Veneto, in northeastern Italy, is an area of rich Roman history, delectable cuisine and staggering scenery. The regional capital of Venice is of course, a renowned Heritage Site owing to its iconic waterways and rich historical treasures. And while holidays in Venice and Veneto deliver all sorts of things to do, kicking back in your Italian villa with a perfectly chilled Aperol Spritz is perfectly acceptable too. If you do fancy exploring this glorious region, here’s our Venice travel guide to whet your appetite.
When to visit
Venice and Veneto have a pleasant Mediterranean climate, with hot summers and cooler winters. The hottest months are July and August when daytime temperatures can reach highs of around 28 degrees, while winter temperatures can dip to well below freezing, especially in mountainous regions. Spring and Autumn are arguably the best times to explore the cities when crowds are smaller and the temperature is more suited to sightseeing, while outdoor activities in Lake Garda are best enjoyed between May and September.
How to get there
Veneto has airports across the region, but you will find direct flights with airlines such as British Airways, Ryanair, easyJet and Jet2 from the UK to both Venice and Verona International airports. The flight time is around 2 hours. One of the best ways to get around Veneto is via train – visit Italiarail.com for more info.
Why visit the Veneto region?
Venice Carnival
Scenery
Spanning from the Dolomite Mountains to the Adriatic Sea, Veneto is a land of incredible scenery, dotted with centuries-old olive groves, cloud-piercing peaks and alpine lakes.
Food
Gourmands are in for a treat, as Venetians are truly passionate about their food. For real foodies, eating cicchetti with the locals and taking a tour of the great Rialto Market is a must.
Wine
From Soave to Bardolino, you’ll find a variety of Italian wines in Veneto. For centuries, the region has cultivated the Glera grape, used for making Prosecco, one of the top sparkling wines of the world.
Culture & heritage
Verona was, of course, the inspiration for Shakespeare’s tragic love story, Romeo and Juliet and you’ll find examples of Roman history across the region. World-famous art events, from the Arena Opera Festival and Venice Carnival to the Venice International Film Festival are held here.
Hidden Gems
Doge’s Palace
Take a tour
Join on to a guided tour with Ways Tours and see inside the Doge’s Palace, a tour of St Mark’s Basilica, a food and wine tour, or a prosecco tour. It’s the best way to see the city and get an authentic experience with a local expert!
Panoramic views from T Fondaco dei Tedeschi
Book a 15-minute time slot with the concierge at luxury department store T Fondaco dei Tedeschi in Venice and enjoy incredible city views from the rooftop terrace.
Jewish Ghetto
Visit the Jewish Quarter of Venice, one of the first marginalised communities known as Europe’s ‘first ghetto’. Discover interesting shops and a Hebrew museum.
Main things to do
Italian Lakes
Explore the sights of Venice
Nicknamed La Serenissima, the city of bridges and canals, Venice is packed with things to see and do. St Mark’s Basilica is world famous for its Byzantine architecture, golden mosaics and multiple domes while the Instagram-worthy Rialto Bridge and Gothic style Doge’s Palace are sights worth visiting. Take an organised walking tour or simply get lost in the city’s streets, discovering frescoed buildings and ornate facades. For panoramic views, climb the iconic bell tower, Campanile di San Marco.
Visit Veneto’s most romantic cities
From their spectacular piazzas to the intricately designed bridges of Florence and Venice, there’s something impossibly romantic about the cities of Veneto. And let’s not forget, this is the birthplace of the world-famous lover Casanova. Take a serenaded gondola ride through the iconic waterways or take a day trip from Venice to ‘Fair’ Verona, where you can revisit the tragic love story of Romeo and Juliet.
Discover the great lakes
Lake Garda offers a raft of outdoor activities such as hiking, yoga and mountain biking, year-round. Explore its various attractions from theme parks to intriguing castles and enjoy wild swimming in the lakes and tarns of Cortina d’Ampezzo, the ‘Pearl of the Dolomites’.
Go wine tasting
Take a trip to the Prosecco region and explore the origins of this popular sparkling wine. You can learn the difference between the DOCG and DOC wine classifications, sample the revered Cartizze and absorb rolling vineyard scenery while you’re here.
Visit Caffè Florian
Located underneath the arches of Procuratie Nuove in Saint Mark Square, Caffè Florian is one of the most famous places to have coffee as it’s the oldest café in the world. Tables are at a premium but it’s worth the wait for the luxurious pastries.
Now that you’ve seen what Veneto has to offer, check out our villas in Venice and Veneto or contact our concierge team for a helping hand.
Such great advice! Will be super handy for my visit soon ! 🙂