Venice is the best of your first stops in Italy. With the best business class flight

While standing in Piazza San Marco, you might notice a gorgeous white Palladian church across the lagoon. Don’t just admire the scenic church from afar though. Hop on a vaporetto and head to San Giorgio Maggiore Island. Once on the island, tour its grand church and its beautiful grounds. The structure was built by 16th-century architect Andrea Palladio, and its sun-drenched interior is filled with stellar works of art. On the church’s walls, you’ll find Bassano’s “Adoration of the Shepherds.” You’ll also see Tintoretto’s “The Last Supper” and “Shower of Manna from Heaven.” The church also has its own bell tower similar to St. Mark’s Campanile. An elevator whisks you to the top of San Giorgio’s campanile, where incredible views of Venice abound. Although a side trip to San Giorgio Maggiore may not be top-of-mind when you book your business class seats to Venice, visit the island anyway. 

Rialto Bridge’s stone arches are an unmistakable symbol of Venice. The oldest bridge to span the Grand Canal, the Rialto was built in the 16th century. Designed by Antonio da Ponte, the stone and wooden span still handles millions of visitors and locals each year. A visit to the Rialto is perfect for travelers whose business class flights to Venice leave little time for sightseeing. Whether you have an hour or a whole day to spare, snag a spot along the outer railing of the bridge. There, you can watch gondolas and boats pass by while admiring the sights of the Grand Canal. Once you’ve had your fill of the view, head to the central, covered walkway of the bridge. The 157-foot interior span is lined with stalls, selling everything from fresh vegetables to jewelry to souvenirs. 

You’ll find several of Venice’s most famous landmarks in the bustling Piazza San Marco. Perhaps the most iconic of these sites is the 325-foot-tall Campanile tower. Originally built in the 8th century, this tower is the perfect spot for a bird’s-eye view of Venice. Along the piazza, visitors also relish the Gothic arches of the Doge’s Palace. Once the center of the Venetian Republic’s political power, the palace is now a spectacular museum. A tour of the palace also takes you across the famed Bridge of Sighs. Back in the piazza, you can admire the Ala Napoleonica and spend hours inside its Museo Correr. You can visit the legendary St Mark’s Basilica and marvel at the Torre dell’Orologio clock tower. Whether your business class flight to Venice is for business or pleasure, allow at least a few hours to experience this stellar piazza.

The boat ride to the island of Murano is just the beginning of a fascinating day in Italy. Like nearby Venice, Murano is actually a collection of several islands connected by canals. If your time is limited, tour a few of Murano’s famed glass factories, or fornaci. Many of these historic glass studios offer engaging demonstrations and enticing gift shops. The Museo del Vetro, or Glass Museum, is also a good place to learn about the ancient art of glass blowing. If you have time before your business class tickets have you jetting back home, there are several other worthwhile Murano sites to visit. These landmarks include Palazzo da Mula and the Church of St. Peter the Martyr. The Basilica of Saint Mary and Saint Donatus and Campo Santo Stefano are also must-see attractions.