Venice

The famed Carnevale di Venezia has very old origins. There are documents as far back as 1268 discussing its games during the celebration. Though the carnival faded after Napoleon's invasion, it came roaring back again. Today, it is one of this already festive city's most celebrated events.

It takes place typically in February. Carnival starts around two weeks before Ash Wednesday and ends on Fat Tuesday (Fat Tuesday or Mardi Gras), the day before Ash Wednesday. During this time the streets of Venice become even more crowded than usual.

There are several islands a short boat ride from Venice that are well worth a look when you visit this beautiful city. Recommendation to reach the islands is on motoscafi (water buses) of Actv, the Venice public-transportation company.

- Murano

The Doge's Palace is a gothic palace in Venice.

It was home to the Doge. The Doge was the chief magistrate and leader of the Most Serene Republic of Venice for over a thousand years. Doges of Venice were elected for life by the city-state's aristocracy. Doge's Palace was also used to house administrative offices, along with several prisons.

First constructed in the 9th century about 100 years after the beginning of the Republic, the Palazzo Ducale gained its present form between 1340 and 1420. The result was not just a boring government building, but a magnificent work of architecture that also houses some of the world's finest art.

St Mark's Campanile (Campanile di San Marco in Italian) is the bell tower of St Mark's Basilica. It is one of the most recognizable symbols of the city.

The belltower stands nearly 100 meters (98.6m or 323 feet) high. Freestanding in St. Mark's square it literally towers above many of the surrounding structures. Yet, unlike them, its facade is a simple and still elegant brick design. The base is 12 meters (39 feet) on a side and the attic which is the arched belfry, housing five bells. The belfry is topped by a cube, alternate faces of which show walking lions and bas relief of a woman symbolizing Venice herself, called la Giustizia or Justice. The tower is capped by a spire in the shape of a pyramid it is topped with a golden weathervane in the form of the Archangel Gabriel.

There are few European Squares compared to Piazza San Marco, better known as St. Mark's Square. It differs in two major respects: (1) It's more attractive, and (2) It hasn't been corrupted by the automobile.

An opportunity to stand in this ancient square attract many visitors; rewarded by the sights of the Basilica, the Campanile, the Doge's Palace and more. The Campanile is, by far, the tallest building in the city of Venice, and offers incomparable views, which began life as a lighthouse in the ninth century. The Campanile is a 325-foot guard tower from the 8th Century that was rebuilt after a sudden collapse in 1902. You can take an elevator to the top for a great view of the city and the lagoon.

Ca' d'Oro (correctly Palazzo Santa Sofia) is regarded as one of the most beautiful palazzi on the Grand Canal in Venice. One of the older palazzi, it has always been known as Ca' d'Oro (golden house) due to the gilt and polychrome external decorations which once adorned its walls. Ca' d'Oro of Venice is one of the city's most outstanding works of architecture.

Ca' d'Ora was built between 1428 and 1430 alongside the Grand Canal, for the Contarini family, who provided Venice with eight Doges between 1043 and 1676.

Gondola Rides can be a delightful experience, but only if you're able to forget the price and focus on the wonderful experience. A gondola ride in Venice can be a romantic voyage for two. Or it can be a fun group activity shared by six. Morning, afternoon, evening or nighttime are all options. Long, short and in between rides are all possible. Along the Grand Canal or out of the way locations are available, there are many choices.