Venice…the perfect destination for a honeymoon or romantic getaway
Venice is a living museum of dramatic Gothic architecture that is uniquely influenced by the Byzantine, Ottoman and Moorish cultures of centuries gone by. However, the city is also a buzzing hub of music, fashion and art. With its lovely canals, charming piazzas, historic grandeur and warm climate, Venice is the perfect destination for a honeymoon or romantic getaway.
What to Do: Compact and completely without vehicles, Venice is easy to explore by both foot and water – if the idea of a slow, dreamy gondola ride through the canals doesn’t sound tempting, perhaps a glass-bottom motor boat will get your hearts racing. To take a beautiful photo that will commemorate your honeymoon or getaway, pause on top of the beautiful Accademia or Rialto Bridge that crown the iconic waters, or sneak a smooch among the birds in the famed St. Mark’s Square. The lofty cathedrals and basilicas will add intrigue to your city strolls, and a trip to the Doges Palace will provide vivid insight into the city’s history. Art both classical and modern cover the walls of the city’s many museums, allowing artists like Michelangelo, Da Vinci, Picasso and Pollock to invigorate your imagination and passion. While the two of you relaxingly wander down the windy backstreets, consider relaxing at one of the city’s many coffee shops to sip a fine espresso and people watching under the friendly, Venetian sun.
Day excursions to outlying islands like San Francesco del Deserto and San Lazzaro will help couples escape the crowds as they are cocooned in a world of beautiful lagoon waters, green gardens, cypress trees and fascinating history. On the nearby island of Murano, the two of you can watch the masterful crafting of celebrated Venetian glass.
Food: The atmospheric romance of Venice is matched toe-to-toe with the scrumptiousness of the cuisine, as long as you’re willing to part from the throngs of tourists. Seafood is the pride and joy of this city by the sea, and it is served alongside succulent meats, fresh pastas cheeses and savory cheeses. Plus, the crowning jewel of any dining experience is the local favorite, tiramisu. No Venetian meal is complete without a glass of world famous Veneto wine; as one of the country’s leading producer of wines, Venice’s surrounding region of Veneto produces a large variety of red and white wines that range from sweet to dry. A local highlight to try is Amarone, a full-bodied dry red, as well as the white Prosecco, a wine that is popular throughout the country and has experienced a recent global surge.
For an authentic meal in an intimate setting, avoid the crowds of tourists and follow the locals. A couple can’t go wrong when sharing risotto while sitting over the canal at Osteria Da Fiore, or toasting at the tucked away wine bar Al Portega.
Where to Stay: For every couple’s preference, there is hotel accommodations perfectly suited to them. Grand hotels like the Hotel Ca’ Vendramin and the boutique hotel Aqua Palace will let lovers sleep surrounded by classic refinement while being conveniently situated in the heart of the city. For the ultimate romantic accommodations, couples will fall in love with The San Clemente Palace; located on its own private island, it’s an oasis of luxury that dates back to the 1600s. When booking your room at one of the city’s many lodgings, inquire about special deals for honeymooners as a significant amount will treat newlyweds to exclusive packages.
Venice is a swirling fantasy that has come to life. The sunlit streets or moonlight glows of this floating city offer amiable scenery and slight mystery around every bend. The rich culture and effortless beauty will tantalize and seduce couples as they ride down the blue waters of the Grand Canal or stroll hand-in-hand through living, breathing history.
