Venice

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Venice Holidays

More than just a city, Venice it’s a living museum, a work of art, and a place where every canal has a story to tell.

Holidays in Venice

Venice, the City of Canals, is a destination like no other. Built on a network of over 100 small islands in the Adriatic Sea, Venice is a labyrinth of narrow streets, iconic bridges, and shimmering waterways graced by gondolas. Ever popular with romantics, honeymooning couples and lovers of timeless art and culture, holidays to Venice offer a magical Italian escape. Whether you’re admiring its grand architecture, cruising its canals, or simply soaking in the Italian atmosphere, our Venice package holidays were made to make you fall in love with one of the most enchanting cities in the world.

Venice also dazzles with its cultural treasures and lively traditions, making every visit feel unforgettable. Step into St. Mark’s Square to marvel at the Basilica’s golden mosaics, explore the opulent Doge’s Palace, or lose yourself in the charm of hidden alleyways lined with artisan shops. As evening falls, the city comes alive with music, candlelit restaurants, and the gentle glow of lanterns reflecting on the canals. From world-famous festivals like Carnival to the simple pleasure of sipping a spritz by the water, Venice offers a timeless blend of romance, history, and everyday magic.

Why Visit Venice?

Drifting along the Grand Canal or through hidden waterways offers a magical perspective of the city’s timeless beauty.
Marvel at St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, and countless Renaissance masterpieces — Venice is a living gallery of art and history.
From the world-famous Carnival with its elaborate masks to opera at Teatro La Fenice, Venice brims with tradition and spectacle.
Savour fresh seafood, cicchetti (Venetian tapas), and local wines in lively bacari bars, while soaking up the city’s relaxed rhythm.

3 Night Venice City Breaks

✓ Operator: Hays Travel

4 Night Venice City Breaks

✓ Operator: Hays Travel

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With so much choice out there, stop the endless searching – our experts at Hays Travel will find the perfect holiday for you. Speak with an expert now, find a branch near you, search online for great deals, or enquire today to start planning your dream getaway.

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Sights, Saints and Sunsets

Holidays to Venice are all about soaking up the sights. The Gallerie dell'Accademia, home to a stunning collection of Venetian Renaissance art is a must for art lovers looking to admire masterpieces by Titian, Tintoretto, and Veronese. St. Mark's Basilica, an architectural masterpiece, stands proudly in Piazza San Marco. This stunning cathedral, with its opulent Byzantine mosaics and five soaring domes, is a testament to Venice's rich history and artistic heritage. Step inside to admire the intricate details of the mosaics and the Pala d'Oro, a golden altarpiece studded with precious gems. Adjacent to St. Mark's Basilica is the Doge's Palace, a symbol of Venice's political power and artistic brilliance. Once the residence of Venice’s, ruler this Gothic masterpiece is now a museum that offers a glimpse into the grandeur of Venice's past. Wander through the lavish rooms and cross the famous Bridge of Sighs. For a breathtaking view of Venice, take the elevator to the top of St. Mark's Campanile, the bell tower of St. Mark's Basilica. As the sun sets over the lagoon, the city is bathed in golden light, creating a magical panorama of rooftops, domes, and canals.

Embrace Venetian Culture

Venice is a city meant to be explored on foot. While the major landmarks are not to be missed, some of the most memorable experiences come from getting lost in the labyrinth of narrow alleys and quiet squares. Discover hidden churches, artisan shops, and charming cafes where you can sip an espresso or enjoy gelato in peace. For a taste of local life, visit the Rialto Market, where Venetians have been buying fresh produce and seafood for centuries. Located near the iconic Rialto Bridge, this bustling market is a feast for the senses. Stroll among the colourful stalls, sample local delicacies and soak up the lively atmosphere. Venice's rich musical heritage is celebrated through its many classical concerts held in historic venues like churches and palaces. Enjoy a Vivaldi concert at the Church of San Vidal or experience the magic of an opera performance in the grand Teatro La Fenice.

Discover Wonders on the Water

No visit to Venice is complete without a ride on the Grand Canal, the city's bloodline. The Grand Canal winds through the heart of Venice, offering an unforgettable perspective of the city’s beauty. Hop on a gondola or a vaporetto (water bus) and take in the stunning views of historic palaces, charming bridges, and vibrant life along the canal. A short boat ride from Venice, the islands of Murano, Burano, and Torcello offer a delightful escape from the city’s crowds. Murano is renowned for its glass-blowing tradition; you can watch artisans at work and shop for exquisite glassware. Burano is famous for its brightly coloured houses and intricate lacemaking, while Torcello, the oldest of the Venetian islands, offers a tranquil setting with its ancient cathedral and picturesque views.

Food & Drink

Venice is a culinary treasure trove, offering a delectable array of dishes that reflect its unique location and history. Savour traditional Venetian fare like risotto al nero di seppia (squid ink risotto), sarde in saor (sweet and sour sardines), and fegato alla veneziana (Venetian-style liver). Pair your meal with a glass of Prosecco or a spritz, and end with a sweet treat like tiramisu or fritole, a traditional Venetian pastry.

Travel guide

From the moment you arrive in the Floating City, you’ll understand why Venice is often called La Serenissima—the Most Serene.

Currency: Euro
Average flight time: 2 Hours 9 Minutes
Time Difference: +1 hour
Most suited for: Couples
Best time to visit: April-June & September-October

All Hotels - Venice

Venice

Tintoretto Hotel

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Pra Delle Torri Eurocamp

Venice Weather

Average monthly temperature in Venice (°C)

Jan 3^°C
Feb 5^°C
Mar 8^°C
Apr 12^°C
May 17^°C
Jun 20^°C
Jul 23^°C
Aug 23^°C
Sep 20^°C
Oct 14^°C
Nov 8^°C
Dec 4^°C

Before you travel - Venice: Frequently asked questions‎

Venice uses the euro (€), as it is located in Italy. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants and shops, although it is useful to carry some cash for smaller cafés, local markets and traditional businesses.

1. Take a gondola ride along the canals.
Venice is famous for its beautiful canals and traditional gondolas, making a gondola ride one of the most memorable experiences on a visit to the city. Glide beneath historic bridges, pass elegant Venetian buildings and enjoy a different perspective of the city from the water.

2. Visit St Mark’s Basilica.
Located in the heart of Venice, St Mark’s Basilica is one of the city's most famous landmarks. Admire its impressive architecture, ornate domes and beautiful golden mosaics. The surrounding St Mark’s Square is also a wonderful place to explore, with cafés, historic buildings and plenty of opportunities for photographs.

3. Explore the Doge’s Palace.
This magnificent Gothic palace was once the residence of Venice’s ruler and the centre of government. Visitors can discover grand halls, elaborate artwork and historic chambers, as well as cross the famous Bridge of Sighs as part of the appropriate palace visit.

4. Walk across the Rialto Bridge.
One of Venice’s most recognisable landmarks, the Rialto Bridge spans the Grand Canal and offers lovely views of the passing boats and historic waterfront buildings. The nearby Rialto Market is also worth visiting for its fresh produce, seafood and lively local atmosphere.

5. Take a boat trip to Murano and Burano.
These islands in the Venetian Lagoon make excellent day trips. Murano is famous for its traditional glassmaking, while Burano is known for its brightly coloured houses and lace-making heritage. Both offer a quieter atmosphere away from the busiest parts of Venice.

6. Discover Venice’s art and history.
Art lovers can visit the Gallerie dell’Accademia to admire Venetian masterpieces or explore the Peggy Guggenheim Collection for modern art. Alternatively, simply wander through the city’s narrow streets, discover hidden squares and cross its many picturesque bridges.

The best time to visit Venice is generally spring and early autumn, particularly from April to June and September to October. During these months, the weather is often pleasant for sightseeing, walking along the canals and enjoying boat trips around the lagoon.

Summer, from June to August, is popular with visitors looking for warm weather and long days of sightseeing. However, Venice can become very busy, and temperatures may be high, particularly in July and August.

Autumn offers a lovely atmosphere, with slightly cooler temperatures and opportunities to explore the city outside the peak summer period. Winter can be a good choice for a quieter city break, although it is colder and damp weather is possible. Venice’s famous Carnival, usually held in January or February, brings colourful costumes, masks and celebrations to the city.

Whenever you choose to visit, it is worth checking local events and accommodation prices in advance, as major festivals can make the city particularly busy.

St Mark’s Square

St Mark’s Square, or Piazza San Marco, is the heart of Venice and one of the city's most famous gathering places. The square is surrounded by remarkable architecture, including St Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace and St Mark’s Campanile.

Visitors can admire the historic buildings, enjoy a coffee at one of the traditional cafés and take photographs of the beautiful surroundings. The bell tower also offers panoramic views across Venice and the lagoon. As this is one of the busiest areas of the city, visiting early in the morning can provide a more relaxed experience.

Rialto Bridge and the Grand Canal

The Rialto Bridge is one of Venice’s most iconic landmarks and a popular spot for enjoying views across the Grand Canal. The surrounding Rialto district is filled with shops, restaurants and historic streets, making it an excellent place to explore on foot.

Nearby, the Rialto Market provides a glimpse into local Venetian life, with stalls selling fresh fish, fruit and vegetables. Visitors can also take a vaporetto, or water bus, along the Grand Canal to admire the grand palaces and historic buildings lining the waterway.

Murano

Murano is a small island in the Venetian Lagoon renowned for its glassmaking traditions. Visitors can discover the history of this craft, watch demonstrations by skilled glassmakers and browse shops selling handmade glass ornaments, jewellery and decorative pieces.

The island also offers charming canals, historic churches and quieter streets to explore. It is an ideal destination for a half-day excursion from Venice and provides an interesting insight into one of the region’s most famous traditional industries.

Burano

Burano is famous for its brightly coloured houses, picturesque canals and traditional lace-making heritage. Its colourful streets make it one of the most photographed destinations in the Venetian Lagoon.

Visitors can wander through the island, browse small shops selling lace and local crafts, and stop at a restaurant to sample traditional seafood dishes. Burano is a lovely place to enjoy a more relaxed pace, away from the crowds around St Mark’s Square.

Dorsoduro

Dorsoduro is a charming district of Venice known for its art galleries, waterfront views and quieter canals. It is home to the Gallerie dell’Accademia and the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, making it a popular choice for art and culture enthusiasts.

The district also features the impressive Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute, which stands near the entrance to the Grand Canal. With its cafés, picturesque streets and relaxed atmosphere, Dorsoduro is a wonderful area to explore on foot.

Cannaregio

Cannaregio is one of Venice’s most atmospheric districts and offers a glimpse of everyday Venetian life away from some of the busiest tourist areas. Its canals are lined with traditional buildings, small shops, cafés and restaurants.

The district is also home to the historic Venetian Ghetto, an area of great cultural and historical importance. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely walk, sample local food and discover a quieter side of Venice.

Room only – ideal for independent travellers who want to explore Venice’s restaurants, cafés and traditional Italian cuisine.

Bed and Breakfast (B&B) – perfect for visitors who want breakfast included before heading out to explore the canals, museums and historic landmarks.

Half board – includes breakfast and dinner, making it a convenient choice for holidaymakers who want to spend the day sightseeing and return to their accommodation for an evening meal.

Full board – includes breakfast, lunch and dinner, which can suit visitors who prefer to have their main meals arranged at their accommodation.

Learn more about holiday board basis options.

Get in touch and book your perfect holiday with Hays Travel

With so much choice out there, stop the endless searching - our experts at Hays Travel will find the perfect holiday for you. Speak with an expert now, find a branch near you, search online for great deals, or enquire today to start planning your dream getaway.