Venice & surrounds
Venice & surrounds
Venice is more than a city. Here, ornate facades rise from gentle canals, while gondolas drift silently beneath ancient stone bridges. Set foot in Piazza San Marco and you’ll sense centuries of history echoing in the campanile’s chimes, as the ornate basilica gazes over the square. Drift further into the alleyways and you’ll find artisan shops, hidden courtyards and cafés serving espresso alongside cicchetti, Venice’s take on tapas. Yet the allure of the region extends beyond the city’s heart. On still mornings, the lagoon’s outer islands reveal their own charms – Murano’s glass-blowers, Burano’s rainbow-hued fishermen’s houses and the tranquil gardens of Mazzorbo and Torcello. Nearby, Verona boasts great musical allure, where unique performances await at the Arena di Verona. On the water, there’s the chance for immersive river cruises looping through northern Italy’s waterways, while back on land, the revered Belmond Hotel Cipriani – perched on Giudecca – can be your peaceful retreat after days spent winding through Venice’s vibrant streets.
In Venice, even familiar routes feel fresh when seen with new eyes. Glide through the Grand Canal in a private boat before meeting your guide at Doge’s Palace for a fast-track after-hours tour. Board a small luxury vessel for a cruise through the lagoon’s quieter corners – visiting Murano’s master glass-blowers, Burano’s lace ateliers and Mazzorbo’s vine-laced lanes with a private guide. Beyond the water, explore Verona as dusk descends on the Arena, possibly paired with tickets to an opera – our Pavarotti 90 celebrations being one unforgettable example. Elsewhere, journey aboard a Uniworld-crafted river cruise from Venice through northern Italy’s scenic waterways, where onboard chefs introduce Venetian flavours alongside gently unfolding landscapes.
Traditional gondolas in Venice
Murano Island
Uniworld's S.S La Venezia circles northern Italy's waterways
Accommodations in and around Venice offer the kind of charm only Italy can deliver. The Belmond Hotel Cipriani offers lagoon-edge luxe, Michelin-starred dining and complimentary water transfers into the heart of Venice. For a statelier address, Hotel Danieli stands across from the grand façades of San Marco and the Bridge of Sighs, its gilded interiors echoing Venice’s palatial past. If you prefer something more modern and intimate, L’Orologio sits on the Grand Canal with contemporary flair and a relaxed terrace vibe. For a true island retreat, San Clemente Palace Kempinski offers spa sanctuary and lush seclusion just a few minutes boat ride from Venice’s bustle.
Venice is captivating at any time of year, though its popularity means the canals and piazzas are lively year-round. Spring offers mild weather and longer days, perfect for exploring the city’s alleys, visiting Murano and Burano and enjoying early-season aperitivos outdoors. Expect crowds, but the city’s energy feels vibrant rather than overwhelming. Summer is at its busiest: the canals are full of gondolas, tourists fill the main squares and the warm evenings are ideal for al fresco dining. Venturing to quieter corners, like the Giudecca or small lagoon islands, can provide a peaceful respite from the crowds. Autumn brings a slightly slower pace. While Venice is still busy, the number of visitors eases compared with peak summer, allowing for more relaxed museum visits, walks along the canals, and sampling seasonal Venetian cuisine. Winter is cooler and mistier, and although the city never truly empties, the quieter streets and atmospheric fog over the canals give Venice a different kind of magic.
