More Venice Sights
Italy

Gondolas, Venice, Italy

Gondolas are no longer real transport in Venice, generally just a pricey tourist attraction.

Cruising Venice by gondola is a delightful way to get around if the wallet is willing.

The less expensive way to do it is to hire a gondola for a group of up to six people and split the extortionate hourly rate, which is, incidentally set by local authorities. Do fix the fee before setting off as there are plenty of gondoliers willing to pad prices for careless tourists.

The most reliable gondolas can be hired from official stands. Hiring a musician or singer will cost significantly more with variable quality.

The Bridge of Sighs, Venice, Italy

The Bridge of Sighs, Ponte della Paglia.

The Grand Canal, Venice, Italy

The Grand Canal with the church of Santa Maria della Salute on the island of San Giorgio Maggiore to the right.

Piazza San Marco seen from the Campanile tower, looking across to Dorsoduro island, Venice, Italy

Piazza San Marco seen from the Campanile tower, looking across to Dorsoduro island, the church of Santa Maria della Salute and La Giudecca island beyond.

Piazza San Marco partly flooded during a high tide, Venice Italy

Piazza San Marco and the Basilica during a moderately high tide.

St Mark's Basilica and its glorious mosaics...to enter free and avoid queues and crowds

• get a free, timed-entry ticket to San Marco online, preferably at opening time of 9.45am daily or 2pm Sundays, wander around and then prepare to be dazzled when the mosaic lights go on (illuminations weekdays 11.30am, Sundays 2pm).

• or book a free guided tour (April - October) at 11am.

The Palazzo Ducale, next to Basilica San Marco, Venice Italy