A Comprehensive Guide to Exploring the City of Canals

Venice, known as “La Serenissima,” is one of the most iconic cities in the world. With its labyrinth of canals, magnificent palazzos, and an atmosphere steeped in centuries of history, Venice offers visitors an unparalleled experience. For those planning venice excursions, this guide covers everything from exploring famous landmarks to venturing off the beaten path, ensuring an immersive and unforgettable visit.

1. Historical and Cultural Excursions

Venice’s rich history and culture are reflected in its art, architecture, and traditions. The city is a living museum, offering excursions that dive deep into its past.

St. Mark’s Basilica and Piazza San Marco

Description: This is the heart of Venice, and no visit is complete without exploring St. Mark’s Basilica, a stunning example of Italo-Byzantine architecture.
Highlights: Marvel at the Basilica’s golden mosaics, the four bronze horses on its facade, and the intricate details of its domes. Don’t miss the Pala d’Oro, a gold altarpiece adorned with precious stones.
Tip: The Basilica can get crowded, so booking a guided tour or early entry ticket is recommended to bypass long lines.

Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale)

Description: Adjacent to St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace was the residence of the Doge (the ruler of Venice) and the seat of government.
Highlights: Explore the richly decorated halls, including the Sala del Maggior Consiglio, one of the largest rooms in Europe. Walk across the famous Bridge of Sighs, which connects the palace to the prison.
Excursion Options: A guided tour often includes exclusive access to hidden passages, the Doge’s apartments, and the prisons where famous figures like Casanova were held.

2. Gondola Rides: Venice’s Classic Experience

A gondola ride through Venice’s canals is a must-do experience, allowing you to see the city from a unique perspective. Gondolas are often associated with romance, but they also offer a practical way to explore hidden corners and lesser-known canals.

Route Options: Short rides typically focus on the Grand Canal, while longer excursions navigate through quieter areas like Cannaregio or Dorsoduro.
Historical Insight: Gondolas have been a part of Venetian culture since the 11th century. Each gondola is handcrafted, measuring around 11 meters (36 feet) long and weighing over 700 kilograms (1,543 pounds).
Cost: A 30-minute gondola ride costs approximately €80 during the day and €100 in the evening (prices are regulated by the city).

3. Exploring Venice’s Islands

Venice isn’t just about the main city; its lagoon is dotted with islands, each offering a unique excursion opportunity.

Murano: The Island of Glass

Description: Murano has been the center of glassmaking since the 13th century. Visiting the island provides insight into this ancient craft.
Excursion Highlights: Visit glass factories where artisans demonstrate glassblowing techniques, explore the Museo del Vetro (Glass Museum), and shop for exquisite glass artworks.
Tip: Take a guided glass-making workshop to create your own souvenir.

Burano: The Island of Lace and Color

Description: Known for its brightly colored houses and lace-making tradition, Burano is a photographer’s dream.
Highlights: Stroll through its canals, visit lace workshops to see artisans at work, and taste local dishes like risotto di gò (goby fish risotto).
Historical Fact: The tradition of lace-making dates back to the 16th century and was once a significant industry in Venice.

Torcello: Venice’s Ancient Beginnings

Description: Torcello is one of the oldest inhabited islands in the Venetian lagoon, predating the city itself.
Excursion Highlights: The island’s Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, founded in 639 AD, is a remarkable site with Byzantine mosaics. Don’t miss the Ponte del Diavolo (Devil’s Bridge), a small, mysterious bridge with no parapets.
Tip: Torcello offers a tranquil escape from the crowds and a chance to see Venice’s quieter side.

4. Venetian Art and Museums Excursions

Venice is home to some of the world’s most significant art collections and museums, making it a paradise for art enthusiasts.

Gallerie dell’Accademia

Description: This museum houses an impressive collection of Venetian paintings, including works by Bellini, Titian, and Tintoretto.
Excursion Highlights: The museum’s most famous piece is Leonardo da Vinci’s Vitruvian Man, although it is rarely displayed for preservation reasons.
Tips for Visitors: Plan your visit in the morning when the museum is less crowded, and consider joining a guided tour for in-depth art history insights.

Peggy Guggenheim Collection

Description: Located along the Grand Canal, this museum showcases modern art pieces from the 20th century, collected by the American heiress Peggy Guggenheim.
Highlights: Works by Picasso, Dalí, Pollock, and Kandinsky are on display in this elegant palazzo setting. The garden sculpture is another highlight, providing a serene space to relax.
Interesting Fact: Peggy Guggenheim’s ashes are buried in the garden alongside her beloved dogs.

5. Culinary Excursions: Tasting Venetian Cuisine

Venice is known for its unique cuisine, influenced by its maritime history and proximity to the lagoon. A culinary excursion offers an immersive experience into Venetian gastronomy.

Rialto Market Tour

Description: The Rialto Market is Venice’s central market for fresh seafood and local produce, operating since the 11th century.
Highlights: Taste specialties like sarde in saor (sardines marinated in vinegar and onions) or baccalà mantecato (creamy codfish spread). Many excursions include a cooking class where participants can learn how to prepare these dishes.
Tip: Visit early in the morning to see the market at its liveliest.

Cicchetti and Wine Tour

Description: Cicchetti are Venetian tapas, small bites typically served in traditional bars known as bacari. A cicchetti tour offers a taste of authentic Venetian street food.
Excursion Stops: Popular spots include Cantina Do Spade and Al Merca, where you can pair your cicchetti with a glass of local wine or ombra (a small glass of house wine).
Interesting Fact: The term ombra (meaning “shadow”) comes from the tradition of wine merchants moving their carts to stay in the shadow of St. Mark’s Bell Tower to keep their wine cool.

6. Nature Excursions: Discovering the Lagoon’s Ecosystem

For those who love nature, the Venetian lagoon offers numerous opportunities to explore its unique ecosystem and biodiversity.

Boat Tour of the Venetian Lagoon

Description: A guided boat tour provides an opportunity to learn about the lagoon’s salt marshes, mudflats, and wildlife. These tours often include stops at lesser-known islands like Sant’Erasmo, Venice’s garden island, and Lazzaretto Nuovo, an island with a dark history of quarantine during the plague.
Wildlife Spotting: Birdwatchers can observe species such as the Eurasian curlew, black-winged stilt, and flamingos in certain areas.
Sustainable Tourism Tip: Opt for eco-friendly tours that use electric boats or traditional rowing boats to minimize the environmental impact on the fragile lagoon ecosystem.

7. Specialized Excursions: Hidden Gems and Unique Experiences

Venice has a wealth of hidden gems and specialized tours that go beyond the typical tourist route.

Underground Venice: Crypts and Catacombs

Description: Explore the underground layers of Venice, including crypts and hidden passages in some of the city’s oldest churches like San Zaccaria.
Highlights: These excursions often reveal the impact of centuries of flooding and provide a haunting perspective on Venice’s architectural resilience.
Tip: This tour is perfect for those interested in Venice’s darker and mysterious history.

Venetian Mask-Making Workshop

Description: Venice’s mask tradition dates back to the Renaissance, and making your own mask is a memorable way to connect with this cultural heritage.
Workshop Experience: Local artisans teach participants the traditional techniques of crafting and decorating masks used in the famous Venice Carnival.
Tip: Masks can be shipped home for those who prefer not to travel with delicate items.