Prepare to be enthralled by the never-ending delights of Venice – Gothic and Baroque churches, extravagant palazzi, romantic canals, and galleries stuffed with artistic masterpieces. With so much going on in this water city, it will be hard to know where to begin.
The world-class Piazza San Marco
For most visitors the first port of call is Piazza San Marco, described by Napoleon as “the finest drawing room in Europe”. It’s the perfect introduction to the city and a good place to find your bearings before ducking into the labyrinth of narrow, winding alleyways, canals and bridges.
Take in the Basilica of San Marco – a stunning architectural feat covered in intricate mosaics, imposing domes and beautifully crafted walkways.
The Doge’s Palace, Venice’s most famous building, and St. Mark's Campanile, the bell tower, are also incredible attractions that you can marvel at while in St Mark’s Square.
Art in abundance
Everywhere you turn in Venice you’ll find treasured works of art. The Madonna dell’Orto church on the edge of town is filled with the art of the young Tintoretto, whose tomb lies within.
The Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari, a huge Franciscan Gothic church, holds some of Venice’s most treasured art works, including Titian’s Assumption.
For a masterclass in Renaissance art, head to the Gallerie dell’Accademia. Lotto, Titian, Tintoretto and Veronese will be vying for your attention as you make your way around this stunning building.
A short stroll from the Gallerie dell’Accademia is where you’ll find the Peggy Guggenheim Collection. Housed in a palazzo on the Canal Grande, you’ll be treated to an unrivalled collection of surrealist and abstract art from the likes of Picasso, Dali and Hans.
Regional riches
Travel further afield from the city of Venice in your rentall car to take in all the Veneto region has to offer. Vicenza is around an hour’s drive away from Venice and is packed full of sights and activities to enjoy.
As one of Italy’s richest architectural cities, it boasts many of Palladio’s finest palazzi, including his masterpiece, La Rotonda, standing proudly in the surrounding countryside.
To the north, Treviso is a medieval, fortified and moated city with a slower pace of life. With its own network of canals, Treviso is the perfect place to get a true sense of the area away from the tourist crowds.
If you’re keen to venture a little further afield, jump in your hire car and travel around two hours to Lake Garda. With water sports, vast parks and an ever changing landscape, this idyllic setting is the perfect place to spend time with family.
Car rental in Venice is a great way to see all that this magnificent region of Italy has to offer.
