Venice Holidays

Step inside this five-domed masterpiece, often called the Golden Church for its dazzling gold mosaics. Discover centuries of Byzantine artistry and religious history woven into every glittering surface.

Once the seat of Venetian political power, this grand palace houses the ornate Golden Staircase and masterpieces by Titian and Tiepolo. Explore lavish chambers that once governed the Venetian Republic.

Wander this iconic stone bridge, a symbol of Venice's vibrant trading history spanning the Grand Canal. Once a wooden drawbridge, it remains one of the city's oldest crossing points.

Follow the path prisoners once took from Doge's Palace to the old jails, glimpsing their final view of Venice through this enclosed, legendary limestone bridge.

Discover the historic prison complex associated with Giacomo Casanova, who escaped from the Piombi prison in 1756.

Explore the political, religious, and cultural heart of Venice, surrounded by the Basilica, Bell Tower, and Museo Correr, tracing centuries of Venetian public life.

Ascend the Campanile di San Marco for sweeping views over the lagoon and rooftops, standing where sailors once watched for approaching ships centuries ago.

Wander narrow calli and quiet campielli away from the main crowds, uncovering centuries-old corners that reveal authentic, lesser-known Venetian life.

Explore ancient artefacts and sculptures within St. Mark's Square, offering a deeper look into Venice's classical influences and historical collections.

Admire this 12th-century waterfront column topped by the winged lion, one of Venice's enduring patron symbols marking centuries of maritime identity.

Celebrated each February, this centuries-old celebration fills the city with elaborate masks, ornate costumes, and masquerade balls. Streets and squares come alive with parades, performances, and Venice's most theatrical tradition.

Running from May to November, this world-renowned contemporary art exhibition transforms the Giardini and Arsenale into global stages of creativity, drawing artists and visitors from every corner of the world.

Held each September on the Lido, this prestigious cinematic event draws filmmakers and celebrities worldwide. One of the oldest film festivals globally, it remains a highlight of Venice's cultural calendar.

Celebrated each May, this ancient tradition symbolises Venice's historic bond with the sea. The mayor ceremonially casts a ring into the water, followed by regattas and boat parades across the lagoon.

In July, this beloved celebration commemorates deliverance from a historic plague with fireworks over the lagoon, a temporary pontoon bridge, and boats gathered for an evening feast on the water.

Each November, Venetians cross a pontoon bridge to the Salute Church, giving thanks for deliverance from plague through prayer, candles, and a solemn citywide procession.

Every September, this celebration honours Murano's centuries-old glassmaking tradition through exhibitions, artisan demonstrations, and events showcasing the craftsmanship behind Venice's iconic glass artistry.

On April 25th, Venetians honour patron saint St. Mark by gifting loved ones a red rosebud, accompanied by a solemn mass and traditional rowing regatta along the Grand Canal.

Children parade through Venice banging pots and pans, singing traditional songs, while bakeries sell festive St. Martin biscuits shaped like the saint on horseback.

While primarily a walking event, this April tradition doubles as a cultural celebration, uniting locals and visitors in a shared journey across Venice's historic bridges and squares.

Paddle away from the crowds through Venice's quieter waterways, gliding beneath ancient bridges and past faded palazzos. No experience is needed, offering a refreshingly active alternative to the traditional gondola ride.

Venture beyond the city into the northern lagoon, paddling past flamingos, herons, and hidden vegetable gardens. This guided route also passes Vignole and La Certosa before reaching a historic 16th-century fort.

Learn "voga alla veneta," the generations-old standing rowing technique unique to Venice, at a working boatyard in Cannaregio. Guided by local instructors, it's an authentic, physically engaging way to connect with the city's maritime heritage.

Balance your way across open lagoon waters on this eco-sustainable tour, visiting scattered islands rarely seen by typical tourists. It combines light exercise with sweeping views of Venice's unique watery landscape.

Rent a bike and pedal along the Lido's flat coastal roads, a rare chance to cycle near Venice. Quiet lanes, beach clubs, and Adriatic views make it a refreshing break from the city's crowded streets.

Set sail across open lagoon waters, steering past scattered islands and traditional fishing boats. Whether guided or self-skippered, it offers a dynamic, wind-powered perspective on Venice rarely experienced by land-bound visitors.

Join or watch this famous non-competitive rowing marathon each May, where thousands of traditional boats paddle a 30 km course through the lagoon, celebrating Venice's rowing culture and environmental awareness.

Venture beyond the lagoon to explore the clearer waters of the northern Adriatic coastline, where guided dive trips reveal a marine world quite different from Venice's murky canals.

Combine cycling and boat transfers to explore Murano, Burano, and Torcello, mixing pedal-powered exploration with scenic lagoon crossings between each colourful island stop.

Paddle Venice's illuminated canals after dark, when the crowds thin and the city takes on a quieter, more atmospheric glow, offering a uniquely memorable perspective on the floating city.

A spectacular 30 km non-competitive rowing race held each May, drawing thousands of rowers on gondolas, kayaks, and traditional boats from St Mark's Basin to Burano and back through the lagoon.

Venice's most celebrated rowing competition, held each September, opens with a lively water parade of 16th-century boats and costumed gondoliers before intense races along the Grand Canal.

This international sporting event, held each October, sends runners crossing iconic bridges and canals throughout the city, welcoming athletes of all levels amid a uniquely scenic urban route.

An international Optimist-class sailboat race held each May, bringing young competitive sailors to the Venetian lagoon for days of skilled racing and team competition.

Venice's boat show, held each late May, showcases the latest in sailing and marine technology, drawing enthusiasts and industry professionals to the city's waterfront venues.

Held each October, this charming sailing event brings boats gliding toward Piazza San Marco, blending sport, tradition, and the city's iconic backdrop into one memorable spectacle.

This lagoon-side running festival, held each spring in nearby Cavallino, combines a marathon route with festive celebrations along Venice's scenic coastal surroundings.

Each winter, this atmospheric outdoor rink transforms one of Venice's largest squares into a festive skating destination, popular with families and couples alike.

Traditional Voga alla Veneta rowing races return each June, featuring competitive heats, festival stalls, and generations-old maritime sporting culture on full display.