Hotel Monaco & Grand Canal

Charm laden canals, golden squares, waterside palaces – it’s little wonder that Venice is billed as the most romantic city on earth.

A city for the curious, getting lost in Venice is half the fun. Time-worn streets lead you past tiny pizzerias and shops hung with Venetian masks. Gondoliers glide down waterways navigated by their ancestors, while vaporetti speed down the Grand Canal to St Mark’s Square and the Rialto Bridge. Islands gather in the surrounding Venetian Lagoon – and each have their own specialty. Nip over to Murano to see the masterful glass blowers or to Burano to wander the canals framed by rainbow-coloured houses.

Inghams operate a telephone Rep service in Venice.

Piazza San Marco

Home to the Basilica di San Marco, the Torre dell’Orologio and the Doge’s Palace, Saint Marks Square marks the heart of Venice and you’re bound to be drawn to it in no time. The square has a great energy about it always buzzing with people and plenty to see and do.

Basilica di San Marco

It’s one of the most visited sights in the city for good reason! The Basilica is a beautiful example of Byzantine architecture with its five teardrop domes. Its lavish decoration and intricate gilt mosaics have lead it to be nicknamed the Basilica d’Oro or Golden Basilica. It originated as the chapel of the Doge and became the resting place of Saint Mark in 829. The ornate decorations are in part thanks to a law passed by the Doge in 1075, which required all ships returning to Venice to bring back something precious to decorate the basilica. Spot the spot the “modern” mosaic designs by the likes of Titian and Tintoretto, as you explore this architectural masterpiece. These designs replaced some of the originals between 1500 and 1750.

Harry’s Bar

Harry’s bar has been a popular watering hole for artists, writers and aristocrats since 1929. The home of the original Bellini, Harry’s bar is where Giuseppe Cipriani invented the delicious combination of prosecco and pureed white peaches in 1948 and named it after the 15th century artist Giovanni Bellini.

Murano

Learn about the elite pursuit of the glassmaking artisans of the Venetian Republic with a trip to the island of Murano in the Venetian Lagoon. You’ll find glass-lined streets, factories and shops selling the famous colourful glass. Weekday mornings are the best time to catch the glass blowers in action.

The Venetian Ghetto

This was the Jewish quarter of Venice from the 16th to 19th centuries. Originally, a getto (foundry) it became the living quarters of the Venetian Jewish community. The law restricted them to this district at night and during Christian Holidays. With growing numbers of people and limited space, the buildings grew taller, housing synagogues and publishing houses. It wasn't until Venice joined with Italy in 1866 that full emancipation was gained for the Jewish people of Venice. However, this was short lived with many fleeing before the Nazi occupation. Today, the Jewish Museum brings to life the tumultuous history of Venetian Jews by sharing their stories. The Jewish quarter is a vibrant site of Jewish history, with a distinct Jewish population still living here. Wander through the streets lined with synagogues, restaurants and bakeries.

Venice Lido

The Venice Lido is a small island in the Venetian lagoon which has lovely beaches and great views of the city. Take a break from city life and find a spot on the 11 kilometre coastline. There’s a public beach to the north (come early to get a good spot) or you can choose from one of the paid private beaches.

The Bridge of Sighs

Known as the Ponte dei Sospiri in Italian, the covered bridge passes over the Rio di Palazzo and links the Doges Palace to the Prigioni, the prisons built across the canal in the 16th century. Hence the name, the bridge of sighs, it’s the last thing the prisoners would see before being incarcerated. As you pass beneath, spot the ten faces that decorate its baroque exterior, only one is smiling. If you visit the Doges Palace you can actually cross the bridge, but the best views are from the water.

Peggy Guggenheim Collection

If you’ve had your share of Renaissance and are looking for something more contemporary, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection is the place to go. It offers a more modern roster of works by mostly European artists from Picasso to Matisse, curated by the eccentric American heiress in the mid-20th century. Think cubism, futurism and surrealism. The gallery's artsy café is a great spot for a tea or coffee break.

LOCAL FOODS TO TRY

Bigoli is the city’s signature pasta. This fat spaghetti is made with buckwheat and duck eggs and served with anchovies and onion.

Spaghetti in nero di sepia is a striking pasta dish is made up of slow cooked squid coated in a tomato sauce, infused with squid ink, giving it a rich black colour.

Fritto Misto are tasty tangles crispy battered fish, calamari and shrimp. It’s usually served up in a paper cone.

Cicchetti is Venice’s centuries old answer to Tapas. Head to a traditional bàcari (bar) for a selection of tasty snacks.

Baccala mantecato is a classic cicchetti dish of slow cooked creamy cod with olive oil pm fresh crispy bread. Best served up with a cool glass of prosecco.

Sarde in saor is a sweet-sour dish with fried sardine fillets marinated in vinegar, onions raisins and pine nuts. The dish dates back to the Middle ages when the fishermen would use this method to preserve the fish. Today you’ll see it on menus as antipasto or as an appetiser.

• Longitude: 12.3369453
• Latitude: 45.432334

For more information on travel and transport visit our Venice page

Walking tour of Venice (1 hour 45 mins)

Discover Venice on this guided walking tour of the city. Your guide will escort you through the charming streets and beside the waterways, unveiling the history and tales of the enchanting city. The route includes Piazza San Marco, Basilica San Marco, Palazzo Ducale (Doge's Palace), Bell Tower, Clock Tower and Procuratie. Continue to Santa Maria Formosa – the charming square, Campo San Giovanni e Paolo - the "Pantheon" of Venice, Marco Polo’s House and Malibran Theater. At the end you’ll have the chance to take an optional tour to see a Glass Craftsman at work, close to St Mark’s Square.

Departs: Daily from 01 Apr – 31 Oct

Price: £23pp – hotel pickup and drop off is not included

Doges Palace (1 hour 30 mins)

Visit the Doge's Palace, "Palazzo Ducale", one of the most iconic structures in Venice, steeped in history. Formally home to the doge of Venice, it became the centre of the Venetian Empire and the seat of the Government. Your expert guide will lead you through the magnificent chambers, stuccoed halls adorned with artworks by the Venetian masters such as Titian and Bellini. Walk through the eerie, narrow passageways towards the prison cells and the famous Bridge of Sighs. Hotel pick up and drop off is not included.

Departs: Daily from 01 Apr – 31 Oct

Price: £42pp – hotel pickup and drop off is not included

Golden Basilica Walking Tour (1 hour 15 mins)

Marvel at the beauty and rich history of Venice’s Golden Basilica, one of the world’s most majestic cathedrals. On this guided walking tour you’ll see the golden mosaics, gems, precious stones, artworks by Venetian masters and the beautiful marble inlay floors of this Byzantine masterpiece. Your expert guide will tell you the ancient tales and explain the history of the magnificent building.

Departs: Mon – Sat from 01 Apr – 31 Oct

Price: £27pp - hotel pick up and drop off is not included.

Ducal Venice (3 hours)

Combine a walking tour of Venice with a visit to the magnificent Doge’s Palace. Begin with the walking tour where your guide will lead you through the streets of Venice, telling the tales of the city and pointing out the sights, giving you a true feel for the floating city. After, explore the chambers and stuccoed halls of the Doge’s Palace as your guide this building which the Venetian Empire once centred around.

Departs: Daily form 01 Apr – 31 Oct

Price: £61pp - hotel pick up and drop off is not included

Byzantine Venice (2 hours 30 mins)

Discover Byzantine Venice on this walking tour of the city where you’ll visit the majestic Golden Basilica. Your guide will lead you along the waterways, telling the tales of the city and pointing out the sights. You’ll get a true feel for the floating city. After, get up close to the mosaic laden, jewel encrusted Byzantine Golden Basilica, an icon of Venice. Your expert guide will describe the cathedrals rich history as you explore the building.

Departs: Mon – Sat from 01 Apr – 31 Oct

Price: £47pp - hotel pick up and drop off is not included

Inside Venice (2 hours 30 mins)

Explore the Venice of the Doges and its eastern influences. Begin with a guided tour of the Doge’s Palace, visiting the halls of power where masterpieces adorn the walls. In the second part of the tour your guide will take you to see the golden mosaics of the Basilica di San Marco, once the private chapel of the Doges of Venice, the only one of its kind in Italy.
Departs: Mon – Sat from 01 Apr – 31 Oct

Price: £66pp - hotel pick up and drop off is not included

Absolute Venice (half day)

On this excursion you’ll be led beside the canals of Venice, along the beautiful streets and through the sprawling piazzas, spotting and learning about the city’s most iconic sights on a guided walking tour. Next you’ll be taken on a guided tour of the Doge’s Palace, the building that the Venetian Empire centred around. Here you’ll see the lavish chambers laden with artwork by the great artists of the renaissance and be led through the narrow passages that lead to the prison cells over the Bridge of Sighs, as your guide tells you all about the history of the building. Finally, end the tour with a visit to the magnificent Byzantine Cathedral, the Basillica di San Marco. Sit comfortably as your guide explains the scenes depicted in the beautiful gold mosaics and artworks. Hotel pick up and drop off is not included.

Departs: Mon – Sat from 01 Apr – 31 Oct

Price: £88pp - hotel pick up and drop off is not included

Venetian Waterways & Grand Canal by Gondola (30 minutes)

Take a gondola ride along the canals of this magical city. This tour will take you to quiet secluded waterways passing under small bridges and along the Grand Canal. Admire Palazzo Molin del Cuoridoro, known as Mozart's House and pass by the world famous La Fenice Theatre as you proceed along the Rio Canal. Soak up breath-taking view of the Doges Palace and of St. Marks’ Bell tower from a unique vantage point on the water. Enjoy commentary on your gondola tour by downloading the mobile App.

Departs: Daily from 01 Apr – 31 Oct

Price: £36pp - hotel pick up and drop off is not included

Gondola Serenade (30 minutes)

Enjoy a “promenade” by gondola, the famous and most elegant way to cross the Grand Canal. Join a gondola of six people and on the trip you’ll be serenaded by musicians and singers performing Italian songs, as you float along the small canals of Venice. Hotel pick up and drop off is not included.
Departs: Daily from 01 Apr – 31 Oct

Price: £29pp - hotel pick up and drop off is not included

Venetian Savours (1 hour)

On this evening food tour you’ll be led through the “calli” (streets) to discover the flavours of Venice. Visit local “Bacari” (bars) and sample “Cicchetti” (snacks) which are specialties of Venetian cuisine. End your evening with a drink, served in a typical bar Venetian bar.

Departs: Tue, Fri & Sat from 01 Apr – 31 Oct

Price: £44pp - hotel pick up and drop off is not included

Tour to the Islands: Murano, Burano & Torcello (half day)

Discover the Venetian lagoons on this panoramic boat excursion to Murano, Burano and Torcello. Your guide will explain the history and traditions of the Islands as you sail through the lagoon. In Murano visit an historic glassblowing factory, in Burano see the colourful houses and admire the hand-made laces and in Torcello discover the first settlements of the inhabitants of Venice. 

Departs: Daily from 01 Apr – 31 Oct

Price: £18pp - hotel pick up and drop off is not included

Restaurants & Bars 

Grand Canal Restaurant is open to both guests and the public and is renowned for its inventive and luxurious dishes. The exceptional team of chefs work with local ingredients and create recipes inspired by traditional cuisine as well as modern resulting in an eclectic collection of dishes ranging from Swordfish tartare to honey-whiskey glazed duck breast. The restaurant looks out over the Grand Canal and during the warmer months dinner can be taken out on the terrace with panoramic views of the San Marco basin and island of Guidecca.

Terrace Bar has lovely canal views and is an ideal spot for a cocktail or glass of wine before dinner.

General Facilities

• Free wifi
• Private water platform