A gentle awakening to the sound of church bells is just one of those special Venetian holiday experiences. A private jetty, welcome hamper and daily maid service in a palazzo on the Grand Canal continue to provide delight. Indeed, all this is to be found at Sarese, a stylish first floor apartment a short walk from the treasures of St Marks square. It stood here in medieval times before being redesigned in the 17th century into a grand Renaissance palazzo, lived in by the same family for 200 years. The most elegant rooms of many historic buildings are found in the “Piano Nobile”, the main or first floor, often with soaring ceilings and parquet floors – recently renovated Sarese is no exception. An entrance hall greets you with antiques, large mirrors and vintage prints but you can still leave your coats, boots and bags here. The spacious living room, with large windows overlooking a quiet square, is a fine example of the successful blend of classical and contemporary design throughout. Antique furniture and paintings from the palazzo collection combine beautifully with comfy armchairs, stylish modern lighting and air conditioning to ensure you have a comfortable stay. The en-suite bedroom, with soft orange feature wall, has a superb custom designed king-size bed with romantic Venetian style canopy, walk in closet and a seating area. The modern and well-equipped kitchen is large enough for a breakfast table, perfect for eating your daily delivered fresh breakfast croissants with a cup of fine coffee. There is a sofa-bed in the living room suitable for a child, a separate WC for visitors and access to a lemon scented third floor shared terrace - a pretty place to relax. Situated in the heart of Venice, the whole city is easily accessible by vaporetto, water taxi or by foot. Whether or not you have been to Venice before, take the short stroll to St Marks Square to gaze at the domes and arches of the Basilica and listen to the bells of the Campanile. Gaze across the lagoon, admire the black silhouettes of the gondolas and head off for a coffee or a cocktail in Harrys Bar. Its always a delight to just meander with a map in this enchanting city and you are sure to find little squares, canals, small bars and fine views before heading back to your stylish apartment on the Grand Canal. #### Features Apartment Interiors (120m2, 1st Floor) - Entrance hall - Living-dining room including single divan (best suited for a child) - Kitchen, well-equipped including dishwasher, oven, microwave, fridge-freezer, kettle, toaster, Nespresso machine and breakfast table - Master bedroom with canopy double bed (200x200cm), walk-in wardrobe and en suite bathroom with large shower - Separate WC (by entrance) Outside Grounds - Access to shared terrace with lounge and dining area Facilities - Wi-Fi - Air-conditioning - Central heating - Bose Bluetooth speaker - Satellite TV - DVD player - Hairdryers - Lift - Safe - Double glazed windows - Washing machine and dryer #### Location This elegant and romantic one-bedroom apartment is on the first floor of a beautiful palazzo situated on the Grand Canal in the heart of central Venice. The palazzo has its own jetty which is made available for guests arriving or departing via water taxi and the concierge can pre-order your water taxi from Venice Marco Polo airport (the journey takes around 30 minutes). There is also a vaporetto stop within a five-minute walk. Take the five minute walk to St Marks Square and be overwhelmed by the spectacular domes and arches of the Basilica and the smoother design of the Doges Palace. Be whisked up the towering Campanile by lift for wonderful views over the city and lagoon. Couples still linger romantically for selfies in front of the Bridge of Sighs, despite it being the last bridge that many prisoners crossed! The silhouettes of iconic black gondolas near your jetty may tempt you to take a canal excursion, hopefully accompanied by a singing gondolier - check the prices before you set off. Alternatively and less expensively, being rowed across the canal in a traditional traghetto provides a great photo opportunity. Overwhelmed by all this beauty and history, you might need a Bellini cocktail at nearby Harrys bar, declared a National Landmark in 2001 and renowned for its celebrity clientele. Refreshed, take the vaporetto towards the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, a fine museum of 20th century American and European art. The Galleria dellAccademia has a collection of pre-19th century art in Venice and Northern Italy which includes artists Canaletto and Tiepolo who provided inspiration for the fine use of colour in the palazzo. The spectacular Venice Carnival, with its water festival, glamorous balls and parties is of course the citys most famous event and usually takes place in February. If you cant manage to visit then, a flavour of the carnival lasts throughout the year with mask maker tours and shops enticing you to purchase themed memorabilia. The Venice Biennale was inaugurated in 1895, focusing on contemporary art, dance, theatre, architecture and of course the Venice Film Festival held on the Lido in the Cinema Palace. Leave the tourist trail behind and wander aimlessly to find little squares, canals, scampering cats and some spectacular views. Stop for an aperitivo at one of the bars along the way before finding your way back to your enchanting apartment next to the Grand Canal.