DAY ONE
Morning
Galleria Dell’Accademia
This museum is the one-stop shop for Venetian painting, with an unrivalled collection by masters of the 13th to 18th centuries.
Lunch
Locanda Montin
Hidden along the canals behind the Accademia, this little inn serves delicious meals all'aperta under beautiful trellised trees.
Afternoon
Doge's Palace
Venice's one-time political and judicial hub. A tour of the staterooms and criminal courts offers a fascinating insight into the workings of past powers.
Basilica Di San Marco
A magnificent expression of Venice’s independence, St Mark's Basilica is a sensory overload of over 8,000 square metres of mosaics along with countless treasures, many of which were ‘removed’ from Constantinople.
Break
Caffe Del Doge
Why waste 15 Euros on a mediocre cappuccino at Caffe Florian, when you can come here instead? And yes, this is where Venetians go for coffee.
Dinner
Cip’s Club at the Hotel Cipriani
It may be pricey but it’s worth the splurge. Scrumptious food and an amazing view of Venice make this decked canal-front terrace unbeatable.
Day TWO
Morning
Peggy Guggenheim Museum
Set in the expat American millionaire’s former residence, the priceless collection includes works by some of the 20th century's greatest artists. Amongst them Max Ernst (Peggy’s ex), Dalí, Picasso, Kandinsky and Pollock.
La Bottega dei Mascareri
You’ll find masks all over town. Mostly they’re from China. But the exceptional one-of-a-kind locally handmade pieces you’ll find here are the reason Kubrick had these guys make those masks for Eyes Wide Shut.
Lunch
Antiche Carampane
Hard to find even though it’s close to the Rialto, this is the place for unpretentious Venetian seafood specialties. A real insider’s gem.
Afternoon
Shopping
The main designer boutiques - Prada, Gucci, Bottega Veneta and the rest - cluster just west of Piazza San Marco in a network of adjoining streets: Salizada San Moisè, Calle Vallaresso, Calle Goldoni and the Frezzeria. When you need a break, head over to the recently refurbished Gritti Palace Hotel for a coffee on the Grand Canal.
Dinner
Alle Testiere
There are only nine tables, so getting in isn’t guaranteed. Each dish is crafted with meticulous attention to ingredients – something often forgotten in a city of tourists - this is hands down the best food in town.
