Archive for June 2011

Paradise on Earth – Visit Venice

No matter how many times you visit Venice in your lifetime, this place will have something new to offer to you. You can never ever say that you have seen, visited and experienced the whole of Venice as there are an unending string of marvels in this city that are always left to be explored and discovered in your next visit.

No amount of adjectives can do justice to the beauty of this postcard perfect Italian city. The labyrinthine canals that double up as roads, a network of islands, pedestrian alleys, beautiful bridges and marvelous architecture lure millions of travelers to Venice from around the world.

Wandering from piazzas to restaurants, visiting interesting art museums, buying from shops set on gondolas that line the streets and sipping the most amazing coffee at the riverside cafes and restaurants are just a few of the activities that make for essential Venice experience.

It’s a beautiful place with almost everything that most travelers look for in a perfect travel destination. No wonder, the search for cheap flights to Venice never seem to stop, be it any time of the year.

From wonderful marble churches to Grand Canal Palaces, Venice is packed with superb sights and great attractions that are worth a visit at least once in your lifetime. Even though your walks along the Venice canals are going to be your most unforgettable experience in this favorite Italian destination, when it comes to attractions, this city doesn’t disappoint even the most discerning of world travelers.

Saint Mark’s Square, Doge’s Palace, Canal Grande, Rialto Bridge and Galleria del’Accademia are some of the most visited city attractions. Be it the connoisseurs of art, architecture, food or history, every one can fill-in to their hearts content in the city of Venice. The Grand Canal, slicing through the heart of the city, is the main thoroughfare of Venice that is choc-a-block with gondolas and dotted with beautiful buildings on the sides.

This tourist hotspot is thronged by travelers belonging to all cultures, countries and generations who arrive here by booking cheap flights through online travel consolidators. Online travel shops sell cheap flights to Venice and affordable Venice hotels all around the year with spring and fall being the most after seasons for vacationing in this city. Book your cheap flight to Venice today to experience for yourself the beauty, magic and mystique of this fascinating Italian stunner of a city!

Tips and Suggestions For Choosing a Hotel in Venice

Venice, or “La Serenissima” (The Serenest) as it is also affectionately known, is one of the world’s most popular destinations. This picturesque city, with a population of about 100,000 inhabitants, is scattered across 118 small islands. Venice is famous for its numerous canals, inspiring architecture and general beauty. Many of the city’s sights are found on the main island (Centro storico), such as St. Mark’s Square and Basilica, Rialto Bridge, Bridge of Sighs and La Fenice opera house.

When you do your search for a Venice hotel on the net, you will see that there is a reasonably wide selection of types of accommodations, although on the main island there are very few large hotels. If you wish to visit the city during any of the high seasons, you should book early to avoid disappointment. Generally the high seasons in Venice are any of the bank holidays, September to October, April to June, and the periods when the main festivals take place.

However, before booking your holiday to Venice, you should note that the city is expensive! From dining out to taking a relaxing coffee break at St. Mark’s Square. Moreover, this also applies to the accommodation market. In general, a 3-star hotel will normally provide the average guest with all the comfort necessary for a relaxing and enjoyable stay. If you are on a tight budget and looking for an even cheaper option, then a good tip is to choose a hotel on the mainland and take day trips into the city, such as the town of Mestre or Marghera, both of which overlook the Venice lagoon and have good access to Venice via public transport.
We all expect to be given a clean and comfortable room when on holiday, but do not be too disappointed if your room is a bit on the small side – this is the norm in Venice, as most buildings are very old, as well as small and narrow – of course this adds to the quaintness of Venice! However, many of the hotels outside the city on the mainland are housed in more modern buildings and therefore offer more spacious guest rooms.
Below are four hotels to to give you some idea of the type of accommodation available, three in Venice itself and one on the mainland:

Hotel Palazzo Schiavoni is conveniently situated lies in the Castello district of Venice, and just a 15-minute walk from many of the city’s sights, such as the Arsenale and the city’s most famous landmark, namely St. Mark’s Basilica and Square. It is a small and quaint hotel that offers a personal and friendly service. Room facilities include air conditioning, internet access, en suite bathroom and satellite TV.

Hotel Santa Chiara is housed in a unique building that is some 500 years old. The location faces the Piazzale Roma and the famous Grand Canal. The hotel has been carefully updated to provide guests with comfortable accommodation, where they can rest after a busy day of sightseeing in the city. Also there is private parking, which is a rarity for a hotel in Venice.

Hotel Pausania offers rooms in the centre of Venice which have been elegantly furnished in a traditional Venetian style. Located in the central sestiere (district) of Dorsoduro, the hotel is housed in a beautiful building which was originally the residence of an aristocratic Venetian family. Amenities include a cosy sitting room, a bar and a large veranda, where, weather permitting, breakfast is served in the morning.

Hotel Nuova Mestre is located in the town of Mestre, just over the bay from Venice. The town has great public transport connections to Venice and the hotel offers a cheaper alternative to staying in the actual city of Venice. The hotel was originally built in 1955 and is located in the newer part of town. Ideal for lone travellers, couple, families and small groups, the establishment offers many useful on-site amenities, such as a restaurant, garden area, free parking and a professional concierge.