trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
2 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
