Destinations - Mediterranean - Venice

Located on Italy’s north coast and virtually surrounded by water,Venice is singular among the world’s cities. Shakespeare must have agreed, for he selected Venice as the setting for his Othello and the Merchant of Venice.

Built over a sprawling archipelago, Venice encompasses 118 islands separated by more than 150 canals that are spanned by some 400 bridges. Adding a profound historic past and incomparable art treasures, its fame as one of the world’s great cities is well justified.

Political refugees founded the first Venetian settlement in the 6th century. By the 13th century, the Republic of St. Mark dominated trade in the eastern Mediterranean and ruled the empire. The advance of the Turks in the east and the discovery of America and other trade routes in the west crippled the Venetian economy and decline set in. Despite this, Venice entered its artistic golden age. Many magnificent structures were erected; artists such as Bellini, Titian and Tintoretto created world-famous masterpieces. Napoleon finally overthrew the republic in 1797. In 1866,Venice was annexed by the new nation-state of Italy.

There are countless treasures that await the scores of visitors who descend on Venice each year. Most of the city has to be explored on foot, although a convenient water bus system as well as water taxis are plying the canals. Cars can enter Venice as far as the Piazzale Roma, where they have to be left at designated parking areas. From here a network of waterbuses traverses the whole city and is utilized heavily by residents and visitors alike. One of the best sightseeing routes is along the Grand Canal, where many splendid palaces line the famous waterway. One of the principal stations, San Marco, offers access to some of Venice’s most famed attractions - St. Mark’s Square, the Basilica and the Doges’ Palace. From Piazza San Marco, narrow streets lined with shops and restaurants lead off in various directions. A popular pastime is sitting at one of the sidewalk cafйs that border the piazza, sipping a drink and watching this marvelous scenario unfold around you.

Put on your walking shoes and explore this magnificent and romantic city. Treat yourself to a gondola ride, see the immense art treasures in museums, churches and palaces, enjoy a sumptuous meal or browse in the myriad shops - this incomparable city will never fail to capture your senses.

View all the cruises that call at Venice, Mediterranean cruise destination

Companies: Hapag Lloyd Cruises, Silversea Cruises, Cunard Line, Hebridean Island Cruises, Peter Deilmann Cruises , Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Seadream, P & O Cruises, Princess Cruises, Seabourn Cruise Line, Swan Hellenic, Holland America Line, Carnival Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Costa Cruises, Fred.Olsen Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, Noble Caledonia Limited, Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, Orient Lines, Royal Caribbean International, Star Clippers, Voyages of Discovery, Windstar Cruises,

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