The enchanting city of Venice is a unique destination full of overwhelming beauty, tremendous history, and rich culture. It’s comprised of over 100 islands resting in the Venetian Lagoon off the Adriatic Sea, linked together by bridges and canals. With all Venice has to offer, it’s no surprise that it’s one of the most visited cities in Italy—for first-time travelers and returning visitors alike. The possibilities are endless, so let us help you narrow down the must-see sites. Keep reading to learn about what to do in Venice!
Float Down the Grand Canal
Of all the canals in Venice, this is by far the largest. Once an essential waterway for merchant ships, the canal snakes through the city in the shape of an “S,” and it remains a bustling channel for all kinds of traffic. Sail down the busy waters in a classic gondola, hop on a vaporetto (a public water bus that’s the most popular form of transportation), or choose a more private—and expensive—water taxi. There’s no better way to see the sites, people-watch, and get to where you need to be than cruising down the Grand Canal.
Relax on Lido
If the busy streets and waterways are getting to be too much, escape to Lido. This island separates Venice from the Adriatic Sea with a long stretch of sandy beach. The vibe is more laidback and relaxed than the center of Venice, and the area is largely residential, with local shops, restaurants, and some hotels. A day lounging by the sparkling sea is the perfect way to recharge.
Explore St. Mark’s Square
St. Mark’s Square, or Piazza San Marco, is the most famous piazza in Venice. This iconic spot is an absolute must-see, as it’s home to many of the city’s beloved sites. Start out at St. Mark’s Basilica, the most renowned building in Venice. Built in 1092, it’s one of the greatest remaining examples of Italian Byzantine architecture. It earned the nickname “Church of Gold” thanks to the breathtaking gold mosaics all throughout the interior. Marvel at the ornate sculptures, opulent detailing, and beautiful artwork. The basilica’s bell tower, San Marco Campanile, is also a favorite site. At 324 feet, it’s the tallest building in Venice and gives incredible panoramas of the city, which is why it made the perfect watchtower in the 9th century. After many instances of damage, it collapsed at the turn of the 20th century and underwent a full reconstruction. Ride the elevator to the top to take in the city’s beauty. Other landmarks in the piazza include Doge’s Palace, a stunning, Gothic style building, and Torre dell’Orologio, the famous clock tower.
Gaze Upon the Artworks of Gallerie dell’Accademia
The Gallerie dell’Accademia is home to an unbelievable collection of pre-19th century art, including some truly iconic masterpieces. Here you’ll find the likes of Da Vinci, Bellini, Canaletto, and Titian. The building was converted from a convent to museum in the mid to late 1700s, when Napoleon shut down churches, took their works of art, and established galleries and art schools. Another nearby art museum to explore is the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, where you’ll find influential pieces by European and American artists of the 20th century.
Hop on a Ferry to Murano, Burano, and Torcello
The three separate Venetian islands of Murano, Burano, and Torcello are popular getaways. These towns offer laidback exploration and the perfect retreat from the hustle and bustle of Venice’s city center. Murano is known for its impressive glassblowing; join a tour for a live demonstration of how the exquisite pieces are made. Burano is famous for its lace, designed in elaborate, elegant patterns. This charming town paints quite the colorful scene—a variety of vibrant hues cover the buildings lining the canals. Torcello is a quiet escape, evocative of a sleepy town in the Italian countryside. Check out the Church of Santa Maria Assunta, which was built in the 7th century. It’s possible to hit all three islands during one day trip, or you can spend more time exploring each one.
Indulge in an Aperitivo
It wouldn’t be a trip to Italy without living the locals and indulging in an aperitivo. At the end of the work day, residents take to bars for drinks and snacks as a precursor to dinner. Traditionally, aperitivos are made with bitter alcohol, such as Campari and Aperol, with the choice of Negroni, Spritz, or Americano. Lounge canal-side, or relax on one of Venice’s cozy rooftop bars for a gorgeous view of the city.
Visit the Bridge of Sighs
The Bridge of Sighs is a rather small structure with a large backstory. One of Venice’s most renowned architectural landmarks, the enclosed bridge was built in 1600 and connected Doge’s Palace to its prison complex. The story goes that newly sentenced prisoners would gaze out the windows and sigh as they crossed the bridge towards permanent imprisonment.
Cross Rialto Bridge
Rialto Bridge is Venice’s best-known bridge, connecting the San Marco and San Polo districts over the Grand Canal. It’s a popular destination to pick up souvenirs, as vendors sells all kinds of goods. It was originally built out of wood, but after a collapse in 1524, it was rebuilt with the stone that still stands today.
Ride a Vaporetto to San Giorgio Maggiore
San Giorgio Maggiore sits on a separate island opposite St. Mark’s Square. It’s not connected by the main channels, but all you have to do is hop on a vaporetto and take a quick ride over. There’s plenty to see, from San Giorgio Monastery to the Church of San Giorgio Maggiore, where you’ll find a bell tower similar to the San Marco Campanile. It offers unparalleled views without the crowds you can expect at St. Mark’s. Just beware—the bells ring on the hour, so if you’re sensitive to loud noises, plan your trip to the top accordingly.
This year didn’t pan out the way any of us planned to say the least! Most of us had to postpone any travel plans we had. Instead of traveling overseas, we adventured close to home and maybe even got around to a couple of house projects that we were always putting off.
As you walk, forget a destination and spend time walking in and out of shops, cathedrals, or anything that catches your eye. Wandering is often how you find unknown treasures from small shops tucked away on side roads. Make Italy a journey, not a destination.
Italy is one of the most highly sought-after destinations in the entire world. With its incredible architecture, delicious food, stunning landscapes, and rich culture, this is surprising to no one. We know that piecing together a packing list for Italy can be a daunting task–especially if this is your first visit!
The Cinque Terre, tucked into Italy's northwestern coastline, once stood as a string of five isolated fishing villages. Eventually, visitors got wind of this gem along the Italian Riviera, transforming it into a top tourist destination.
Fortunately, the five points on the Cinque Terre have retained all their beauty and charm over the years. The only hard part about visiting is picking a village — if they're all so delightful, where should you stay? You can't go wrong, but each village has something unique to offer. Read on to find out which one will suit your trip best.
Traveling to Europe and Italy in itself is an incredible experience with its rich culture, gorgeous architecture, unparalleled fashion, and delectable food. When we think of Italy, we often think of the distinctive sites and attractions like the Roman Colosseum, pasta from Florence, and the gondolas of Venice. These incredible attractions seem like scenes from a dream or a fairytale; however, if you want to have an even richer experience with the people and culture of Italy, here are some of Italy’s best Festivals to travel for!
When considering which regions to visit during a trip to Italy, the beautiful “floating city” of Venice often is at the top of the list, and for good reason! This North Italian city is full of rich history and culture, and along with the classic sights and stops that have made Venice iconic, there are many surprises to add to your itinerary. Read on to discover the ultimate to-dos in Venice!
Cinque Terre is a place unlike any other. Situated along the Italian Riviera, it offers adorable seaside villages, stunningly colourful architecture, and unmatched views of the Mediterranean Sea. You could easily spend a lifetime here exploring, getting to know the local culture, and, of course, trying the delicious food! But if you’re a little more limited on time, and want to make the most of your trip, here are some suggestions for the top things to do on a journey through Cinque Terre!
We’ve discovered a hidden Italian gem! Often overlooked by tourists on the Rome-Florence-Venice route throughout Italy, Bologna is easily one of the most underrated and affordable cities. The relaxed atmosphere will put you at ease as you explore the beautiful historic center, rich food culture, high-quality museums, and intricate architecture. Without further ado, here are the eight of the top things to do in Bologna.
Trying to plan a family getaway but not sure where to start? We know it can be difficult to travel with the whole family. After all, how do you find a destination that is appealing to both adults and kids of various ages? Luckily, we have done the work for you! Read below to discover five of the top family-friendly destinations in the world.
Not long ago, Bryan and his sister Celeste returned home from an Acanela Expedition to Cinque Terre. Together, they took cooking classes, swam in the Mediterranean, went cliff-jumping, and got to know a beautiful part of the world. The two siblings loved exploring Cinque Terre with Acanela, and Bryan told us that he would go back to Italy in a heartbeat. Here’s the full account of the trip — as told by Bryan.
Traveling to Italy is a culturally immersive experience. Everywhere you turn, your eyes feast on magnificent architecture, you can hear the beautiful language, and your mouth waters with every bite of pappardelle. While you could spend your days soaking up the Italian sun and licking gelato, you may crave a more local experience. After you’ve toured the Colosseum and visited a vineyard, you can (and should!) connect with artisans and learn from their expertise.
A beautiful stretch of Italian coastline, nothing captures the heart quite like the Amalfi Coast. With its stunning landscapes, pastel-colored buildings, and small beaches hidden along the entire coast, it’s extremely photogenic. Here are a few of our favorite photo spots and tips for shutterbugs heading to the Amalfi Coast.
Cinque Terre was all that Donna Baird-Horne and her husband dreamed of — and maybe even a little more. Between the cooking classes, train journeys, hikes, and wine tastings, their couples trip was an unforgettable adventure. Donna recently sent us an email saying how much she loved the trip, and we thought we’d share it with you, too.
Florence is one of the most popular travel destinations in all of Italy. But it can be challenging to decide what to do in Florence — after all, there are so many buildings, restaurants, artworks, and gardens that are worth your attention! This guide will help you make the most of your time in this gorgeous Tuscan city.
Winter has almost passed, but that doesn’t mean you’ve missed the opportunity to go skiing this year! There are still some stunning ski resorts with good snow conditions for those craving a last-minute snowy easter break. And what’s more, you’re much more likely to enjoy relaxed sunny days on the slopes, rather than getting stuck in nasty February white-outs. Here are some of the best late season ski destinations in Europe.
Jetting off to the Italian peninsula is every traveler’s dream. Experiences such as relaxing in a Venetian gondola, sipping fine wine in Tuscany, and tossing a coin in the Trevi Fountain can all be categorized as “bucket list.” For art lovers, though, Italy holds a special place in their tourism fantasies. It seems as though every city is bursting with artistic history and talent. Each area of Italy tells a different story, so planning travel to Italy can be daunting.
Prague, Czech Republic — The BYU women's basketball team arrived in Prague on Sunday afternoon, August 19, to begin its 12-day, four games, four countries tour of Europe.
This year I had the chance to travel with the BYU Women’s Basketball team to Europe on their Foreign Basketball Tour, visiting the Czech Republic, Austria, Slovenia, and Italy. Here are 9 Things I Learned from Traveling Overseas on a Foreign Basketball Tour:
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) lists Cinque Terre as one of 845 culturally significant sites in the world. With its natural and manmade beauty working together to create breathtaking views over the course of 7.5-miles, it is no wonder why this part of Italy is one of the most sought after tourist destinations in the region and country.
Planning a trip to the beautiful country of Italy? Need suggestions on the best boutique hotels? Well you have come to the right place! Featured boutique hotels will be in Venice, Florence, Bologna, and Umbria. Boutique are small hotels with anywhere from 10 to 100 rooms. Most have unique settings with individualized and upscale accommodations. Each boutique hotel offers a distinctive experience filled with history!
Packing for a trip can be so stressful! You can make list after list and still forget something. We are here to help with 10 packing essentials to make your trip to Italy comfortable. Italy has seasons so make sure you know the season you are packing for. These ten essential are for all seasons of travel and any region of Italy you will explore.
Italy is always a great idea, and the Cinque Terre is sure to steal your heart. The Italian Riviera will enchant you with her brightly colored cliffside houses that cascade down to the Ligurian Sea, walking paths with soaring views, otherworldly sunsets, and delectable cuisine. While we believe that anytime is a good time to visit Italy, certain times of the year will be more rewarding and memorable based on your travel style, and the type of trip you are seeking.
As a top tourist destination, Rome, Italy is filled with history, culture, food, and lots of things to do. Here’s a list of things you want to be sure to cross off your list when visiting this iconic city.
When you think of Italy, what springs to mind? Rome, home to one of the current Seven Wonders of The World, The Colosseum. Venice, with its Plaza de San Marco, infamous canals and gondolas. Milan, the fashion capital. Pompeii, the roman city preserved by a volcanic explosion. Each of these destinations are without doubt breathtaking, but with this reputation comes an abundance of tourists. Here’s our list of hidden gems in Italy where you’ll avoid the crowds!
The enchanting city of Venice is a unique destination full of overwhelming beauty, tremendous history, and rich culture. It’s comprised of over 100 islands resting in the Venetian Lagoon off the Adriatic Sea, linked together by bridges and canals. With all Venice has to offer, it’s no surprise that it’s one of the most visited cities in Italy—for first-time travelers and returning visitors alike. The possibilities are endless, so let us help you narrow down the must-see sites. Keep reading to learn about what to do in Venice!
Trattoria Perilli is an authentic, old-school Roman dining experience. You are quite likely to be served by the 90-something year old owner who not only makes authentic Roman carbonara, but will serve you wine that you can only get in Italy. You won’t find many tourists inside these walls, but you will need to make a reservation to make sure you have a seat at the table.
Nothing brings people together quite like food. It’s at the heart of so many cultures, and learning about the local cuisine is the perfect way to immerse yourself in a new environment. There are countless destinations across the globe that offer mouthwatering dishes and rich culinary diversity, but some countries reign supreme. Keep reading for the top culinary destinations around the world!
Food creates a world to share our love, sorrows, dreams, and experiences. Eating together is a time of laughter, tears, and reflection, and it affords us the opportunity “to open the door” and share our lives with one another. Traveling to far and not so far away destinations entices us to taste new flavors, and it lures us to engage with those with whom we dine.
The Seven Wonders of the Modern Day World are Petra (Jordan), Machu Picchu (Peru), Taj Mahal (Agra, India), The Roman Colosseum (Rome), Chichén Itzá (Mexico), Christ the Redeemer Statue (Brazil), and The Great Wall (China). Each monument earned a deserved spot on the list—as all are UNESCO World Heritage sites and some of the most visited places in the world.
Italian is one of the most popular cuisines and for good reason. Pizza, pasta, gelato - this food is incredible. One of the things that travelers are often most excited about when going abroad is the food, and when you travel to Italy, be prepared to try it all because you won’t want to miss a thing. From Bologna to Rome, there are various regions you should visit to try the varying dishes. Each region is known for something different. Here’s what to eat and where to eat during your Italian adventure!