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you may wish venture into what is called Ghetto Novo, the Jewish Ghetto in Venice. After 1492, when many Jews were pushed out of Spain and Portugal, they began to make home in several Italian cities, and eventually, setting up small communities within Venice. There presence was not always one of welcome, and it led to the Governor of the Republic to designate a specified area where the Jews would be confined to; and in 1516, the first Ghetto came into existence. Today, when visiting, there are two synagogues dating back to the 15th and 16th century, a museum, shops and restaurants.

There is, indeed, so much to see and do in Venice, and to rush through it you would surely miss some of its splendor. As you wander, eating and snacking will never be a problem. Whether you pack a lunch and sit in one of the numerous squares, or stop for a sit down for up market cuisine, there is something appetizing for every one. The mouth-watering smells that permeate the city, especially at lunchtime, will tease you into submission.

When you tire of traveling by foot, treat yourself to a ride in classical Venetian boat known as a gondola. It can be a bit pricey, but what is a trip to Venice without a ride in a gondola; and if you are lucky, you may be able to get your gondola driver to serenade you as you glide along the canal waters. If a gondola ride is out of your price range, there is always a water tax/ bus (Vaporetti), which will navigate the canal like a subway train or commuter bus, making stops at most of the important sightseeing destinations.

As you continue your exploration of Venice, a notable stop might be at the Accademia (Accademia di Belle Arti) on the south bank of the Grand Canal. It is Venice's famous school of art, as well as host to an art collection of masterpiece paintings. Paintings created by Giovanni Bellini, Pietro Longhi, Andrea Mantegna, Titian, Paolo Veronese, as well as other artists dating up to the 18th century, can be found there.

No trip to Venice would be complete without a stop at Piazza San Marco, which is Venice's official town square. While there, you can visit St. Mark's Basilica (Basilica di San Marco in Venezia), which is the most famous of the many churches surrounding Venice, and a beautiful construction in itself. Lining the square, there is St. Mark's Clock tower, Procuratie Vecchie and Nuove, St. Mark's Campanile, and Doge's Palace. There are a magnificent selection of museums, cafes, and an opportunity to visit the famous Venetian

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