What to do in Veneto

Think of Venice and the first place that comes to mind will almost certainly be St Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco). People have been flocking here to eat, drink, talk, worship and trade since the 10th century, and it remains a magnet for locals and visitors alike.

Winding through the ancient city like a glittering ribbon, the Grand Canal offers unrivalled views of Venice’s most famous sights. The waterway, with its colourful river craft carrying eager visitors past the majestic buildings that line its banks, is one of the best ways to experience the romance of La Serenissima.

The Rialto Bridge (Ponte di Rialto) spanning the Grand Canal is one of Venice’s most recognisable features, and has been wowing visitors since the 16th century, when it replaced an earlier structure. It was designed by Antonio Da Ponte (Antonio of the Bridge), who was awarded the contract in the face of stiff competition, not least from Italy’s most celebrated architect Michelangelo. On its completion it immediately won praise for its beautiful yet functional design, confounding the views of some rivals that its audacious engineering techniques were ahead of its time. The central arch of its revolutionary single span is high enough to allow ships to pass beneath, while its beautifully proportioned balustrades lend it an elegance that belies its sturdy construction.

Dominating the skyline of Verona is Arena di Verona, a Roman amphitheater that is one of the largest in the world. Built in A.D. 30, the arena is one of the oldest structures in the city and a building of colossal proportions. It’s also one of Verona’s most popular attractions and draws over 500,000 visitors to the city each year. Admire its architecture and watch an opera from its historic stone steps.

Cortina d'Ampezzo Ski Resort is one of Italy’s most fashionable resorts. Many visitors come to socialize rather than focus on skiing, which means you can expect the resort’s excellent runs to be surprisingly quiet. Glide down smooth slopes, admire views of stunning peaks from the chairlifts and take part in a range of other outdoor activities.