Venice

Founded around the 8th century AD and built on more than 118 little islands, Venice's mascot is the lion of Saint Mark.

Venice is surrounded by one of the most ecologically rich bodies of water in the Mediterranean - the Laguna Véneta, or Venetian Lagoon.

This beautiful and mysterious city of winding canals, palazzos and churches hosts one of the world's great carnivals in February. It is also a shoppers' paradise renowned for its glassblowing, lace and designer stores.

Honeymoons in Venice are de rigeur and culture vultures flock here in their thousands.

Events calendar

International Theatre Festival

20 Feb - 8 Mar 2009 (various dates), Piccolo Teatro Arsenale

Venice's International Theatre Festival, directed by Maurizio Scaparro, is preceded by the International Theatre Laboratory with both events presenting the theme "The Mediterranean". Performances take place at the Piccolo Teatro Arsenale, among other venues. more »

Venice International Boat Show

14 - 22 Mar 2009 (annual), Stazione Marittima

Hundreds of boats and exhibitors, exciting sporting displays, meetings and conventions welcome visitors to the Venice International Boat Show at the Stazione Marittima, which aims to restore the city to its historic role as the symbol of maritime commerce. more »

Venice Carnival

13 - 24 Feb 2009 (annual), Venice

With a two-week series of processions, masquerades, traditional ceremonies, music and all-round festivities among the canals, squares and palaces of this ancient city, the Venice Carnival is the highlight of the city's year. more »

See more events »

	Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
	The world's most celebrated train carries passengers across Europe in the style of a bygone era. more »

	Hotel Cipriani
	The Cipriani is one of the world's most exclusive hotels overlooking the basin of St Mark's. more »

	Venetian Interlude
	Experience the perfect three-night romantic escape in Italy's most discerning hotel. more »

	Cip's Club
	This elegant, yet informal restaurant enjoys a splendid view of St Mark's Square and the beautiful lagoon. more »

	The Cipriani Cooking School
	Hotel Cipriani's fine cuisine, a long-lasting and successful tradition at the hotel. more »

Orient Express Luxury TravelOcip Map Venice

Language: Italian

Currency: Euro

Climate: Winter is quiet and a good time to see a relatively-tourist-free Venice. Icy temperatures and mists should be expected. Summer can be extremely hot.

Culture: The blend of Byzantine, Gothic architecture offers splendid palaces (palazzi) and churches, as well as Renaissance art in the form of frescoes, paintings and mosaics. Works by Leonardo da Vinci, Bellini and Titian adorn many of Venice's walls.

Places to visit: St Mark's Basilica, Gallerie dell'Accademia, the Doge's Palace, Grand Canal, Ponte di Rialto, Ca' d'Oro.

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