With its beautiful and quintessential architecture built upon canals and a myriad of small lanes to explore and get lost in for hours, Venice represents a burst of culture and history unlike any other. From Bellini cocktails and extravagant venetian masks to magnificent sights and luxurious hotels, how would you spend an extra 24 hours in Venice? Dine, sleep, do, here are our recommendations.

Where to stay – Bauer Palazzo 

Divinely located on the Grand Canal, just off St Mark’s Square, five-star luxury meets 1930s glamour at the Bauer Palazzo. Epitomizing the allure and decadence of the true Venetian lifestyle, step into a world of sumptuous interiors that transport you to a bygone era. Bask in the sublime views from the terraces and enjoy all that Venice has to offer.

This exquisite hotel is located just a few blocks from the iconic St Mark’s Square, making it enviably placed for you to delight in the many spectacular Venice attractions and soak up the atmosphere of this enchanting city. Admire the sights in the morning sun before the day trippers arrive and settle back in peace and calm when they depart. Sip a famous Bellini cocktail or a glass of fine Italian wine on the hotel’s elegant terraces, and gaze upon the Chiesa della Salute, one of the most spectacular landmarks of the city

Also read: How to spend 24 hours at 7 of the most exquisite hotels around the world

Where to dine – Glam Enrico Bartolini

With an extra 24 hours in Venice, there’s even more time to appreciate the delights of Italian cuisine, so why not treat yourselves to an unforgettable gourmet experience at the two Michelin-starred Glam Enrico Bartolini? For food connoisseurs this is one of the ultimate things to do in Venice. In a gloriously romantic setting, with magnolia trees shading you from the Venetian sun, the Glam restaurant is a destination in its own right. And the pairing of multi-Michelin-starred chef Enrico Bartolini and Resident Chef Donato Ascani offers striking cuisine. Admire magnificent views of the Grand Canal whilst savoring intense and harmonious flavors, utilizing a wide variety of vegetables and aromatic herbs. This is true alfresco dining at its finest.

If you prefer to dine at your hotel, the Bauer Palazzo offers two exceptional gourmet restaurants: The Settimo Cielo Rooftop Restaurant and the De Pisis. Delight in creative dishes featuring a fusion of different accents brought together by the culinary cultures of the Venetian and Mediterranean regions, all with spectacular views.

Where to go:

Photo by James Lee on Unsplash

A unique landmark of Venetian architecture, the 12th century Torre dell’Orologio or St. Mark’s Clock Tower is well worth a visit. Here you can climb the Campanile or clock tower, the tallest building in Venice at 99 meters, for spectacular views of La Serenissima. Note that this is a popular attraction and tickets must be booked in advance. Either choose a VIP ticket to skip the queues, or you’re perfectly located at the Bauer Palazzo to head out early ahead of the day visitors.

Photo by Tjaard Krusch on Unsplash

With an extra 24 hours in Venice, we highly recommend taking a day trip to the enchanting island of Burano. One of the most memorable places to visit in Venice, the island’s Kodachrome colored fishing houses are a photographer’s dream. Famous for its lace and seafood, this active fishing village has many delights to offer. If you want to experience the magic of the canals and the picturesque buildings in a much more relaxed atmosphere, Burano is the place for you.

Travel with Luxury Gold and your Travelling Concierge* will happily assist and advise you with locating and reserving tickets for sights and events.

Shopping:

Photo courtesy of: https://lauramorelli.com/

The delicate beauty of Venetian lace is coveted worldwide, and this is your chance to source from master craftsmen. The ultimate souvenir, Venetian lace became popular in the 15th century, and the dexterity of its craftsmen can be traced back to the making and repairing of fishing nets. Lace has long been a specialty of the afore mentioned island of Burano and it’s here that you can visit the Lace Museum for a fine selection and good deals. If you are shopping in downtown Venice then the lace dealer of choice is Jesurum, on Calle Larga XXII Marzo.

Photo by Andrea Woods on Unsplash

Handmade Venetian masks also make for the most exquisite souvenir or gift. And, for an unforgettable outing we recommend a visit to Ca’ Macana, located at Dorsoduro 3215. Not just a shop, but a complete experience, you can touch, try on and photograph the masks freely. A memorable thing in Venice to do, learn the history and meaning of the masks and see unusual creations and unique pieces not sold anywhere else. Here you will also find the models made for Eyes Wide Shut, Stanley Kubrick’s provocative 1999 film, starring Nicole Kidman and Tom Cruise.

If you are looking for the biggest names in Italian fashion; Prada, Gucci, Ferragamo, Bulgari, Valentino, Giorgio Armani, then the elegant Calle XXII Marzo is only a few steps from Saint Mark’s Square.

Tempted to spend an extra 24 hours in Venice?

Book on our 12-Day Ultimate Italy luxury guided tour and stay an extra 24 hours in Venice, the perfect way to finish your journey. For a limited time, Luxury Gold is offering the Gift of an Extra Night on selected tours from our collection. The ultimate gift of time, imagine what you would do with an extra night in some of the world’s most exquisite hotels, at no additional cost.

*Though your Luxury Gold Travelling Concierge will not be with you for your extra 24 hours, as true connoisseurs of your destination they will happily assist with recommendations and reservations to make your extended stay unforgettable.

If you’re thinking of your next vacation, then why not put romance at the heart of your journey? To inspire you this Valentine’s Day, we’ve put together a selection of the most romantic places in the world. From tranquil islands and natural wonders to the greatest cities, read on and feel the love.

Provence, France

Photo by James Orr on Unsplash

With its beautiful scenery, light and colors, Provence is simply enchanting. And the list of romantic ways to spend time together are endless. Loose yourselves among fragrant purple fields of lavender and browse local markets. Indulge in delicious cuisine, elevated with native herbs, olive oil and garlic. Stay in a stunning French Chateau, visit wineries and walk among the olive groves. Or maybe take a cooking class and bond over recipes and aromas.

Ultimate Southern France

Venice, Italy

Photo by Henrique Ferreira on Unsplash

Whether it’s palaces, churches or galleries that you’re after, you’ll discover some of the greatest artistic works of all time in Venice. All set alongside the natural beauty of the winding canals and waterways. Stroll the bustling streets and admire the great sights of Doge’s Palace and St Mark’s Basilica. Be serenaded as you glide the canals on a romantic gondola ride. Or spend time together with loved ones in the canal-side cafes and the vibrant trattorias.

Ultimate Italy

Copenhagen, Denmark

Photo by Peter Lloyd on Unsplash

Copenhagen is one of the world’s happiest cities and oozes with the feel-good factor, making it the perfect place to connect with your loved ones. Nibble your way through the Torvehallerne food market and meander among the flower laden paths of Rosenborg Castle. Let loose and enjoy the enchanting atmosphere of Tivoli, Scandinavia’s most visited amusement park. Rollercoasters and manicured gardens, this is the perfect location for a romantic and carefree evening.

Timeless Scandinavia

Rajasthan, India

Photo by Meriç Dağlı on Unsplash

The Indian state of Rajasthan is vibrant and colorful, full of forts and palaces, deserts and jungle. This is where India’s Maharajahs have been most at liberty to indulge every fancy, from jewels to dances, from temples to frescos…and it shows. Stroll through stunning towns, watch the sun set over the great palaces and dine under the stars.

Grand India, Spirit of North & South India

Niagara Falls, Canada

Photo by Rikin Katyal on Unsplash

Magnificent, powerful and beautiful, Niagara is the world’s greatest waterfall by volume, and this breathtaking experience just has to be shared. Get wet together and cruise out to the base of the falls. Here time almost stands still amidst the immense roar of the water, you are that close. Raincoats are provided so you don’t have to worry what to wear on this date. You can also admire the falls from a variety of viewpoints, including the adjacent hotels. Sip a cocktail and gaze out over the falls – the little more romantic than immense natural beauty.

Indulgence in Eastern Canada

Budapest, Hungary

Photo by Bence Balla-Schottner on Unsplash

Budapest has creativity running through its veins. A wonderful mix of baroque, neoclassical, art noveau, art deco and other styles come together in this beautiful city. When lit at night, the views from the banks of the Danube are some of the most romantic in the world. Budapest’s best restaurants include an eclectic mix of world cuisine, from upscale Italian, German and Turkish eateries to traditional Hungarian taverns. The perfect place for a date, or two…or three!

Harmony of Central Europe

Edinburgh, Scotland

Photo by Connor Mollison on Unsplash

Bagpipes, castles, fine dining and tranquil walks. The Scottish capital of Edinburgh is a destination of choice for honeymooners and those looking for a fairy tale backdrop to their love story. Walk the cobbled streets of the old town, hike up to Arthur’s Seat for unrivalled views of the city, or step back in time at Edinburgh Castle, which towers over the parkland below. With its lively social and music scene, you’re guaranteed a fantastic evening. Take your pick of the many stunning hotels and world class restaurants.

Castles & Kingdoms, British Royale

Barcelona, Spain

Photo by Denise Jones on Unsplash

Famous for its romantic restaurants and bars, Barcelona has much to offer couples in search of a relaxing retreat. Wander the Gaudi gardens, climb the Sagrada Familia and explore some of the city’s world-class art galleries (make sure the see the Picasso Museum, in particular). To relax, settle down in a peaceful bodega with a glass of Cava and a plate of Catalan tapas and soak up the sounds of the city as day melts into evening.

Spain & Portugal in Style

Are you feeling the love?

Has our selection of the most romantic places in the world got you thinking about where to travel next for your dream vacation?

Wherever you choose, we invite you to treat yourselves with Luxury Gold. Enjoy 5-star hotels, exceptional dining and exclusive VIP experiences that will stay with you forever. From the moment you leave your home until you return, you don’t have to worry about a thing, with your Traveling Concierge and Well-Being Director ensuring a flawless and luxurious journey tailored for you.

For more information on the luxury guided tours mentioned here, and to see our full worldwide collection, take a look at our website and interactive brochure for 2022 & 2023.

The past 20 months have certainly taught us that travel is a precious gift and privilege we can’t take for granted but I have also realized that my desire – even urge – to travel has never been stronger. I also firmly believe that COVID-19 is here to stay, it will eventually transition from a pandemic to being endemic, but it is absolutely possible to coexist with the virus (governments working together on a unified approach would certainly be helpful but the advent of Omicron has yet again shown that every country, or sometimes even region is determined to put their own random measures in place, so this remains wishful thinking on my part).

In fact, this summer we have gradually resumed our operations – first domestically in Australia and the US but then also in Egypt, Iceland as well as a number of favorite European destinations such as Italy, Spain, Portugal, Ireland, Croatia, Switzerland, the UK and more. Whilst operations have never been more complex and we’ve had to adjust and pivot along the way, we now have the living proof that our well-thought-out and carefully planned protocols are working and we are back to doing what we love and do best: deliver amazing holiday experiences for our guests. And without wanting to state the obvious, in this ‘brave new world’ going guided is THE best way to travel.

Throughout the pandemic I have also made a concerted effort to focus on what I can control and on the positives. Even on the darkest days, it is possible to turn Covid lemons into lemonade.

One such example is our family trip to the Galapagos Islands this autumn. In a normal year, I’d be busy supporting our team in Australia and New Zealand with launch events at that time, but Covid transformed this into an opportunity to cross the Galapagos Islands off my personal bucket list (it had been on there for some 20 years!) what was even better, to experience it with my family.

Not only did we have an amazing time experiencing the incredible wildlife and being really far away from civilization (when was the last time you didn’t have WiFi for several days, and apart from our small group of 20 on the yacht didn’t see another human, nor a building, nor a road nor a car?), it also highlighted the power and importance of travel in a profound way.  How invigorated, enriched and alive you feel when you see, taste, hear, smell and touch a new destination. How travel really can be a force for good if you see how the Galapagos Islands masterfully manage conservation and tourism. It also highlighted how difficult the absence of tourism had been for the local Galapagueños.

Coming back from our family vacation made me even more determined than ever to see these difficult times through and to work towards bringing the joy of travel to thousands of Insight Vacations and Luxury Gold guests again in the near future.

It also made me dream of more travel! Working for The Travel Corporation one is really spoilt for choice with hundreds of experiential journeys that connect you authentically to the places and people you visit, but here are my top 3:

Insight Vacations’ Wonder Women – Venice and the Croatian Coast  

We launched our Wonder Women series a few years ago and this year we’ve taken it up a notch! This trip is designed by women, for women and is anchored in sustainable travel principles. The Croatia journey includes several new #MakeTravelMatter Experiences designed to uplift local women in their communities and ensure Insight’s travels are used as a force for good while supporting the United Nations’ Global Goals. Even better on one of our departures Celine Cousteau, our TreadRight Ambassador will join part of the tour. View her comments below.

One of the Make Travel Matter® Experiences I’m most excited about is meeting the industrious women of the Tara Community Centre. Through its income the Tara Center has built a small community Center that is used by the Tara Citizens’ Association, a collective of mostly older women, many of whom were refugees. There the women produce handicrafts which have giving them a much-needed financial and psychological boost. The staff educate their visitors about local traditions and share their personal story of the village with great passion from personal knowledge and experience.

The Tara Center advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities and UN Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable cities & Communities.

Luxury Gold’s Ultimate Southern France 

Luxury Gold journeys are the epitome of luxurious small group travel, a vast array of included choice activities and the most incredible food. Even better, on all tours you’re able to enjoy all these things with your dedicated Traveling Concierge who will look after all the details and also curate your trip for a truly personal and exceptional holiday.

Picking just one Luxury Gold trip is therefore near impossible but given our Ultimate Southern France tour is new, I’m most excited about it!

When I’m having a tough day, I picture myself enjoying the French icons of Avignon, Provence including the famous Pont d’Avignon, the impressive city walls and the Papal Palace. To get here our guests enjoy a chauffeured drive in a Citroen 2CV through the hilly countryside passing fields of Lavender.

Of course, a Luxury Gold tour isn’t complete without exceptional dining. On this journey we visit the acclaimed winery, Domaine de la Citadelle, for a tour of its grounds and a picnic lunch of Provencal favorites paired with local wine.

Feeling tired after all these marvels? Settle into the Hotel d’Europe at the heart of Avignon, moments away from the entrance to the ancient city walls. Set in a 16th century building, the rooms are elegantly designed with classic comfort in mind.

Uniworld’s Generations Family Cruise – Venice & the Gems of Northern Italy 

After our trip to the Galapagos Islands this year, which was such a fun filled family time together, I’m including a family trip on my #TTCTop3 list.

Northern Italy has a special place in my heart. Not only did I study there, I also love its people, places and culinary delights.

Uniworld’s Generations cruise is the perfect opportunity to share culturally and historically significant experiences with my two sons who are at the perfect age to enjoy all that Venice and Northern Italy have to offer.

I know my youngest will love a visit to Doge’s Palace. With mystery at every turn, artistic majesty cloaking the walls, and a dusty dungeon straight from a fairy tale—Doge’s Palace is, in a word, spectacular.