Proceed in the direction of the CHURCH SANTA MARIA GLORIOSA DEI FRARI, erected between 1236 and 1338 through the efforts of the Conventual Franciscan Friars Minor, it was replaced by a grandiose Gothic Franciscan-style edifice in the 14th century, with a nave and two aisles and seven apsidal chapels (inside painting by Tintoretto and Bellini). The imposing 14th century brick bell tower is one of the highest in Venice.

Passing through Campo San Polo proceed in the direction of Rialto, crossing the RIALTO BRIDGE, completed in the 16thC. This stonebridge on wood piling was built to replace a wooden bridge and an earlier pontoon bridge that once was the only link between the two banks of the Grand Canal. The shops lining the central passageway make it particularly picturesque. Before the Bridge there are the MARKETS OF RIALTO, one of the liveliest and most characteristic areas of Venice since the earliest times. Traditional place for meeting, trading and exchanging, the district is still has its picturesque and very busy markets: here you find the fruit and vegetable markets, flower and fish markets.

Proceed through the Mercerie, road famous for the many shop on both side of it, until SAINT MARK’S SQUARE , the mostknown square in Venice. It has a trapezoidal shape and it enclosed on three sides by the arcaded buildings of the Procurators, it was once a remarkable showcase for feasts, ceremonies, tournaments and fairs.

Visit of SAINT’MARK BASILICA (Gallery, Golden Altar and Treasure), that was the Doge’s Chapel and mausoleum of Evangelist St. Marco, in Bizantine-Romanesque style, characterized from its 5 domes, the Byzantine mosaics and the Quadriga on the main entrance. The Bell Tower adjacent to the basilica was once a lighthouse for ships. At the foot of the tower is a 16th century loggia by J. Sansovino.

Visit of the DOGE’S PALACE (XII sec) that was the residence of the Doge and seat of the main government departments. It is of Byzantine origin and it’s characterized from the main entrance “Porta della Carta” in gothic style and from the saloons frescoed and decorated by works of prestigious artists like Veronese, Tintoretto, Tiepolo, Bellini and Tiaziano.

BRIDGE OF SIGHTS which was constructed in the 17th century with two internal passageways. The bridge leads to the New and Old Prisons, the latter called pozzi (wells). A little window looks out over the Basin of St Mark offering a picturesque view of the Island of San Giorgio.

Return by boat line 1 along the Gran Canal where stand over 200 ancient palaces like Ca’ Rezzonico (it houses the eighteenth century Venice museum), Ca’ Doro in gothic style (today the “House of gold” houses the Franchetti Gallery), and Ca’ Pesaro (it houses the International Gallery of Modern Art).

Return to St. Mark’s Square, proceed along Calle XXII Marzo with shops of high fashion and jeweller’s.
Alternately from St. Mark’s Square you pass under the Clock Tower and you go up again Calle Mercerie until Campo del Bovolo. In this small Campo stand one of the most characteristic building in Venice, la SCALA DEL BOVOLO, an original cylindrical tower opened with a motif of bowes on columnes. Here inside climbs a spiral staircase.

Passing Campo Manin you reach TEATRO LA FENICE , inaugurated in 1792, almost entirely destroyed by fire in 1836, and again recently in 1996, the Theatre La Fenice was the most important in Venice and one of the most elegant of Italian theatres. We then come to CAMPO SANTO STEFANO that is enclosed by fine palazzi and where there is the Church of Santo Stefano after which the campo is named, was built by the augustinians in the thirteenth century.

You can arrive at the ACCADEMY GALLERY, (crossing the Accademia Bridge, iron bridge built in the second half of the XIX century) one of the most important museums in Italy, essential for the study of 14th to 18th century for art and history. Built in the half of ‘700, the Accademia delle Belle Arti was reformed by Napoleone in 1807 and since then it has its seat in the ex Convento della Carità.

The PEGGY GUGGENHEIM COLLECTION is located in Peggy Guggenheim’s former home, Palazzo Venier dei Leoni, on the Grand Canal in Venice.The collection of works of modern art outlines the interesting path from Abstractionism to Surrealism. Temporary exhibitions are also held in the rooms of this ground floor palace (among the artists represented are Picasso, De Chirico, Mondrian, Braque, Duchamp, Delaunay, Kandinsky, Miró, Klee, Magritte).

Walk until the CHURCH OF SANTA MARIA DELLA SALUTE. This 17th century church is dedicated to Our Lady of Good Health (Salute). It was constructed after Venice had been freed of the plaghe between 1631 and 1687, and begun by B. Longhena. Very fine the overall effect of the statues that decorate the facade; while the octagonal plan interior is hung with important paintings such as the altarpiece by Titian in the Sacristy.

Return to P.le Roma by boat or walking along the Zattere, an ideal area of Venice for the strolls along the Gran Canal, passing through CAMPO SANTA MARGHERITA, picturesque campo surrounded by old fourteen-century palazzo and the little church Santa Margherita. The old belltower still has Baroque stone decorations.

We stop at Murano, (MUSEO stop) the symbol of the better tradition in glass art, preserving original gestures and techniques. The numerous laboratories and workshops allow visitors to watch the pieces being made, blown and finished before their eyes.
Going to San Donato you find its basilica, which is like a small Venetia, with the Canal Grande crossing it. It isinteresting to note that not the main facade, but the side facing Murano canal, was mainly east oriented during the construction of the church. Inside, the Orante Virgin, image of a Byzantine Madonna that shining over sparkling wall. This island has other place to visit, the Glass Museum with millenary memories from this ancient art, backing to the Roman period.

Between the islands of Venetian crown one relevant island is the pizzas and laces one: Burano, reachable in steamer ship.
The boat to BURANO (boat 12) leave every 30 minutes, from “Faro station”. Once there, you will admire the colors of the houses, true pride of the inhabitants, simple and harmonic single houses chain in which each color clashes with the near one. Across the road, you can see gentlemen seat before the door, probably doing laces. A quiet and simple island connected by bridge to MAZZORBO, place with residences of noble and monasteries in past time. Visit thefourteenth-century church of Santa Caterina, preceded from a small lobby, with fine campanile and cupola. Then, continue towards the Merletti Museum, ancient insular art renowned and appreciated over the world, museum that is accommodated in the Podestà Palace, where precious tablecloths, three from ends of XIX century, excellent and ancient copriletti are done according to ancient techniques. Remember that between the more important island activities is the fishing and strolling between calluses and canals; there is relevant men seeking to fix the nets of their boats. We suggest to stop in a restaurant to eat the daily fish.

From Burano go to Torcello (boat 9). TORCELLO is the most ancient land in Venetia, formerly sediment on lagoon, today preserved as archeological testimony of prestigious past time. Near, you find Borgognoni, in whose place you see the Santa Maria Assunta Cathedral, from the VII century, keeping a precious mosaic of universal Giudizio, from XII-XIII centuries, occupying a whole wall. At side, the Battistero ruins, and Santa Fosca church, with Greek cross, from VII-XI centuries. Exiting by campanile, you find the Cathedral, where, in past time, fishermen and travelers had the reference point. From top you can see the Venice palace. During the short visit to this island, you can visit the Estuary Museum, at Torcello place, with two different sections: the Palazzo del Consiglio, with Medieval and Modern section, and the Palazzo dell’Archivio, from XII century, with archeological section. Testimony of impressive past time, when there was the commercial route with Orient Empire.

Before evening you go from Torcello to Burano until Fondamenta Nuove (Boat 12). Here you can take a Vaporetto ( Boat 4.1-4.2) to come back to San Marco for a stroll until Rialto to admire Venice by night. From here to take again the Vaporetto to Piazzale Roma ( Boat 1 or 2).

GHETTO: now you are in the area of the old ghetto. Ghetto, which derives from Getto ‘jet’, as in such area in ancient times there was a foundry for cannons, is a word born in Venice and all the ghettos in the world have inherited their name from the small insula completely surrounded by a ring of water where just the Jews lived. Then you will find, first on your left and then on your right, the largest and most recent Synagogues (Spanish and Levantine). In order to go into them and into the others, which are half hidden from the view, you will have to go on as far as the Campo of the Ghetto Novo and the Museum of Jewish Art, where every hour some guided visits to the Synagogues start (about an hour and a half). Once the visit is terminated,go towards the quiet Fondamenta of the Ormesani and go throughout it in order to reach the Fondamenta of Mercy where you will turn left towards Calle Larga and go straight on as far as the Fondamenta of the Madonna dell’Orto.

CHURCH OF THE MADDONNA DELL’ORTO: this can be rightly defined as ‘the church of Tintoretto’: in fact the great artist spent his life in the neighbourhood; he is buried here and his canvas transfigure the interior by means of their pathos (visit 30 minutes). The Church was erected in the Fourteenth century but it was restored during the Fifteenth century and just for this reason on its brick front, which is divided into three parts, there are element of passage from the Romanesque to the Gothic and from the Gothic to the Renaissance.

Going back to the Strada Nuova you will see other two famous Schools but they cannot be visited: the old and the new one of Mercy.

STRADA NUOVA AND CAMPO SANTI APOSTOLI: the Strada Nuova is plenty of workshops and shops, but try to enter one of the many narrow calli on your right; nearly all of them, facing the Canal Grande, let you enjoy and enchanting and unusual view of the buildings along the Canal. Entering the calle indicating the water-bus stop you will have the opportunity of admiring the magnificent front of the Ca’ D’Oro, in order to visit its interior. There, in fact, there is the Franchetti Gallery (visit one hour). At the end of the Strada Nuova, you will find Campo Santi Apostoli, namely an important linking junction with Rialto.

THE CHURCH OF MIRACLES: passing behind the Church of Santi Apostoli, and going on through calli and campielli you will reach Campo St. Canciano an then Campo S.Maria Nova, from where, beyond the narrow canal, you cannot help noticing the wonderful polychrome marbles which cover the sides and the front of the Church of Miracles. Once you have entered (visit 20 minutes) look at the splendid barrel vault with wooden coffer.

ST MARCO SCHOOL AND CHURCH OF SAINTS GIOVANNI AND PAOLO: being back to Campo S.Maria Nova, go on to the Calle Larga G.Gallina and after the bridge you will see theScuola Grande of St.Marco on your leftand in front of you the Church of Saints Giovanni and Paolo. This Church, which competes with the Church of the Frari for its greatness, stateliness and because inside it keeps, like the other church, a great amount of precious works of art, is an example of Gothic architecture. It is a brickwork too and has got a marvellous façade. Once you have entered (visit 45 minutes) by the portal of the Fourteenth century, that was built with columns carried by Torcello, you will be striken by the majesty and the height of the naves. In the Scuola Grande of St. Marco, one of the most ancient in Venice and founded in 1261, today there is the Civil Hospital of Venice.

PICTURE GALLERY QUERINI STAMPALIA: after crossing Campo St. Marina turn left towards Calle Pindemonte. Going straight ahead you will reach Campo St. Maria Formosa where, behind the Church, Palazzo Querini appears, namely a building where the old and the modern (inside it has been restored in an extremely modern and original shape by Carlo Scarpa) perfectly blend together. Today you can find: on the second floor a remarkable collection of paintings of the Veneto, Italian and foreign schools which were commissioned and bought by the Family from 1500 to the end of 1800, and on the third floor the Foundation Querini Stampalia which organizes many Contemporary Art exhibitions (visit of both floors at least an hour and a half). From here it is extremely easy, once you have walked along the Salizada San Rio, to reach Campo St. Bartolomio and Rialto.

(itinerary from http://www.venezia.net by Tania Danieli )

Map of Riviera del Brenta

- Villa Foscari by Palladio at Malcontenta (this villa is distinguished by hexastyle Ionic pronaos designed by Palladio in 1560 and frescoed by Gianbattista Zelotti and Battista Franco. According to popular tradition, the name is taken from that of a noblewoman of the Foscari family who was “unhappy” about being confined to the villa because she was too free in spirit and restless).

- Villa Widmannat Mira (It was modernized in 1705 in an elegant French Rococo style and thefrescoes are by Giuseppe Angeli of the Ginbattista Piazzetta School. The estate dates from the same period, including the extensive gardens adorned with statues and the large chapel attributed to A.Tirali).

- Barchessa Valmarana at Mira (it is situated on a bend of the Brenta river and was recently renovated, it contains the great hall that was frescoed in the second half of the eighteenth century with architectural prospect, allegories and landscape that were attributed at the Chioggia artist Michelangelo Schiavone or “Chiozzotto”, and the interior still displays original furnishings).

- Villa Pisani at Stra (it is symbol of excellence of the greatness and sumptuousness of the eighteenth century and here is the largest villa on the Brenta. The interior was decorated by best eighteenth century Venetian masters and on the ceiling of the main reception salon is a fresco by G.B. Tiepolo. In the park adorned with statues, the stables by G. Frigimelica are outstanding, and there are other extravagant architectural features and the famous hedge maze).

- Villa Foscarini Rossi at Stra ( built on an eighteenth centuryfoundation, the interior is decorated with paintings in the school of G. Jappelli. The lodge is worth noting; it was once used for guests and boasts a large salon with allegorical scenes. And then it is possible to visit the Museum of Footwear, the shoe being a highly sought-after item of fashion and symbol of the craftsmanship on the banks of Brenta).

The VISIT of PADUA – Padua has a great artistic and cultural tradition and is one of the most important art cities in Italy. From the bus station, located in front of the train station, follow Corso del Popolo until you reach the Arena gardens where you will find the ancient AREA ROMANA . Next to the Arena are three art jewels: the SCROVEGNI CHAPEL , which keeps a beautiful fresco cycle by Giotto, the EREMITANI CHURCH , with frescoes by Mantenga, and the EREMITANI CIVIC MUSEUM, which keeps works of art from the XII to the XIX century.

Not far away is the pedestrian area, where stands the ancient Caffè Pedrocchi, historical meeting place of the nearby University students, faced by the University main palace Palazzo del Bo, one of the most ancient university seats in Italy (founded in 1222) where you can still admire the ANATOMICAL THEATER (1594) and Galileo Galilei’s chair. From the University follow Via S. Canziano to Piazza delle Erbe and Piazza della Frutta, seats of a picturesque daily market. The two squares are dominated by the imposing PALAZZO DELLA RAGIONE or “Salone” (ancient Law Palace), built in 1218.

Not far away is Piazza dei Signori, where once stood the Carrara Seigneury Palace. Here you can admire the CLOCK TOWER (1437) and the LOGGIA DELLA GRAN GUARDIA. From here follow Via Monte di Pietà to Piazza Duomo, where stands the CATHEDRAL (16th cent) with its ancient BAPTISTERY dating to the 12th century and completely frescoed by Giusto de’ Menabuoi in the second half of the 14th century.

Go back to the University and follow Via S. Francesco to the Tomb of Antenore, the founder of Padua, as the legend goes.

From here take Via del Santo to the worldwide famous BASILIC OF ST. ANTONIO, erected in 1232 immediately after the Saint’s death. Inside the basilica there are important ancient and contemporary works of art from the 13th century to the present days.

In front of the Basilica stands the equestrian statue of the “Gattamelata”, a masterpiece by Donatello. At Piazza del Santo you can also see the ANTONIANO MUSEUM , the Oratory of St. Gorge and the Scuola del Santo, which keep numerous works of art, including frescoes by Titian.

From Piazza del Santo followVia dell’Orto Botanico to the BOTANICAL GARDEN, the most ancient universitari botanical garden in the world. Following Via dell’Orto botanico and then Via Brioso you reach Prato della Valle, an outstanding elliptical square surrounded by a canal and decorated by 78 statues of illustrious Paduan citizens.
On the south-eastern corner of Prato della Valle stands the imposing BASILIC OF ST. GIUSTINA, which keeps the body of St. Luke. A ten-minute-walk leads to the Sanctuary of St. Leopoldo Mandic’, which keeps the remains and the confessional cell of St. Leopoldo.

From the Basilica Palladiana over the Teatro Olimpico and the Palazzo Chiericati to the many magnificent palaces on the main roads you can enjoy the attractions, all of which are located close to one another.
Within the old town of Vicenza there are the most beautiful and most important monuments and works of Andrea Palladio. You should budget about half a day to do this tour.

The city walk starts at the Piazza del Castello, where the remains of the old Scaliger Castle are located. From here the route leads along the Corso Andrea Palladio, past the Palazzo Thiene Bonin Longare and the Palazzo Prot Breganze.
After 200 metres along the beautiful palaces, the Corso Antonio Fogazzaro branches off to the left. Stop here for a brief visit of the Palazzo Valmarana Braga Rosa and the church San Lorenzo.

Back on the Corso Andrea Palladio, right across from the Corso Antonio Fogazzaro, you can walk along the Contra Pasini to the Piazza Duomo and the cathedral of Vicenza.
On the east side of the Piazza Duomo, you can follow the road to the Piazza dei Signori with its monumental Basilica Palladiana. It is worthwhile lingering a little here and to enjoy the wonderful atmosphere of Vicenza.
Over the Contra del Monte you finally reach the Corso Andrea Palladio again, which you can cross directly to have a quick look at the beautiful palaces in the Contra Porti.

You continue along the Corso Andrea Palladio up to the church of Santa Corona, where you can admire the original tomb of Palladio and some beautiful paintings by Bellini and Veronese.
Finally, you reach the Piazza Matteotti, with the Palazzo Chiericati and the art gallery of Vicenza and the Teatro Olimpico.

Palladian Routes Vicenza
(See more: www.vicenzae.org)

The Arena, the Roman amphitheatre, is the most representative monument known in Verona.
It was built at the end of the first century after Christ to accommodate gladiator fights so much in vogue in ancient Rome, it stood impressive from the large space remained outside the walls that were closing the loop of the Adige river to the South. Its dimensions show us the development and importance that Verona should have had in the decades of the Imperial era. The Arena, with a capacity of approximately 20,000 spectators is indeed the third largest Roman Amphitheater after the Colosseum in Rome and the Arena of Capua.

The amphitheatre of Verona however is so well preserved to be still used for concerts, music, but above all for the opera season attended by visitors from all over the world. Due to its construction characteristics, the acoustics of the Arena is such that during the operatic concerts there is no amplification neither for the music nor for the voice. From the Arena take the famous Via Mazzini , the shopping street, until Via Cappello.

From Via Cappello, after 50 meters turn right at Juliet’s House, probably one of the most visited places in the city. The building, dating from the 13th century, was long owned by the Cappello family, whose emblem is carved on the arch into the courtyard. The Cappello identification with the Capulets gave rise to the belief that there was Juliet’s house, the heroine of Shakespeare’s tragedy. The medieval residence picturesquely restored by Antonio Avena to the mid 30 ‘s, has been used in the recent past for temporary exhibitions. The building has an inner façade in brick, a Gothic portal, trefoil windows, a balustrade connecting the various bodies from the outside of the house and, of course, the famous balcony.

Inside are exposed furnishings of the 16th-17th century, frescoes related to the story of Romeo and Juliet and Renaissance ceramics of Verona. The rooms on the top floor are covered by a wooden ceiling trefoil, with coffered painted ceiling in blue and gold stars.

In the courtyard stands the bronze statue of Juliet, by the sculptor Nereo Costantini.

Back on Via Cappello go back the 50 metres you just walked and arrive at the Piazza del Erbe, the ancient centre of Verona.
At Piazza del Erbe you will find the Torre dei Lamberti (VeronaCard is valid) from where you can enjoy a magnificent view over the city.
Depending on your time and mood, take this perfect opportunity to make a short detour to the Piazza dei Signori and to the tombs of the Scala family which are right behind the Piazza.

Back on the Piazza del Erbe, leave the square and walk down the Corso Porta Borsari to the ancient city gate of Porta Borsari.
Further down the Corso Cavour you will finally reach the castle of the Scala family, the Castelvecchio (VeronaCard is valid) and the connected famous Ponte Scaligero.

The Via Roma leads back to the Piazza Brà where you can enjoy a short break in one of the numerous restaurants.

Piazza dei Signori is the heart of the city and a meeting place for the locals. The Building of the Trecento and the elegant Loggia Dei Cavalieri can be found in this piazza.

The rivers Sile and Cagnan that slip between the streets give a unique charm to the old town surrounded by ancient walls. The houses with their beautifully painted facades reflect on the Buranelli canal and the Island of the Fish, which was created in the river Cagnan to accommodate the fish market and shows that Treviso has a close relationship with its water.

The Duomo is a remarkable monument and the frescoes by Pordenone and an altar piece with the Annunciation by Titan can be found in its Malchiostro chapel. Other treasures are enclosed in Museum Center of Santa Caterina dei Servi di Maria, including the story of Sant’Orsola by Tommaso da Modena, and masterpieces by G. Bellini, Lotto, Tiziano, and J. Bassano.

The Dominican church of San Nicolò, with its famous Capitolo room filled with frescoes by Tommaso da Modena is also worth visiting. The Cararresi House is a great place for art lovers as it has hosted many international exhibits in the past few years.

See more:
http://www.veneto.to/

In Auronzo there is Lake St. Catherine, a must-see destination to spend a quiet day surrounded by nature, taking a walk around the lake to discover the environment and stunning peaks, especially Tre Cime di Lavaredo. There are several walking paths, suitable for anyone equipped with refreshment areas to allow good stops.

From Auronzo drive up to Misurina where is the largest natural lake of the Cadore, at an high of 1,754.The perimeter is 2.6 km and the maximum depth is 4.5 meters. The lake is situated in a beautiful valley surrounded by the Dolomites and more precisely: to the North The Tre Cime di Lavaredo, to the East Gruppo Dei Cadini, to the West Monte Cristallo and to the South in all its beauty is the mighty Mount Soràpis, which is reflected in the calm waters of the lake.

From Misurina it it then possible to visit the most famous mountains in the world, the Tre Cime di Lavaredo: La Cima Piccola di Lavaredo (2857 m), Cima Grande di Lavaredo(2998 ft) and the Cima Ovest di Lavaredo (2973 m).
Once arrived at Lake Misurina, turn left and climb along a paved two-lane road up at the barrier where there is a pay toll to pass by and then park uphill on the large parking lot of Auronzo dew (2320 m, Auronzo di Cadore).
Parked the car at the foot of the Tre Cime, the hike begins along a dirt road with the number 101 leading easily to the opposite side of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo. Sunny path from morning to night passing over the upper limit of the forest, along the scree.

After about 15 minute walk stands the church dedicated to Maria Ausiliatrice , and shortly afterwards the Lavaredo dew (2344 m).

From the Lavaredo dew you can continue left along the path cutting diagonally detrital deposits at the base of the Torre Piccola di Lavaredo (2857 m) and carry on along a dirt road up to forcella Lavaredo (2454 m) reachable in further 45 minutes. The second alternative is definitely longer but smoother.
Once at the top of the fork, you see the classical form of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo.. In the distance you may see the Locatelli A dew. (2405 m).

A breathtaking spectacle: on the left are the majestic Tre Cime di Lavaredo, opposite Teston Rudo (2737 m), Croda dei Rondoi (2800 m), Torre dei Scarperi (2687 ft), Monte Mattina (2464 m), Torre Toblino (2617 m) and Sasso di Sesto (2539 m) at whose foot stands the Locatelli A dew . And so far the Monte Paterno (2744 m) and Croda Passaporto (2701 m).

Down on the opposite side, there are some trails leading along the north side of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo to get to the other side, where there is a small Alpine Lake (the source of the river Rienz), a refuge and another small alpine lake.

Carrying on we reach Col Forcellina and eventually crossing the great scree tla Forcella di Mezzo, we come back to the parking lot from where we began the hike.
In about. 4 hours it is possible to make the full excursion of Tre Cime di Lavaredo, a beautiful and not very tiring hike with a very low gradient.

If you want to have a good walk, then you may then stop in Cortina d’Ampezzo while coming back; it is a famous and prestigious Italian mountain resort, for a walk in centre or simply for an aperitif or for an elegant dinner. From Cortina take again the A27-Pian di Vedoia, direction Venice.