Gently waking to the sound of church bells, lapping water and a singing gondolier just has to be the archetypal Venetian holiday experience. Add a grand pink palazzo, private jetty, access to a lemon scented terrace and views over the most famous canal in the world for a taste of perfection. Here is Regata, a very beautiful third floor apartment five minutes walk from St Marks square with both living room and master bedroom overlooking the Grand Canal and the iconic Santa Maria della Salute Church. Breakfast croissants, sumptuous beds decked in the finest Italian linen, marble bathrooms, air conditioning, welcome hamper with a bottle of Bellini, maid service and concierge are all part of the pampering. Aside from such luxuries and beauty this is a home with history - a medieval building transformed in the 17th century into a fine Renaissance palazzo, resided in by the same family for 200 years and recently restored by local artisans. An elegant spacious hall has antique table, sofa and hat stand, all with stories to tell while the polished wooden door in the comfortable and beautiful living room has been opened by generations. The striking portrait attempting to lure you away from the views is sure to be someone special in the palazzos history. There are more wonderful canal views in the en-suite master bedroom with its custom-designed canopy bed. The charming alcove in the second en suite bedroom has two exquisite oval windows and a settee, the perfect place for a quiet read before breakfast. Stroll to St Marks square to admire the extravagant domes of the Basilica and the smooth lines of the Doges Palace, sip a cocktail in Harrys Bar or simply start your holiday with a vaporetto tour past the colourful palaces and alongside the gondoliers. La Serenissima is a bewitching city with so many renowned galleries, museums and churches to visit. Its also a lovely place to just wander and take less direct routes past layers of history where every corner reveals yet another little canal, church, tiny square or enchanting view. #### Features Apartment Interiors (110m2, 3rd Floor of Palazzo) - Living-dining area with views of the Grand Canal - Open-plan kitchen, well-equipped including dishwasher, oven, microwave, Nespresso machine, kettle and toaster - Master bedroom with double canopy bed (210x200cm), views of the Grand Canal and en suite bathroom with large shower and WC - Bedroom with twin beds (100x200cm), seating area in alcove and en suite bathroom with large shower and WC - Laundry room 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 On the third floor of a historic palazzo in central Venice, Regata enjoys wonderful views of the Grand Canal. If you are arriving at Venice Marco Polo airport then a water taxi will take just 30 minutes and can be pre-booked in advance – the skipper will take you straight to the palazzos jetty which can be used for your arrival and departure, alternatively the vaporetto stop is just a brief walk away. Situated in the heart of Venice, the whole city is easily accessible by vaporetto, water taxi or simply by foot. Start with the five minute walk to St Marks Square to gaze at the domes and arches of the Basilica and the Gothic architecture of the Doges Palace. Take the lift up the Campanile for amazing views over the city and lagoon. The white Bridge of Sighs, built in 1600, has barred windows through which many prisoners may have had a last glimpse of their beloved city. Enjoy being in the 21st century again, gaze across the lagoon, admire the black silhouettes of the gondolas and head off for a coffee and Venetian cookie near the square. Sip a Bellini cocktail at nearby Harrys Bar or take light lunch near the Rialto, a stone arched bridge spanning the narrowest part of the Grand Canal, an amazing engineering achievement of the Renaissance as well as an architectural delight. The famous Rialto market lies north-west of the bridge and is a great place to stock up with peaches, cherries, vegetables and fish. Take the vaporetto across the Grand Canal to the Basilica di Santa Maria dello Salute, so visible when entering Venice from the lagoon and built as a symbol of thanks after the terrible plague in 1630. Travel further along the canal towards the symbolic lions of Venice outside the Peggy Guggenheim Collection which houses 20th century American and European art. The Galleria dell Accademia has a fine collection of pre-19th century Northern Italian artists such as Titian and Tiepolo. Its always great fun to just wander around this enchanting city and marvel at how the buildings stand firm on their wooden stakes in the mud below. You may stumble upon so many delights – little bridges across small canals, a tiny bar for an aperitivo and daily life cameos. You are sure to eventually arrive back at your delightful apartment overlooking the Grand Canal in one of the most wonderful cities of the world.