Originally discovered by fisherman in the 18th century, this stalactite cave is carved into the side of a cliff, with its opening about a meter above sea level. Inside the two and half mile grotto is a 120-meter-long saltwater lake, containing impressive salt structures that can be seen throughout the rest of the cave as well. While the cave is deep, only the first few hundred meters are accessible to the public. The fee to Neptune’s Grotto is 10 euros/person for a guided 45 minute group tour (you’re not allowed past the entrance if you do not pay for the tour), and is accessible by boat and car.

If you drive there you can park atop the cliff and walk down the 656 steps to reach the entrance. A beautiful walk with great photo ops of the Mediterranean Sea and rock formations, keep in mind that you have to make the trek back up when the tour is over. But, if you choose to take a boat to the grotto, you must depart from the port of Alghero. The fee is 10 euros, and doesn’t include the tour. The boat ride to Neptune’s Grotto takes about 30 minutes. While you save on some aching leg muscles on the boat, most visitors are in agreement: The breathtaking views on the cliff walk are priceless, and well worth the achy feet!

When to go: Neptune’s Grotto is open year-round, provided there is good weather and calm waters to gain access in and out of the cave. A popular tourist spot especially in the summer, August is the peak month for visitors with crowds reaching a few hundred a day.

What to know: There is a lot of walking up and down steep stairs and rock formations, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes. You’re allowed to bring a camera and take pictures, but the flash must be turned off to preserve the stalactites and stalagmites.

What is the coolest place you’ve ever been to or seen? Tell us below!

My mind goes straight to the Rialto, one of the most heavily trafficked parts of an overly toured city. Tucked behind an unassuming storefront, directly across the street from the frenetic (and pungent) fish market is Pronto Pesce, a small fish shop selling local delicacies that were most likely swimming just a few hours prior to your purchase.

I discovered this little gem on the Travel Channel‘s recently wrapped series, No Reservations. Knowing Anthony Bourdain would never steer me wrong, I knew that this had to be a stop on my own itinerary to Venice. And boy, did Mr. Bourdain ever find a prime spot!

The display case, upon first glance, isn’t really all that impressive – especially if you don’t know what it is you’re looking at. Fortunately, the people behind the counter speak English relatively well and are more than willing to explain what it is you see.

I asked for a sampling of everything. Greatest decision ever. The store clerk set to work, piling a plate high with smoked swordfish, squid eggs, salted cod spread, sardines, shrimp, shark, and tuna. Add to that, crusty, rustic bread and tiny glasses of Prosecco, which are filled generously and often. (Prosecco, to Venetians, is like morning coffee and completely acceptable for consumption before 11am.)

Pronto Pesce opened in 2007 as a simple fish market with takeaway service, but since then has grown to become an eat-in establishment, as well. There are fewer than 20 seats in the entire store and through large glass windows diners can gaze out at the raucous action at the Rialto.

The patrons that wander in and out are undeniably local – not a Nikon or a fanny pack in sight! If you are on a trip to Venice this is a perfect spot for a light lunch, an afternoon buzz and a peek into what Venice would be like without anyone but Venetians. Pronto Pesce can be found at San Polo 319 in historic Venice.

Traveler’s tip: Because Venice is mostly occupied with tourists, I wouldn’t recommend spending more than one or two days in the city. Hotel rooms and most restaurants are out-of-this-world expensive, and you are essentially visiting a giant outdoor museum. The city is a must-see, for sure, but Italy is home to towns that are just as picturesque and infinitely more authentic. Fortunately, Italy’s extensive rail network makes a quick trip to Venice entirely possible. Visit Trenitalia for train fares and schedules. A high-speed train from Rome takes less than four hours, making Venice a great destination for a weekend jaunt.

Got any hidden local hotspots in Venice to share? Tell us about them below!

Keukenhof Gardens, Lisse, Netherlands

Known for it’s beautiful tulips, Amsterdam is actually home to the world’s largest garden. Offering a kaleidoscope of colors among seven million tulips, hyacinths, and daffodils, Keukenhof Gardens is a must-see for all generations. While there, enjoy the brightly colored grounds, or see one of 30 indoor flower shows, featuring an array of over a dozen different types of flowers. For the avid gardener, Keukenhof offers nature lessons and gardening tips from experienced growers. If you bring the kids along, fear not, there is plenty for them to do. Keukenhof has a playground, petting zoo, maze, and a scavenger hunt through the park. Open daily from 8am–7:30pm from mid-March to mid-May; tickets for adults are about $19, while children (4–11 years) are about $9.

Villa d’Este, Tivoli, Italy

Also known as the Tivoli Gardens, Villa d’Este resembles a picturesque page out a fairytale. Filled with beautiful fountains and sculptures dating back to the mid 1500s, visitors will be knee-deep in Renaissance culture and history. Floral archways give way to meticulously trimmed, bright green bushes as you walk along the famed Le Cento Fontane (The Hundred Fountains) or behind one of the cascading waterfalls throughout the gardens. Open at 8:30am and close one hour before sunset; ticket prices vary throughout the year, so call or visit their site for more info.

Lincoln Memorial Garden and Nature Center, Springfield, Illinois

For a more rustic, but by no means less beautiful landscape, visit the Lincoln Memorial Garden and Nature Center. Inspired by the Midwestern landscape of Kentucky, Illinois and Indiana, visitors will encounter plants native to those three states in which Lincoln called home, such as Buckeyes, Larkspur, and various species of vibrant wildflowers. Bird hikes, nature book groups, and walking trails are just some of the many activities offered to visitors here. Perhaps the most endearing feature is the plethora of wooden park benches, with quotes from Lincoln, scattered about the 100-acre park. Open daily from sunrise to sunset; entrance is free, but you may want to call ahead as some events have admission fees.

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, Cape Town, South Africa

If you look hard enough, you can find a garden, even in the most unlikely of places. Known as the most beautiful garden in Africa, Kirstenbosch was established in 1913 and became the first botanic garden in the world devoted to a country’s native flora; it’s also part of a nature reserve, which houses animals and a variety of species of birds. Spring flowers blooming in the garden include lilies, conebushes, daisies, and fynbos plants. Walk the garden alone or go on a themed walk, visit an artist exhibition, or enjoy a special concert. Open daily September through March from 8am–7pm; daily April through from 8am–6pm; admission is about $4.63 for adults and about $1.10 for kids.

Nong Nooch – The Gardens, Chonburi, Thailand

If you’re looking for a garden with variety, look no further than the Nong Nooch Gardens in Thailand. From French and Asian gardens to the Butterfly and Pottery gardens, Nong Nooch has it all. With new additions and constant updates, Nong Nooch is ever changing, featuring strong architectural shapes and lines in one garden, and soft, delicate swirls and twirls in another. Open from 8am–6pm; included in the $15 ticket price is full access to the park as well as Nong Nooch’s famous Amazing Thai Cultural shows and Elephant show.

Butchart Gardens, Vancouver Island, Canada

Take in the 55 acres of family-owned flora at The Butchart Gardens. Rhododendrons, magnolias, pansies. and tulips are currently in bloom along with many other varieties listed on the Weekly Flower and Foliage Report. As you wander throughout the gardens, feel free to toss a coin in the many spouting fountains as you enjoy the colorful scenery. If you plan on visiting the gardens on Mother’s Day, take Mom to afternoon tea or a specialty buffet. Rates as well as hours of operation vary from month to month so visit the site for more information.

Mirabell Palace and Gardens, Salzburg, Austria

You may recognize parts of the Mirabell Gardens from the beloved classic, “The Sound of Music,” where Julie Andrews frolics around a Pegasus fountain in a garden with luscious green hedges. Opened to the public in 1854, Mirabell Gardens features classic designs from the Baroque age in Europe. It’s known for its unique Dwarf Garden, which has a multitude of tiny, misshapen marble creatures, as well as the “Heckentheater” or “hedge theatre,” which is now used for summer concerts and performances. Always open and free of charge to the public.

Huntington Library, Art, and Botanical Gardens, San Marino, California

Originally purchased in 1903 as a ranch, the Huntington Botanical Gardens is home to more than 14,000 types of plants and 12 different gardens. Perhaps the most unique is the Desert Garden, which features several varieties of cactus plants from oldest to newest and biggest to smallest species. Nearly 100 years old, the 10-acre cactus garden is a must-see for those looking for an unexpected garden experience. Hours of operation and admission fees vary depending on the day, so visit the website to learn more.

Claude Monet Gardens, Giverny, France

You don’t have to be an art lover to appreciate the beauty of a painting by Monet. Visit the Claude Monet Gardens, where the he found much of his artistic inspiration. Walk along paths lined with trees, plants, and an array of flowers. Carnations, roses, poppies, pansies, bellflowers, sweet pea, and blue thistle are among the large variety of flowers featured throughout the gardens. Open daily from March 29–November 1, from 9:30am–6pm; tickets for adults are about $12, while children are $8 (admission is free for children under the age of seven).

Stourhead Gardens, Warminster, England

Opened in 1740, Stourhead Gardens has continually maintained its reputation as an elegant landscape. With a lake as the centerpiece, temples, beautiful grottoes, exotic trees, and bright flora surround the gardens. Take a walking tour or roam around by yourself (you can easily get lost in the beauty). Step inside and take a grand tour of Stourhead House; you’ll learn about classic paintings and works of art. A visual retreat to visit year round, Stourhead Gardens is a beautiful escape to the English era of mansions and marble. Hours of operation are from 9am–7pm; ticket prices vary depending on how much of the Gardens you wish to see.

What are some of your favorite gardens around the world? Did we miss any?

The first thing you should understand about Barolo is that it’s actually made from the Nebiolo grape. From that same grape come Nebiolos, Barberas, and Barbaresco wines. Barolos must be aged at least three years before sale and five years before it’s considered a riserva; but most say the wine is best enjoyed between 10 and 30 years of age.

While you’re in the Piedmont area, head over to Cantina Comunale di Castiglione Falletto. They hold daily wine tastings and even offer walking tours around the countless vineyards in the area – truly a can’t-miss if you want to get an up-close and personal look at the region’s vineyards, walk through rows of grapes, and cool off afterwards with some wines.

After you’ve had your fill of vino for the day, head over to Bovio Ristorante in La Morra. Set on a hill overlooking the Piedmont region, this place is clearly a local hangout, judging by how many people are speaking Italian (and the fact that the waiters speak very little English), so you know it’s legit. You’ll dine on dishes that are generously topped with white and black truffles, a true sign you’re in Italy – dishes like these would set you back hundreds in the U.S (main courses start at around $23).

If you’re looking for a central location to rest your head, Le Torri Hotel in Castiglione Falletto is a good choice. From there you can drive to nearby towns, explore countless vineyards, while at the same time enjoying the charm of a small, barely touristy Piedmontese town (rates start around $120/per night).

MORE from ShermansTravel:

The top 10 wine regions around the world

Top 10 off-the-beaten-path wine regions

Explore more of Italy with our Italy destination guide

In other words, Emilia Romagna’s got fast cars and slow food, which makes it molto delicioso!

To help you plan your visit to Emilia Romagna, ItalyVacations.com, the independent travel arm of New Jersey-based Italian tour specialist Perillo Tours, has done all the legwork. The website lets you book a six-night group tour (minimum 20 people/$2,799 per person, land only) or pick and choose from an array of accommodations, attractions and activities to create your own personalized itinerary (including airfare). Here are 10 very local things you can do in the region appropriately known as “The Land With a Soul.”

1. Make fresh pasta and piadina. In the tiny town of Forlimpopoli, you can get hands on with Italy’s delicious fresh pasta. The action takes place at Casa Artusi, a “living cookery museum” inspired by the works of Pellegrino Artusi, considered the father of Italian gastronomy for “Science in the Kitchen and the Art of Eating Well,” his 1871-1911 compilation of more than 750 recipes. Under the guidance of a local Italian-speaking home cook known as a “marietta,” you will knead, roll, cut, shape and fill your own fresh dough to create pappardelle, cappelletti, ravioli, and other pastas. You’ll also learn how to make piadina, the local peasant flat bread that gets its flavor from wild pork fat.

2. Drive a $200,000 Lamborghini. Lamborghinis handle like a dream and the looks of pure envy you’ll get from other drivers are worth the pricy rental fee – but going back to your old Ford or Toyota when you get home will be a big let down. More locals probably work building Lamborghinis than own them, but you can arrange a private test drive via ItalyVacations.com around the hills of Sant’Agata Bolognese with a professional driver in the passenger seat. Rates are $249 for 15 minutes and $409 for 30 minutes. You can also arrange a video of your driving experience for $39 – and be the envy of all your friends.

3. Eat a home-cooked meal – in a local home. I highly suggest you take the opportunity offered by Home Food to dine as the guest in a local Bolognese home on dishes prepared by a “cesarina” (lady of the house). I was the guest of Mara Battilani, who stuffed me full of ridiculously delicious rosettes (generous bundles of pasta filled with a mix of mortadella, baked ham, and soft Castel San Pietro cheese and béchamel), a unique chilled aspic di pollo (gelatin stuffed with layers of chicken, vegetables and mayonnaise), and two desserts, the flan-like fior di latte and the sweet and fruity meringue with strawberries.

4. Ride a bicycle around Ferrara. How better to work off all that home cooking than to explore “the cycling city” of Ferrara on a bike? That’s exactly what I did on one sunny day as I joined the city’s daily cyclists (practically everyone here rides) with a breezy jaunt around the 15th-century city walls. You can follow a guide along the 5.5-mile route, pausing to admire and learn about the Renaissance-style Palazzo dei Diamanti, climb to the top of the Torre de Lioni in the 14th century Castello Estense, visit the striking Romanesque and Gothic cathedral, shop local street markets and, of course, eat. I enjoyed one of my favorite meals at Cusina e Butega, where the baked pasticcio di maccheroni (like crispy yet gooey macaroni pie), pumpkin-filled capellaci in meat ragu, and puffy “coppia” bread were outstanding – especially when paired with region’s effervescent red Lambrusco.

5. Discover the real balsamic vinegar. Once you have tasted traditional balsamic vinegar, aged for 12 to 25 years in a circa-1860 residence just outside Modena, you will never want to drizzle anything else over your salads, bread, prosciutto, strawberries or even ice cream. Try it for yourself at Acetaia di Giorgio, where Giorgio, Giovanna, and Carlotta Barbieri create thick, flavorful balsamic vinegars that are as delicious to inhale as they are to taste. Prices range from 50 euro (for 12-year-old balsamic) to 190 euro (for balsamic ages 25 years or more).

6. Attend an opera at Modena’s Luciano Pavarotti Theater. The Teatro Comunale Luciano Pavarotti in Modena honors the late icon, a Modena native and one of the world’s most beloved tenors. The exquisite building is equally larger-than-life, built in 1841 and richly decorated with elaborate ceilings and a multi-tiered horseshoe-shaped auditorium.  If you are not there during opera season (October to April), you can arrange to tour the theater (with a guide via ItalyVacations.com or by calling the theater for groups of 10 people or more).

7. Paint your interpretation of Bologna’s landmarks. As I discovered, one of the best ways to appreciate a city’s architecture is to capture it yourself in a watercolor painting. Under the guidance of Bologna artist Mara Guerrini, even artistic neophytes will be surprised how well they can turn a photo of the city’s medieval towers, distinctly colorful and arched facades, or San Petronio Basilica into a cool abstract painting that you can take home as a souvenir. Our group had a blast during a morning beginner’s session at Guerrini’s charming atelier.

8. Watch a Ducati or a “Stefanini” being made. Seeing hundreds of shiny red, black and chrome works of art – I mean motorcycles – being assembled is a sight to behold. Tours of the Ducati factory, which cost 10 euro, are available Monday through Friday and last 90 minutes. I have never attempted to play a violin, but as I watched one being made by Bruno Stefanini in his workshop/store in Bologna, I couldn’t help but think that, like a Ducati, his violins are handcrafted beauties designed to make noise, albeit of a vastly more beautiful nature!

9. Taste test Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, Parma ham, mortadella and gelato. If you do anything in Emilia Romagna, it will involve eating – with a capital E (or should I say M as in mangia?)! Don’t miss the parmigiano-reggiano cheese, parma ham, prosciutto, and mortadella at La Baita, a gourmet shop with upstairs seating in central Bologna. Add in a glass or two of wine so you’ll linger until every last bit is gone. Afterward, indulge in a scoop or two of gelato at Cremeria Funivia and enjoy it near the photogenic Fountain of Neptune.

10. Enjoy mosaics and seafood in Ravenna. If you think you’ve seen some amazing mosaics, wait until you get a glimpse of the early Christian and Byzantine masterpieces in Ravenna, a wonderful city near the sea full of buildings that have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dating from the 5th to the 8th centuries, the mosaics are incredibly intact – don’t miss the striking stars in the Mausoleum of Galla Placida, the soaring Basilica of San Vitale and the dramatic Basilica of Sant’Apollinare. Ravenna’s other treasure is its seafood and you can enjoy artistically prepared and delicious dishes such as fried shrimp with black rice and tomato pepper sauce at the atmospheric Ristorante Osteria del Tempo Perso.

See our Bologna destination guide for more trip-planning information, then use our Travel Search price comparison tool to find the lowest rate on flights, hotels, cruises, and more travel deals.

Whether you love art, nature, or ancient cultures, there’s a lawn sculpture for you. Let’s take a look at some of the best of the bunch.

Easter Island Monolith Statues – Pictured above, this replica moai comes in two sizes: large and giant (just like Americans) and instantly transports you to mysterious Easter Island. I recommend going all in, spending the $995, and getting the giant version. It’s six feet tall, 92 pounds, and will surely baffle the archeologists who will study your backyard centuries from now.

David Sculpture – If fine art is more your speed, you can skip the trip to Italy with your own replica of Michelangelo’s masterpiece. It’s nearly five feet tall and just as anatomically correct as the original (so you might want to turn a sheet into a toga if your neighbors are easily offended). If you live in the Midwest, you should consider opting for the Super Sized David Statue.

Lioness of Namibia Statue - Safaris can be prohibitively expensive and overwhelming for even the most experienced traveler. If heading to the African plains is simply too much for you, you can still experience the beauty, power, and majesty of the big cats with this queen of the jungle. She’s smaller than a full-sized lion, but just as lethargic. That makes her way easier to catch than this cheetah.

Gorilla of the Congo Statue – Many people combine a safari with a trek into the jungle in search of the elusive gorillas. Many people, however, have way more money than you and I. Plus, those gorillas are in the mist, and that’s just going to get all of your clothes wet and mildewy. It’s much easier to pick up this specimen (and at 18 pounds, you can actually pick him up and move him around).

Giant Buddha Garden Sculpture – It’s common for travelers to describe Asia ascrowded, chaotic, and cramped. It’s easier to study Eastern religion by bringing Buddha to your home instead of visiting the giant statues of China, Thailand, and beyond. No need to worry about this Buddha taking up too much space because it represents the slimmer version of our sometimes plump, always transcendent friend.

Australian Kangaroo Sculpture – Australia is far from just about everywhere (well, except for Southeast Asia and New Zealand, but who’s counting?). In order to properly experience the land down under, you need to take a lengthy holiday. It’s much more relaxing to pop in some Men at Work cassettes, dust off your VHS copy of Crocodile Dundee, and enjoy a five-and-a-half feet tall faux stone marsupial that won’t kick you.

Alien Flying Saucer Statue – Because I simply can’t afford a trip to space anytime soon.

Check out more SkyMall Tuesday posts.

The best value is the 10-day Mediterranean Moments, where inside cabins start at $699, or about $70/day; the cruise goes from Rome to Southampton and makes calls in Italy, Monaco, and Spain. Other itineraries we love range from the 12-day Holy Land Explorer (Rome to Venice, with stops in Turkey, Cyprus, Israel, and Egypt) from $899, to the 12-day Pearls of the Black Sea (Venice to Athens, with stops in the Greek Islands, Turkey, and Ukraine) from $1,299. Even better: all sale fares also include an onboard credit of $100-$300, depending on cabin class.

To give you some perspective, these fares are comparable to similar itineraries currently on offer from Royal Caribbean, which don’t include Cunard’s luxury perks like white-glove service and formal evenings. Just be warned that all sailings with the exception of the 12-day Greek Isles and Turkish Splendours start and end in different ports, and buying two one-way flights may increase the cost of your airfare. You’ll also have to hurry, as the sale ends August 6! Find all the details at www.cunard.com/sale.

See our cruise hub for more trip-planning information, then check out our cruise deals.

Stay at this rate on select dates in November and December in a Double Room with a double bed, a flat-screen satellite TV, a mini-bar stocked with complimentary beverages and refreshments, and soundproofed walls.

The hotel’s central location in the lively Via Nazionale neighborhood makes it an ideal launching pad for visiting the many famous sites that Rome has to offer. The iconic Colosseum, the ancient ruins of the Roman Forum, the Termini Train Station, and many other popular attractions are within a ten minute walk from the hotel lobby.

While the hotel’s facade blends right in to the nearby historic architecture, inside you’ll find a slew of modern amenities that many hotels in Italy lack. Enjoy complimentary access to a fitness center and sauna, an onsite coffee bar and restaurant, and a spacious roof terrace bar with sweeping views of the nearby Vatican. The hotel staff will also provide you with welcome beverages upon arrival.

To book this offer, visit the Artemide Hotel’s website for online reservations and inquiries.

See our Rome destination guide for more trip-planning information, then use our Travel Search price comparison tool to find the lowest rates on flights.

Palazzo Victoria, which opened in late March as part of the Salviatino Collection (its first property is the hilltop Il Salviatino in Florence), is located in a 14th-century building set atop Roman and Medieval ruins (some of which are incorporated into the public spaces) within the city’s ancient Roman walls. Accommodations are in four categories, ranging from Deluxe Rooms (shown at left) to distinctive Victoria Suites, and feature high ceilings and Veronese decor such as mahogany furniture, fabric wall coverings, and hand-made linens. Some have balconies, original frescoes, and parquet floors.

The hotel also features the casual-chic Brasserie of Palazzo Victoria, serving contemporary Italian regional cuisine created by Chef Carmine Calo, with a menu that changes daily and al fresco seating in the courtyard in season. There’s also a Lobby Lounge with a Wine Bar and Champagnerie.

Verona, which I visited in May for the first time, is vibrant and welcoming, with wonderfully preserved architecture ranging from ancient Roman walls to stunning Renaissance palaces. Its walled center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and its showpiece is its 2,000-year-old Arena, situated on Piazza Bra’, which is the third largest Roman amphitheater in Italy. In summer it comes to life with a series of concerts and performances. The city’s squares are also lively and photogenic, especially Piazza dei Signori, dominated by a statue of Italian poet and writer Dante Alighieri (shown at right), who lived here in the early 14^th century, and the nearby Lamberti Tower, Piazza Delle Erbe, and the elaborate tombs of the Della Scala family in the Arche Scaligere.

Shakespeare fans and romantics can visit a trio of sites linked to the star-crossed lovers Romeo and Juliet, said to be based on the real life Romeo Montecchi and Giulietta Capuleti, whose residences you can visit. I have to admit that Juliet’s House, easily located at 23 Via Capello because it is mobbed with tourists (many of them students), was a shock: Almost every reachable inch of the 13th-century walls in the entryway and courtyard is covered with graffiti (mostly names and initials of hopeful young couples encircled by hearts). And while the interior is worth a visit (it was restored in 1935 and recreates a typical 14th-century household), the star is the elegant bronze statue of Juliet by Nereo Costantini that stands in the courtyard (shown at left), where rubbing her right breast is said to offer good luck.

A combined ticket also lets you visit Juliet’s Tomb (located about 15 minutes’ walk away in a dark and musty vaulted crypt in an old Franciscan monastery), where, again, the graffiti is unnerving and the tomb lies heart-wrenchingly empty. The Montecchi house, on the other hand, is far more discreet. Located on Via Arche Scaligere, it is a medieval structure (now a private residence) with a Gothic archway and a poignant inscription (again marked with graffiti) of “Oh, where is Romeo? Tut, I have lost myself, I am not here; this is not Romeo, he’s some other where.”

Palazzo Victoria is located off of Corso di Porta Bordari, a few blocks from the Roman Arena and near some of Verona’s best shopping; rooms start at $290/night.

See our Italy destination guide for more trip-planning information, then use our Travel Search price comparison tool to find the lowest rate on flights, hotels, cruises, and more travel deals.

Pensione La Calcina: In the ‘90s, I stayed twice at Pensione La Calcina, an unassuming but well-located salmon-hued hotel in one of my favorite areas of Venice: the Zattere in Dorsoduro, overlooking the wide Giudecca Canal with views of the Palladio-designed Church of the Redentore. Not too long ago, I stopped back for a tour to make sure this family-run gem was still as charming as I remembered. I’m happy to report that it is. Its 29 rooms feature simple whitewashed walls, polished wood floors, and pretty antique furnishings, and the best offer views of the canal. The floating terrace cafe is a wonderful spot to enjoy breakfast or a sunset cocktail. Rooms start at $150/night.

Hilton Molino Stucky Venice: By far the largest hotel in Venice, the seven-year-old Hilton Molino Stucky Venice, a towering red-brick landmark that was once the city’s flour mill, anchors one end of Giudecca Island. Remnants of its industrial past remain in the wood-beamed lobby and bar/restaurant and even in many of the 379 rooms and suites, which have been nicely appointed in a classic-meets-contemporary style. The best face the canal, but there’s also a rooftop featuring a dramatic pool (shown at left) and trendy bar with sweeping views of the Venice skyline. There’s a vaporetto (public water bus) stop just down from the hotel and there’s frequent shuttle boat service to the Zattere on Dorsoduro for easy access on foot to the main neighborhoods of Venice. Rooms start at $212/night.

Hotel Londra Palace: Despite the constant crowds, I love the drama of the sun-splashed Riva degli Schiavoni, which stretches along the Grand Canal from the striking Doge’s Palace on Piazza San Marco over numerous photogenic bridges (including the one with views of the Bridge of Sighs) and past endless bobbing gondolas. If you want to be front and center in Venice, check into Hotel Londra Palace, a property with a great deal of historic style (the building dates to 1853). Its 53 rooms and suites are smoke-free and are decorated in a rich palate of reds, blues, and chocolate browns with touches of velvet and brocade that are striking rather than fussy. Tchaikovsky composed the first three movements of Symphony No. 4 in Room 106 – and you, too, will feel the melodic rhythm that is Venice. Rooms start at $465/night.

Ca Maria Adele: If you have an eye for architectural detail (and a generous travel budget), you’ll be fascinated by Ca Maria Adele, an exquisite 12-room boutique hotel housed in a 15th-century palazzo that I stumbled upon while walking in Dorsoduro. Its quiet location near the magnificent church of Santa Maria della Salute and the Peggy Guggenheim Collection makes it an ideal romantic hideaway for couples. Its eclectic design style mixes over-the-top Baroque with striking minimalism, East with West, and includes areas inspired by Morocco (the terrace), the 1950s (the breakfast room), and the entire globe (the lounge). Rooms are available in Deluxe (opulent design in golden hues) and Concept (which include the vibrant red Sala del Doge, shown at left, and the moody, Turkish-inspired sapphire blue Sala dei Mori); there are also two Suites. Rooms start at $498/night.

Bauer L’Hotel: A few years back, I enjoyed a stay at Il Palazzo at the Bauer, a lavishly restored palace on the Grand Canal, so earlier this month I decided to stay at the original Bauer L’Hotel, located just behind Il Palazzo on Campo Moise, which leads directly to Piazza San Marco. I already knew that the location couldn’t be more convenient, but discovered that beyond L’Hotel’s distinctive 1940s Art Deco façade lies an impressive lobby, decorated in elegant Deco style, and 109 spacious rooms and suites done in mid-century Venetian style.  Most face a small side canal while others (including my room, the lovely #236 with its spacious terrace) look out onto the gorgeous Baroque façade of the Church of St. Moise. Other highlights are the gracious service, the outdoor Terrace of the Canale Bar (shown at right) and the rooftop Jacuzzi at the adjoining Il Palazzo (inquire about booking a private hour-long soak there). Rooms start at $579/night.

See our Venice destination guide for more trip-planning information, then use our Travel Search price comparison tool to find the lowest rate on flights, hotels, packages and more travel deals.