Venice

Using the ATM/Debit card is the best way to get a cheap exchange rate. Plastic money is acceptable all over Italy and getting cash exchanged is becoming harder.

LA CASA DEL TINTORETTO Fondamenta dei Mori, Cannaregio 3399/a, Venice (00 39 041 722081; www.tintorettovenezia.it) Tintoretto's house which is located in Cannaregio is the a printmaking studio now, La Bottega del Tintoretto, makes use of restored presses and old techniques in order to produce woodprints, copperplates and different types of engraving. Artists from all parts of the world go to have their work reproduced by the master engraver - Roberto Mazzetto. BOOKS FILIPPI EDITORE Calle della Casselleria, Castello 5284, Venice (00 39 041 5236916) Filippi is the oldest surviving publishing house in Venice. It specializes in all things Venetian- history, culture, cuisine and dialect. If one is looking for a book that has recipes from the world's oldest Jewish ghetto, a Venetian-Italian dictionary, this is the bookstore to go to. FASHION The major designer boutiques - Armani, Prada, Gucci and the rest - are located just west of piazza San Marco in a network of adjoining streets, namely, Salizada San Mois; Calle Vallaresso; Calle Goldoni; and the Frezzeria. DITTURA San Vio 871, Dorsoduro, Venice (00 39 041 5231163) This store specializes in furlane, that are velvet shoes for traditional gondoliers. They are very chic alternatives to mainstream slippers for men and women. FOOD DROGHERIA MASCARI Ruga dei Speziali, San Polo 381, Venice (00 39 041 5229762) The Drogheria Mascari is filled with trays of dry food. The store is filled with the smells and colors of the empire of Venice of old times. This is the only spice merchant left on the street that has the name. GLASS GALLERIA MARINA BAROVIER Salizada San Samuele, San Marco 3216, Venice (00 39 041 5236748; www.barovier.it) For 1950-1960 glass go to Murano glass which is the head for the Galleria Marina Barovier. It also organizes contemporary glass exhibitions. BERENGO FINE ARTS Fondamenta Vetrai 109/a, Murano, Venice (00 39 041 527 6364; www.berengo.com) Adriano Berengo specializes in limited-edition glass. JEWELLERY CODOGNATO Calle Ascensione 1295, San Marco, Venice (00 39 041 5225042) This store is known for its macabre skull rings and serpent necklaces. This has been the family business for three generations. MASKS MONDO NOVO Rio Terš Canal, campo Santa Margherita, Dorsoduro 3063, Venice (00 39 041 528 7344; www.mondonovomaschere.it) Remember Eyes Wide Shut? Kubrick got his masks from this place. Definitely worth a visit. SOUVENIRS GILBERTO PENZO Calle Seconda dei Saoneri, San Polo 2681, Venice (00 39 041 719372; www.veniceboats.com) Detailed wooden models of gondolas can be found here.

Venice isn't exactly known for its night-life but the Lido area has some good bars, nightclubs and live music places.¾

There are no surviving historical records that deal directly with the founding of Venice.However, tradition and the available evidence has led to the belief that the original population of Venice consisted of refugees who came from the Roman cities near Venice like Padua, Treviso, Altino and modern day Portogruaro and from the countryside, who were fleeing from successive waves of both Germanic and Hun invasions. Some late Roman sources have revealed the existence of fishermen on the islands in the original marshy lagoons. They were called the incolae lacunae ("lagoon dwellers"). The traditional founding of Venice is identified with the dedication of the first church of San Giacomo on the islet of Rialto (Rivoalto, "High Shore"). This is said to have taken place at the stroke of noon on 25 March 421 (the Feast of the Annunciation).

Two primary languages spoken here are Italian and older Venetian dialect. However, since it is a popular global tourist destination one can find English being spoken extensively in most places.¾

Venice has no particular customs that need to be observed. However, when men and women are introduced, the man bows first and waits for the woman to extend her hand. Then they shake hands.

Orthodox Roman Catholicism is the main religion of Venice

An average daily cost of a tourist in Venice would be between EUR 100- 150 with travel being the largest chunk of the expense followed by food.

Italy, a member of the European Union, adopted the Euro in 2002. ¾Some businesses accept the dollar but it is not widely accepted.

The top places near to Venice are Bologna which is 130 km from Venice, Rome which is located 393 km from Venice, Milan which is located 244 km from Venice, Florence which is located 203 km from Venice, Siena which is located 248 km from Venice

The top things to do in Venice are St. MarkÍs Square, Academia Gallery , Ca'Rezzonico , San Giorgio Maggiore, Museo Ebraico di Venezia, Murano. You can see all the places to visit in Venice here

There are 3931 in Venice which can be booked through Holidify. The most popular hotels in Venice are Estuario, Ca Guardiani, I like Venice, Sunrise, Appartamento di Charme, SILVIA'S HOME. You can see all the hotels in Venice here

The packages for Venice start at INR 67893 which can be further customized based on number of people, days, hotel category, vehicle type and customizations. You can have a look at all packages here

Venice is known for its seafood and there is a large abundance of simple but delicious fish dishes including Baccala Mantecata which is an entr_e. Also to be tried here is the Tiramisu and grappa.
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April, May, September and October are the best months to visit Venice. These months mark the peak of Spring and Fall, respectively. They are devoid of the winter cold and experience plenty of warm sunshine. The pleasant weather and the lack of excessive crowds make these months a magical time to visit Venice to explore it in its raw state. The first half of May is also an excellent time to visit Venice.
Summertime and August, in particular, are not advised for sightseeing. The sweltering heat and the presence of mosquitoes and bugs, combined with excessive tourists, make it impossible to experience Venice at its best. Alternatively, travellers who are keen to take part in any of Venice’s famous carnivals or events can plan their trips around the specific event. It is recommended to make your bookings in advance in such cases. If you’re looking for the lowest fares in flights as well as accommodation, then winter is your best bet.
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