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

Feast of Good Health

21 Nov 2008 (annual), Chiesa della Salute

The Feast of Good Health, Festa della Salute, is celebrated every year as thousands of Venetians take a boat pilgrimage to the majestic Chiesa della Salute church to pay tribute to the Madonna and pray for good health. more »

The Festival of La Salute

Nov 2008 (annual), Basilica Santa Maria della Salute

The Festival of La Salute is one of Venice's most important religious festivals. Like the Feast of the Redeemer in July, it commemorates the end of a plague - this one in 1630. Out of gratitude for their delivery from the epidemic, the Senate decided to build a church. This became the Basilica Santa Maria della Salute, one of the most famous in Venice. more »

Venice Marathon

26 Oct 2008 (annual), Piazza Marconi

The Venice marathon starts in Stra, a few kilometres east of Padova, then runs through the small towns of the Brenta Riviera, past the Venetian bridges and villas to arrive at the unique finishing line at Riva dei Sette Martiri, on Venice's picturesque waterfront. 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.

	Hôtel de la Cité in medieval Carcassonne

	Take a Perfume Master Class at Reid's Palace, Madeira

	Winter Offers from La Residencia, Mallorca