Venice Travel Guide 2026: Carnival, Olympics, and the City of Canals

Venice: Carnival, Power, and the Olympic Curtain CallEpisode 5 of 20 in the Regional Capitals of Italy SeriesCiao and welcome to Immersion Travel Italy, the podcast where we don’t just visit Italy, we experience it.In this episode, we travel to one of the world’s most unforgettable cities: Venice. Timed with the 2026 Winter Olympics and the start of the Carnival season, we explore Venice through history, tradition, architecture, festivals, and personal stories that bring the city to life.We begin in Piazza San Marco, experiencing the Basilica di San Marco at sunrise and during an unforgettable after-hours tour. Listeners will hear about the shimmering gold mosaics, the view from the terrace, the Pala d’Oro, and the sacred crypt where Saint Mark’s relics rest.Next, we visit the Campanile of San Marco, the city’s towering bell tower with elevator access and panoramic views. From there, we walk through the Doge’s Palace, cross the Bridge of Sighs, and imagine Venice in the days when it was a maritime empire that shaped the eastern Mediterranean.We also explore Venice’s neighborhoods. I share a personal story from our recent stay in Cannaregio, a quieter and more local part of the city that still hugs the Grand Canal. You will hear about Pasticceria Pitteri, a local favorite for fresh pastries, and our morning routines away from the crowds.We continue by ferry across the lagoon to Murano and Burano. On Murano, we visit Gino Mazzuccato’s glass studio, where my teenage son and his friend were selected to help in a live glassblowing demonstration. It was a moment we will never forget. On Burano, we share the story of the island’s vivid houses, lace-making tradition, and a peaceful lunch at Trattoria alla Maddalena on nearby Mazzorbo, where we watched students arrive by boat after school.Additional highlights include:• Our favorite church for art in situ, Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari• The Accademia Galleries, home to masterpieces by Bellini, Tintoretto, and Carpaccio• A special stop at Gelateria Nico on the Zattere, where a local friend always goes for a gianduiotto affogato• The Festa della Sensa, Venice’s symbolic marriage to the sea• Reflections on Venetian architecture in places like Split, Dubrovnik, and Slovenia• A preview of upcoming Olympic events in Cortina d’Ampezzo and the Closing Ceremony in VeronaWe also touch on the importance of visiting Venice with care and intention. From sacred spaces to hidden gems, this is a city that rewards those who walk slowly, look up, and linger longer.To help plan your own visit, be sure to check the blog post associated with this episode at katerinaferrara.com. You will find:• Self-guided walking tour routes• Ticket links for sites like the basilica, bell tower, and Doge’s Palace• After-hours tour options• Ferry routes to Murano and Burano• Travel tips and festival calendars• A link to my Venice bonus podcast episode, where I share even more stories and experiences: Watch it here https://youtu.be/TqkGAWYRtac To dive deeper, explore my full series of guidebooks covering immersive travel and festivals across Italy.Shop my books on Amazon:• Ultimate Festival and Travel Guide: Sicilyhttps://amzn.to/3KARdo8 • Ultimate Festival and Travel Guide: Pugliahttps://amzn.to/42WEnH1  • Ultimate Festival and Travel Guide: Rome and Beyondhttps://amzn.to/4gRlvz0 • Ultimate Festival and Travel Guide: Venice and the Venetohttps://amzn.to/48OhHfT • Ultimate Festival and Travel Guide: Milan and Lombardy https://amzn.to/46VzmQs • Sicilia in Festa: Dual Language Editionhttps://amzn.to/4pUxBuP Thank you for listening. Subscribe and follow for more immersive journeys across Italy.