Built on 118 islands in 400 AD, this ancient city of marble palaces still has an abundance of unique experiences to offer the modern-day tourist. Upon stepping out of the station guests are met with the overwhelming view of the dome of the magnificent San Simeone Piccolo across the dazzling Grand Canal. Needless to say, Venice is rich with bewildering architecture and art from centuries past that leave onlookers in awe. Despite this, the city also has a strong focus on contemporary art with yearly Art and Architecture Biennale shows exhibiting international innovations in many fields. From the most iconic Venice experiences to the unknown curiosities, Gifting Owl has a wide range of possible gift ideas for anyone travelling to Venice.
Visitors will be absolutely spoilt for choice when planning a day in Venice. No matter what experiences are scheduled they are bound to distract themselves by exploring the many small passages and alleyways, or streets as they call them, even if it’s just to escape from the bustling crowds of visitors for a moment.
On first viewing Venice you’ll immediately notice the beautiful Grand Canal, the main waterway that divides the city into two from San Marco Basilica to Santa Chiara Church. The canal is lined with over 170 buildings, some that date back to the 13th century, that boast Venice’s iconic architecture bound to leave visitors entranced from their first step into the city. Your giftee will spend hours admiring the awe-inspiring architectural style known as ‘Venetian Gothic’ with influences including local building requirements and even Islamic architecture due to Venice’s original trading network.
An absolute must-see site is the ornate St. Mark’s Basilica, easily the most iconic and widely known building in the city, the mosaic-studded wonder hosts a morning mass every day that pairs perfectly with a stunning sunrise. Other architectural wonders include the Ponte di Rialto, Venice’s most iconic bridge (out of the more than 400) lined with small traditional boutiques or the Palazzo Ducale, a 16th-century gothic courthouse turned museum is brimming with history and classical artworks by the likes of Tintoretto and Bellini.
Speaking of art, Venice is home to some of Italy’s most remarkable art galleries. Even when travelling outside of Biennale season, art lovers will be astonished by the sheer amount of the city has to offer. For modern art, look no further than the Ca’ Pesaro, an intricate 16th-century marble palace that showcases many works from Biennales past, and the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, one of the world’s most acclaimed private art collections. Only a short walk away is the Gallerie dell’Accademia, the sprawling museum showcases the remarkable history of the city through the eyes of prominent Venetian artists.
If the hectic pace of taking in so many of the destination’s splendours gets too overwhelming, you can seek refuge at one of the beautiful nearby beaches. Popular options include the clear waters of Cavallino and the vibrant beach party that is Lido di Jesolo. You can also make a brief escape to the Venetian Lagoon - another floating city just a few kilometres south of Venice. Blessed with that similar romantic charm of its larger neighbour, canals and red brick 11th-century belltower are well worth the visit.
No trip to Venice is complete without the quintessential gondola ride experience down the Grand Canal. For those looking to gift someone with this dreamy Venetian experience, Gifting Owl has got you covered with a wide selection of Gondola tours ranging from private rides to included dining experiences. Alternatively, Gifting Owl offers canal boat tours with charming tour guides that are highly knowledgeable in Venice history and culture.
For those seeking explorative tours of the city, we have an extensive range of choices bound to have your giftee uncovering the secrets and hidden treasures of Venice. Enjoy a stroll around the hidden gardens of Venice that are hidden behind high walls with the Secret Gardens Tour or step into the real world of Venice that few get to experience with the Venetian Palace & Hidden Corners Tour. No matter what excites your giftee, there will be a tour option perfectly tailored to them available on Gifting Owl.
If your gift recipient has creative flair and you’re looking for something that will tap into that side of their personality - no problem. Incredible holiday pics are in the bag with the Venice Photography Tour. This is one of the best ways to ensure they capture some of the most incredible moments of their time in this most picturesque of cities.
Venice Carnival’s dark theme doesn’t make it any the less fun. A multi-week expose of masquerade parties, gala dinners and events, the festival celebrates the ‘end of meat’ in the lead up to Lent. The festival is a flamboyant and colourful display of period costumes and beautiful masks. Well, for the most part beautiful. The Medico della Peste perhaps deserves a more apt description of the bazaar - but behind its weirdly long bird-like beak of gold was designed in the 17th century as is preventive against the plague. Revellers of the day would fill the beak with perfume believing it would kill odours that supposedly carried germs and disease. Apparently, the beaked mask wasn’t as effective as some might have hoped but the tradition of the Medico della Peste lives on.
As far as dining options go, we have some of the most authentic Venetian cuisine experiences that money can buy. From genuine home-cooked dinners to a homemade cooking class in a Venetian apartment that will leave your giftee ready to impress at their dinner party, these authentic experiences are unlike any other. For those with a sweet tooth Gifting Owl boasts the tantalizing early morning pastry food tour, the sweet taste of Venice tour and the cheeky Venice chocolate tasting tour. With such a wide variety of unforgettable options, your giftee will be truly immersed in the Venetian dream.
