Port guide: Venice, Italy
Who goes there
Venice has long been a key port for cruises in the Adriatic and wider eastern Mediterranean, so you'll have no shortage of cruise lines to choose from, as just about all sail there – or technically speaking, to ports nearby. CroisiEurope, European Waterways and Uniworld operate river ships from Venice itself around the Venetian Lagoon.
Sail on in
Large ocean ships have been relocated from Venice centre, so you'll only get a distant view of the floating city and, on a clear day, the Italian Alps behind. On a river-cruise ship, though, you'll be dazzled as you sail past St Mark's Square, the Church of San Giorgio Maggiore and buildings encrusted with gargoyles, angels, balconies and belfries.
Berth rites
A ban on larger cruise ships has seen other, quite distant ports such as Chioggia, Ravenna and Trieste slowly take over, so check what 'Venice' on your schedule really means. The closest docks are now at Fusina and Marghera on the mainland. Some cruise lines may still check you in at the old Marittima cruise terminal at the edge of the historic centre and transfer you by shuttle. River ships continue to dock at Marittima or on San Basilio and Santa Marta piers in Venice.
Going ashore
Part of Venice's pleasures is to wander and find your own favourite corner, canal or view. Key sights however include the gold-laden Doge's Palace and St Mark's Basilica with its fabulous Byzantine-style mosaics, both of which overlook St Mark's Square. You'll also want to see the Grand Canal, Rialto Bridge, 16th-century San Giorgio Church and the Church Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari, which has a Titian altarpiece and splendid tombs. Admire more Titians and Tintorettos at the Galleria dell'Accademia, and modern art at the nearby Peggy Guggenheim Collection.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Perth Now
2 days ago
- Perth Now
Popular Perth ribs joint launches viral Dubai choc desserts
A Perth restaurant, known for its American-style barbecue ribs, is causing a stir among the food community following the launch of its viral Dubai chocolate-inspired desserts. The head chef at Ribs Lane was inspired by the viral Dubai chocolate taking social media feeds by storm to create rich, over-the-top treats for dessert lovers wanting in on the global obsession. The Dubai chocolate sweet treat craze recently popped off on TikTok thanks to influencers promoting Dubai chocolate — a chocolate bar containing a filling made with kadayif and pistachio — created by Emirati Fix Dessert Chocolatier in Dubai. Head chef Nicka Isabella said the team saw the trend explode overseas and wanted to create something that would give Perth a taste of the hype. 'It's not just about going viral. These desserts taste as good as they look. Perth deserves its own over-the-top dessert experience, and this is it,' she said. The desserts are unapologetically extra. Credit: Jay Turks Each dessert features house-made elements and Ribs Lane's signature drizzle, crafted to mimic the iconic Dubai-style presentations but with a Ribs Lane twist. 'These desserts are unapologetically extra and that's exactly what we wanted,' Nicka said. 'We've developed our own special recipe and flavour profile that's got people returning again and again. They are indulgent, fun, and impossible to ignore - both on the table and on social media.' People with a sweet tooth can indulge in viral Dubai chocolate loukamades ($17), waffles ($17) and cups ($15). The Ribs Lane Subiaco location will also offer a dessert pizza ($23).
Sydney Morning Herald
5 days ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
Greek seaside stay isn't luxe but you'll feel like you won the lottery
The hotel Hotel Marianna, Nafplio, Greece Check-in Nafplio is on the eastern side of the Peloponnese Peninsula, and its old town spills down a steep hillside, so I approach the hotel from above (where I've parked my car), not below. It's a glorious entry: I head through an ancient arch and down a wide, stone stairway that leads to the hotel. Approaching reception across a large terrace delivers a 'wow' moment. Not just because of the receptionist's effusive greeting ('Welcome! Have a home-made lemonade and then we'll fetch your luggage'), but also because of the view. Spread beyond is a collage of terracotta roofs, Ottoman minarets, neoclassical buildings and the blue ocean water of the Argolic Gulf. The look Painted bright yellow and terracotta and trimmed with green shutters, Hotel Marianna, a Venetian-style building, is nestled just below the Akronafplia, Nafplio's oldest of three fortresses. Guest rooms are in two main buildings with their levels connected by a series of staircases. Upper level rooms have views, while those on the lower level surround a pretty courtyard and overlook the lane below. Owned by four brothers of the Zotos family, and named after the hotel founder and elderly matriarch, Kyria Marianna, Hotel Marianna is spic 'n span and beautifully maintained. The room It doesn't pretend to be high-end luxe, yet the hotel offers a lovely balance of charm and comfort. In addition to 'regular'-style rooms, there are maisonettes with a small kitchen, plus atmospheric stone-walled rooms. All rooms, which are cosy, yet delightfully unfussy, have a built-in wardrobe, small table-cum-desk and large, wall-mounted, TV screen. Some bathrooms (they vary in size) are tight for space, but honestly, you're not here for the combination shower (though it has those, too). Bonuses include a fridge and tea and coffee facilities.
The Age
5 days ago
- The Age
Greek seaside stay isn't luxe but you'll feel like you won the lottery
The hotel Hotel Marianna, Nafplio, Greece Check-in Nafplio is on the eastern side of the Peloponnese Peninsula, and its old town spills down a steep hillside, so I approach the hotel from above (where I've parked my car), not below. It's a glorious entry: I head through an ancient arch and down a wide, stone stairway that leads to the hotel. Approaching reception across a large terrace delivers a 'wow' moment. Not just because of the receptionist's effusive greeting ('Welcome! Have a home-made lemonade and then we'll fetch your luggage'), but also because of the view. Spread beyond is a collage of terracotta roofs, Ottoman minarets, neoclassical buildings and the blue ocean water of the Argolic Gulf. The look Painted bright yellow and terracotta and trimmed with green shutters, Hotel Marianna, a Venetian-style building, is nestled just below the Akronafplia, Nafplio's oldest of three fortresses. Guest rooms are in two main buildings with their levels connected by a series of staircases. Upper level rooms have views, while those on the lower level surround a pretty courtyard and overlook the lane below. Owned by four brothers of the Zotos family, and named after the hotel founder and elderly matriarch, Kyria Marianna, Hotel Marianna is spic 'n span and beautifully maintained. The room It doesn't pretend to be high-end luxe, yet the hotel offers a lovely balance of charm and comfort. In addition to 'regular'-style rooms, there are maisonettes with a small kitchen, plus atmospheric stone-walled rooms. All rooms, which are cosy, yet delightfully unfussy, have a built-in wardrobe, small table-cum-desk and large, wall-mounted, TV screen. Some bathrooms (they vary in size) are tight for space, but honestly, you're not here for the combination shower (though it has those, too). Bonuses include a fridge and tea and coffee facilities.
