Venice Cruises

Venice, long considered the most romantic city in all of Europe, is not only rich in the language of love, but in history and the arts as well. The dying protagonist in Thomas Mann's Death in Venice, perhaps one of the most acclaimed pieces of literature to have ever been written, yearns for this beautiful city by the sea when death makes its presence known to him. Like Gustav Aschenbach, tourists have been flocking to this city of sunshine and love for hundred of years. This is a city where the chief mode of transport is gondolas rather than the modern day car. What could be more romantic than Church of San Giorgia in Venice

winding your way down the Grand Canal in this ancient mode of transportation at twilight with the one you love?

History of Venice

Since the city was founded in AD 452, Venice was riddled with invasions, wars and hostile takeovers. From the Turks to Napoleon Bonaparte, everyone wanted a piece of Venice. After the Third War of Independence ended in 1866, Venice was rightfully returned to the Kingdom of Italy. The trials and tribulations that the city experienced at the onset of it's founding is evident in the architecture and art throughout Venice. The heart of Venice is Saint Mark's square and is a hustle and bustle of activity. Here stands Saint Mark's Cathedral, one of the most famous cathedrals in the entire world. Originally built in 828, the building was destroyed by a fire in 976. When the structure was finally Gondolier in Venice

rebuilt between 1047 and 1071, the cathedral was deemed just as opulent as the original. This emblem of Venice stands as an excellent testament to Byzantine architecture. Also sharing the square is Doges' Palace. Destroyed on four occasions by fire, the palace was rebuilt each time. Each reconstruction was grander than the one before it. It now acts as one of the best examples of the famed Italian Gothic style. Behind Doges' Palace is the Bridge of Sighs and rightfully so. The bridge connects the palace with Venice's public prisons and acted as the main route in which prisoners were led to hear their judgments. The Rialto, another famous Venetian bridge, spans the Grand Canal and is surrounded by shops.

Various Points of Interest

In addition to Venice's beautiful churches, museums boasting elaborate collections, and gondola rides, the city is known for other various points of interest. Every other year the city hosts The Venice Biennale, a tradition that dates back to 1895. During this festival, lovers of modern art pour into the city to admire the latest creations that the art world has to offer. Venice is also famous for it's Venetian glass. Acquiring a piece of original hand-blown glass is a must while visiting Venice. A trip to the Campanile Di San Marco, the city's famous bell tower is also a must do. There is no other view of Venice quite as extraordinary as the one viewed from the top of the tower.

European Vacation Cruises

Almost everyday throughout the year cruise ships depart or make stops in Santa Maria Della Solute in Venice

this unique city before heading off to other beautiful European destinations such as Cannes and Barcelona. During a brief stop or prior to departure, tourists should take in as much as Venice as possible. Vacationers will already be planning a more extended stay even before they have departed.

Venice Cruises

History of Venice

Various Points of Interest

European Vacation Cruises

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