Day 1 – Iconic Venice

• Begin at Piazza San Marco. Wander past the soaring spires of St. Mark’s Basilica, marvel at its mosaics, then climb the Campanile for panoramic views over Venetian rooftops and the lagoon.

• Next door is the Doge’s Palace, where you can walk state rooms, cross the Bridge of Sighs, and learn about Venice’s political past.

• Board a vaporetto on the Grand Canal—Venice’s main artery. Ride past grand palazzi, bridges, and water-gates, hopping off at landmarks like Rialto Bridge or Santa Maria della Salute.

• In the afternoon, dive into quieter neighborhoods such as Cannaregio or Dorsoduro. These sestieri (districts) hold narrow canals, historic churches, artisan shops, and authentic cafés far from mass tourism.

• As dusk falls, take a gondola ride—ideally through lesser-known canals—to capture the city’s soft glow and intimate ambiance.

• For nightlife, Campo Santa Margherita is lively with bars, street musicians, and a youthful evening vibe.

Day 2 – Art, Food & Hidden Gems

• Spend a morning at the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, a modern art museum housed in a palazzo on the Grand Canal. The collection features key 20th-century European and American works, and many days include free presentations in the gallery or garden. The museum opens 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, and is closed on Tuesdays. The regular adult admission is about €16, with discounted rates for students.

• After the museum, stroll through the artsy Dorsoduro district or walk toward Accademia Bridge and visit the Gallerie dell’Accademia for Venetian masters.

• For lunch, try cicchetti (Venetian tapas) at local bàcari (wine bars) or enjoy seafood risottos in canal-side osterie.

• In the late afternoon, rent a small boat (or join a guided boat trip) to explore hidden canals—those narrow waterways that fewer tourists see—especially around the Giudecca or Cannaregio Canal.

• Keep an eye on special seasonal events: for example, Venice celebrates Festa del Redentore in mid-July, marked by spectacular fireworks over water and temporary bridges connecting Giudecca to the city.

• As evening deepens, wander the lantern-lit alleys, pause at waterside restaurants, and absorb the reflections dancing on the canals.

Summary & Useful Details

• The Peggy Guggenheim Collection is located between the Accademia Bridge and Santa Maria della Salute, on the Grand Canal.

• The museum’s opening hours are 10:00 am to 6:00 pm daily, with Tuesday closures.

• Adult admission is around €16, with discounts (e.g. to €14) for seniors, students, and various membership holders.

• There are free presentations in the museum (on Peggy’s life or works of art) offered daily for visitors.

• Venice has introduced a day-trip access fee (around €5) for non-overnight visitors on certain peak dates between 8:30 am and 4 pm to reduce overtourism.

• Venice has banned personal recreational boats (kayaks, paddle boards) on major canals like the Grand Canal to reduce congestion; only licensed operators are allowed in many main waterways.

• The Festa del Redentore is held on the third Sunday of July each year; it features fireworks over the lagoon and special processions across temporary floating bridges.

What is the best time to visit Venice?

The best time to visit Venice is during the spring (April to June) and fall (September to October) when the weather is pleasant, and crowds are relatively lesser.

How do I get around Venice’s canals?

The most efficient way to navigate Venice’s canals is by using the Vaporetto, the public water bus, which connects various locations throughout the city.

What are some must-try foods in Venice?

Some must-try foods include cicchetti, squid ink risotto, and tiramisu, which are local favorites reflecting Venetian cuisine.

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Day One: Arrival and Evening Stroll

Arrive in Venice and get ready to be whisked away into a world of romance. First things first—check into a cozy hotel or charming Airbnb. Opt for a place with a view of the Grand Canal, because nothing says romance like waking up to the gentle sound of water lapping against the docks.

Once you’ve unloaded your bags and possibly fought over who gets the bigger bed, set out to explore the narrow, winding streets of Venice. You’ll likely get lost—don’t worry, that’s part of the charm! Getting lost in Venice is like swimming in a sea of art and history, with every alleyway beckoning to be discovered.

A Romantic Dinner

As day drifts into night, it’s time for a dinner that will make your heart flutter. Venice is renowned for its culinary delights, so indulge yourself at a cozy trattoria. Don’t forget to try local specialties like cicchetti, the Venetian version of tapas, and a classic dish of squid ink pasta. If your date fancies seafood, the local fare is fresh from the Adriatic Sea and oh-so-delicious.

For the perfect ambiance, book a table outside where you can dine al fresco while surrounded by serenading gondoliers. Trust us, nothing sets the mood quite like a rising moon reflecting off the canals as you sip on some fine Italian wine.

Day Two: Gondola Rides and Historical Wonders

What’s a trip to Venice without a proper gondola ride? Start your second day by gliding through the canals in a smooth, black gondola. The gondolier might even throw in a song or two, but let’s be honest—focus on your partner, not the opera! Take a moment to soak in the sights of grand palaces and charming bridges as you cruise through the heart of Venice.

Explore St. Mark’s Square

After reeling from the romance of the gondola ride, head to St. Mark’s Square. This bustling piazza is home to the breathtaking St. Mark’s Basilica and the iconic bell tower. Take the time to explore these architectural jewels and snap a few adorable couple selfies. Don’t forget to toss a coin into the Grand Canal for good luck—an everlasting love story awaits!

If you’re feeling extra adventurous, climb to the top of the bell tower for a panoramic view of the city. That’s one way to conquer any fear of heights while also getting a free upgrade on your romantic getaway!

A Late Lunch and Gelato Treat

After a morning filled with love and landmarks, replenish your energy with lunch at a chic café in the square. Enjoy some authentic Italian pizza or a hearty risotto. And remember, no meal is complete without indulging in some gelato afterward. Stop by a local gelateria and try flavors you’ve never heard of, because splurging on dessert is totally justified when you’re in love.

A Special Surprise

As you wrap up your day, surprise your partner with a visit to the Rialto Bridge. This landmark, beautifully lit at night, is an ideal place for a memorable photo op. And for the pièce de résistance, stroll over to a quiet spot away from the bustling tourists and pop the ultimate question: “What do you want for dinner?” Just kidding—if you’ve been planning something special or have a romantic token to give, this is the moment! Nothing says ‘I love you’ like a thoughtful surprise.

Day Three: Art, Culture, and Departure

On your last day, immerse yourselves in Venice’s rich artistic heritage by visiting the Gallerie dell’Accademia. Here, you can gaze at masterpieces by Venetian artists such as Titian and Tintoretto. Who knew love could inspire such stunning art, right?

A Sunset to Remember

As your romantic weekend draws to a close, end it with a sunset on the water. Head over to the Zattere promenade and find a cozy bench to watch as the sun paints the sky in vibrant hues of pink and orange. It’s a beautiful way to reflect on the magical moments you’ve shared. Plus, don’t forget to enjoy the moment with a sip of spritz—a refreshing Venetian cocktail that will have you dreaming of your next visit.

As you pack your bags and bid farewell to the enchanting canals of Venice, remember that this city isn’t just a destination—it’s a beautiful chapter in your love story. So, go ahead and make those memories everlasting, because nothing says romance quite like Venice!

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Float Away on a Gondola

No visit to Venice is complete without the quintessential gondola ride. As you float through the city’s enchanting waterways, your gondolier will serenade you with timeless Italian love songs. Just picture it: the sun setting over the horizon as the gentle lapping of water serves as your soundtrack. You might spot the intriguing Rialto Bridge or glide past the romantic Bridge of Sighs, whispering sweet nothings as you pass under. Don’t forget to pose for that perfect selfie—a gondola ride is half about the experience and half about Instagram validation!

Stroll Through Piazzo San Marco

The lively but oh-so-romantic Piazza San Marco is the perfect backdrop for a leisurely stroll with your partner. This magnificent square, bustling with both tourists and locals, is lined with stunning architecture, like the famed St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace. Grab a gelato and watch the world go by. Bonus points if you can find a hidden corner to share a kiss while pretentious pigeons strut around, judging your love life.

Enjoy a Classic Venetian Dinner

After the gelato, it’s time to indulge in a classic Venetian dinner. Look for a cozy trattoria tucked away from the main tourist spots. You’ll want to savor fresh seafood, like the famous spaghetti alle vongole (spaghetti with clams), and indulge in delightful local wines, such as Prosecco. The atmosphere should be convivial and intimate, with dim lights and maybe even a bit of live music. Nothing says romance like whispered conversations over delicious food, accented by the occasional clinking of wine glasses.

Explore the Murano Islands

Feeling adventurous? Take a boat trip to the Murano Islands, renowned for their glassblowing artisans. Here, you can witness a traditional glass-making demonstration and even purchase handmade souvenirs for each other—because nothing says ‘I love you’ quite like a delicate glass vase that may or may not survive the flight home. While you’re there, you can wander through the picturesque canals of Murano, hand in hand, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings away from the city hustle.

Visit the Peggy Guggenheim Collection

If you and your partner are art enthusiasts, a visit to the Peggy Guggenheim Collection is a must. This stunning museum housed in an 18th-century palace offers a unique glimpse into modern art. Marvel at the works of Picasso, Pollock, and Duchamp while sipping espresso in the garden. It’s a more low-key romantic activity, but sharing interpretations of art could spark stimulating conversations—or playful debates. Either way, art-induced passion is bound to occur!

Catch the Sunset at the Accademia Bridge

As dusk descends, head over to the Accademia Bridge for one of the most breathtaking sunset views you’ll ever experience. The vibrant colors dancing across the sky reflect beautifully on the waters of the Grand Canal, and you’ll find countless couples filling the bridge in a scene straight out of a romantic movie. Take out your camera for this one, because you’re going to want to remember the moment when the sky turned into a masterpiece of pinks and oranges, perfectly matching the spark in your partner’s eyes!

Have a Secret Picnic

If you’re looking for something utterly charming, why not pack a picnic and find a cozy spot by a canal? Whether it’s sharing a baguette and some wine or munching on a couple of pannetone cakes, this is pure Venice magic. Find a quiet bench or grassy knoll where you can spread out your snack attack in peace. It’s the perfect chance to discuss your Venetian dreams and maybe come up with plans for your next adventure together. Just be sure to keep an eye out for the local pigeons—they can be relentless when they smell food!

Take a Night Stroll

As night falls, Venice takes on an entirely different charm. The streets are quieter, and the bridges illuminated by soft lights create a romantic atmosphere that’s hard to resist. Meandering through the *calle*, or narrow streets, you’ll discover hidden squares and quaint little cafés. Grab a couple of spritzes and find a spot overlooking the canal to end your night. Just don’t trip on your *gelato-induced* happiness on the cobblestones!

Final Thoughts

Venice is the epitome of romance. Whether you’re gazing into the depths of each other’s eyes on a gondola or sharing intimate meals in a lantern-lit square, the magic of Venice surrounds you. So pack your bags and prepare to lose yourselves in the enchantment of the canals. Lovebirds, it’s time to make some unforgettable memories!

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1. Africa is the only continent situated in all the four hemispheres – the western, the eastern, the northern and the southern.

2. Lesotho, The Vatican and San Marino are the only three countries in the world that are surrounded entirely by only one country. Lesotho borders South Africa, The Vatican and San Marino border Italy.

3. The Greek national anthem consists of 158 verses. It is not known if there is a Greek who can sing them all by heart.

4. There is not a single river in Saudi Arabia.

5. The shortest place name in the world is Å. Villages with this name can be found both in Norway and Sweden. In the Scandinavian languages “Å” means “River”.

6. The smallest country area is that of the Vatican (2 square miles/5 square kilometers), while the largest city area is that of Hulunbuir in China (101,912 square miles/263,953 square kilometers)

7. New York drifts away from London 1 inch/2,5 cm every year.

8. Dust from Africa can reach as far as Florida.

9. The Himalayas are getting higher 0,6 inch/1,5 cm every year.

10. There is a heart-shaped coral reef in Australia.

11. Cuba is the only Caribbean country that has a railway.

12. The biggest pyramid in the world is not in Egypt but in… Mexico. It is called Cholula and is currently covered in grass.

13. All the gondolas in Venice must be black unless they are the property of a high-ranked official.

14. The name of Canada comes from the St. Lawrence Iroquoian word kanata or canada, meaning village or settlement.

15. The Transsiberian Railway in Russia crosses 3901 bridges along its way.

16. The Philippines Archipelago consists of 7107 islands.

17. Around 90% of the world population lives in the northern hemisphere.

18. Until 2002 there was an agreement between Monaco and France that if the principality doesn’t have a male heir, Monaco would lose its independence.

19. It’s forbidden for airplanes to fly over the Taj Mahal.

20. Mexico City sinks 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) a year because it was built over a lake. The city has sunk around 32 feet/10 m in the last 60 years.

21. The first city to reach 1 million inhabitants was Rome in 133 BC. London reached the line in 1810, New York – in 1875. Nowadays more than 300 cities in the world have more than a million inhabitants.

22. Amman – the capital of Jordan, used to be called Philadelphia.

23. If a man gives a woman a compliment in Togo, he should marry her.

24. Until almost the end of the 80’s there was not a single phone in Bhutan.

25. On the 18th of February 1979 it was snowing in the Sahara.

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The story

The columns were brought from Constantinople in the 12^th century. If you can imagine what Venice used to look like then, you will easily be able to picture the columns being the main entrance to St Mark’s Square for everyone arriving from the sea. The Byzantine emperor gave them to the Venetians as thanks for their help in the Second Crusade. One of the columns has a winged lion (the symbol of the Venetian Republic) on top, and the other features the figure of St Theodore (the other patron saint of Venice) poking a dragon.

The mystery of the third column

You might not know that the original gift comprised three columns. Although it survived the whole trip from Constantinople, the third column rolled off the boat at the end of the trip while being transported to land in Venice Lagoon.

The muddy lagoon seems to have immediately swallowed the column. A special sea master was immediately assigned to search for it for almost 20 years (!!!), but all that effort was in vain. In 2016, researchers embarked on a new probe of the lagoon in the hope of rescuing the column from almost a thousand years of oblivion and returning it to its rightful place between the two others.

The superstition

The two other columns had to be erected in the square, but the task turned out to be more challenging than anticipated. It took several decades before the feat was achieved by local engineer Niccolo Barattieri, who asked in return for the right to place gambling tables between the columns (gambling was completely illegal at the time). Later the area was covered in wooden stalls, and in the 18^th century the authorities decided to change the ambiance of the area entirely by turning it into a public execution spot. This grim period in the square’s history is the reason for the local superstition of not passing between the pillars.

P.S. And don’t forget – while in Venice, drink wine in the shade, like the locals do.

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If Italy is your passion, you are about to discover a few incredible, but not overly popular locations.

Follow us along these destinations, recommended by the Italians themselves, to uncover a secret – even the hearts of the largest and most popular cities can hold hidden gems!

A peek through the Aventine Keyhole

The Aventine Keyhole in Rome, Italy

Atop of the Aventine Hill in Rome, you will discover an unexpectedly beautiful view. Approach the locked, covered in greenery doors of the Priory of the Knights of Malta, to find a decorated keyhole. Looking through the keyhole will reward you with a remarkable view of St. Peter’s dome in the Vatican. You will see it framed by a tunnel of trees.

Temple of Valadier

Temple of Valadier, Italy

This octagonal temple, inside a mountain cave, is located in the city of Genga (the region of Marche, about 65 km away from Ancona). It was commissioned by Pope Leone XII and named after its architect.

Chamois

Chamois, Italy

Have you ever heard of this Italian town? It is the highest altitude municipality in the Aosta Valley region, and the only city in Italy unreachable by car – you can take a cable car or walk. This means one thing and one thing only – complete serenity and incredibly beauty.

The Bridge on Gaiola Island

The bridge of Gaiola Island, Italy

The island is located near the shores of Naples and is famous mostly for being cursed. Still, nobody can deny that the thin stone bridge, connecting the two sections of the island, is impressive.

Vicolo dei Lavandai, Milan

Vicolo dei Lavandai, Milan | © Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

At the heart of this charming town, by the shores of the Naniglio Grande Canal, you ll find a corner, where time has stopped its course long ago. This is Vicolo dei Lavandai, meaning “The Alley of Washers” – even today you can find an archaic washing machine here.

Discover more unusual things to do in Milan.

The Bell Tower of Curon Venosta

The bell tower in Curon Venosta, Italy

This odd bell tower rises above the water… with no church attached to it. The reason is that in 1950 the city of Curon Venosta was submerged in a man-made lake, called Lago di Resia (Reschensee in German). During the winter, the lake freezes over and you can walk to the bell tower. Curon Venosta is located in the North of Italy, near the borders with Switzerland and Austria.

Discover more stories about submerged churches.

Garden of Ninfa

The Garden of the Ninfa, Italy

About 80 km outside of Rome, you will find a true gem – gardens with water canals, medieval ruins covered in roses, exotic greenery. You can visit between April and November. More information can be found here.

Burano

Burano, Venice, Italy

If you ll be visiting Venice, don’t forget to drop by the most colorful island in the lagoon – Burano, often skipped for other locations in Venice (maybe because of romance).

Read more about ITALY.

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You don’t order wine in Venice, saying “a glass of wine” (un bicchiere di vino). If you are a local or a well-prepared traveler, then you know that you should order “a shade of wine” (un’ombra di vino). Jot down this phrase in your travel notebook and use it during your next dinner in Venice.

But why, why do Venetians dare to call wine with words other than “wine”?

Why do Venetians drink wine in the shade – the story

Back in the old days, legend has it, wine merchants at Piazza San Marco would move their stalls throughout the day to stay out of the sun, in the shadow of the bell tower. The shadow moved – the merchant moved too. Besides, who would drink warm or spoiled wine!

And so instead of “go and grab a glass of wine” people started saying “go and grab some shade”. And everybody knew what it meant.

Federico Beccari

Ombra today – what is essential to know

Nowadays many of the historic wine bars in Venice contain “ombra” in their name. And as you can guess, it’s not called a wine tour – it’s an ombra tour.

Have in mind that usually “un’ombra di vino” means a small glass (100 ml) of wine. That’s why you will happily find that you can get an ombra for a very reasonable price. Combine with cicchetti – sandwiches, boiled eggs, olives or vegetables to have as a side dish with the wine.

Venetians know this stuff. The only thing you can do is find your own wine shade.

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