With 160 canals, Venice is the city of gondolas and boats. It lies in a lagoon comprises a total of 116 islands. All of the buildings, bridges and squares are built on wooden stilts. The most famous canal is 'Canale Grande', on which you can explore the old town in a gondola. You could of course take a stroll through the city centre and have a look at the elegant shops or enjoy a well-deserved break at one of the typical Italian cafés. The special attraction in the lagoon city are the one hundred churches, the museums and art collections, as well as the Rialto bridge, which dates from the 16th century. Venice hosts the international festival for contemporary art, music and film, the 'Biennale'. The city was designated a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in 1987 . Other sights include: St. Mark's Square and St. Mark's Basilica, the Doge's Palace and the 'Bridge of Sighs'.

Tips for excursions

The Doge's palace and St. Mark's Square

A boat trip through the harbour to St Mark's Square. Through the streets to the Doge's Palace, with subsequent tour of the Palace with its golden staircase, grand council chamber and paintings by Tintoretto and Veronese. Back over the Bridge of Sighs to St Mark's Square, the bell tower, the basilica, and the clock tower from the 15th century. Free time to view St Mark's Cathedral, from where participants will have to pay their own return costs. Alternative: direct, free return trip by motorboat.

A walking tour of Venice

Motorboat trip to the Riva degli Schiavoni. On to the church of San Giorgio di Greci from the year 1541 and to the square of Santa Maria Formosa. The tour continues to the Campo San Giovanni e Paolo, with a church from the year 1430 and the main hospital Scuola di San Marco. The tour ends with a visit to the Campo della Bragora with one of the oldest churches in Venice. Direct return trip by motorboat or free time with return at your own expense.

Murano glass and Burano lace

A picturesque motorboat trip over the Lagoon of Venice to the islands of Murano and Burano. In Murano a visit to a glass-blowing factory typical of the island. In Burano, a guided tour of the island which is known for lace, fishing and boat building. Free time for strolling around and shopping.