Just one kilometer north of the city of Venice is the island town of Murano, world-famous for delicate, artistic hand-blown glass products. Travelers with any interest whatsoever in this old, somewhat unusual art form shouldn't miss the easy trip to the other side of the lagoon. Free tours of fornaci give visitors the chance to witness the fascinating process of hand-blown glass production, and, of course, the opportunity to purchase the colorful, fragile products. Even those who aren't looking to buy probably won't forget the sight of diaphanous bubbles emerging from the mouths of Italian artists. Anyone venturing to the island shouldn't miss the church of San Pietro Martire, which features altarpieces by Tintoretto, Bellini, and Veronese. Murano, Train Service from Piazza Roma. Check Website for Departures and Prices.  « hide

Many European cities aren't overly pleasant to visit during the summer months - but Venice takes things to a whole new level. Not only are the sweaty crowds in full force, but the island sizzles with heat, and worst of all, the canals start to stink. Gondola rides lose their magic and lines outside the air-conditioned cafes are almost unbearable during June, July, and August. It would be better to visit Venice during the heat than not at all, of course, but visitors should consider how seriously the city's enchanting qualities are diminished by the beating sun before purchasing plane tickets.  « hide

Travelers visiting a new city for the first time can certainly count on getting lost at one point or another. But losing one's way in the New York City grid is quite a different story than finding oneself stranded on a tiny bridge over a canal that doesn't appear to be marked in any way. Venice's streets twist and turn and the connections between the various islands of the archipelago are rarely distinct. A few words of wisdom could avert disaster: it's important to learn the Italian names of the main attractions (i.e. Piazza San Marco instead of St. Mark's Square) so that asking a local won't be an impossible task. Keep eyes out for signs with the word per preceding the name of a landmark: these indicate that the square or church is in the direction the sign is pointing. Water taxis are one option for truly confused or hurried travelers. But those with a bit of time to spare should try to relax and revel in the beauty of undiscovered corners and alleyways. After all, Venice isn't that big, and most of it has been commercialized. Getting lost is one of the few remaining ways to experience something off the beaten path.  « hide