We never made it to Venice We didn't last very long We didn't make it to Venice Our little fling fell apart We never made it at all We never made it to Venice We didn't last very long We never made it to Venice We never go that hotel We never made it to Venice We didn't last very long A romantic way to tour Venice is aboard a gondola at sunset. As you travel down the Grand Can*l you sail past the great churches and simple homes of the Venetians. The trip takes you beneath many bridges, including the most famous, the Rialto Bridge. Another is the Bridge of Sighs, where countless lovers have exchanged countless pledges of fidelity. Such fidelity is tested at carnival time, however, when devout but pragmatic Venetians don colorful masks to act out their last-minute desires before the start of the Easter season. We recommend a stay at one of the fine hotels that overlooks the lagoon. The Londra Palace, for example, with its 19th century furniture, fine original paintings and marble bathrooms. It also offers one of Venice's most romantic views of the famed Island of San Giorgio and Palladian church. The Hotel Giorgione, once a palace of the 15th century is a peaceful oasis in the heart of Venice. with four stars it offers a perfect blend of old fashioned charm, modern comfort and polite service. A few steps from the legendary San Marco Square is the Hotel Bisanzio. For years lovers have reveled in the unforgettably romantic atmosphere. a Jacuzzi accompanies every one of its 70 rooms. Adjacent is the Basilica de San Marco, which is one of the most famous buildings in all of Venice. Built to honor the apostle, Mark, the walls and ceilings are adorned with great art. There are more than 43,000 feet of gold mosaics. The Pala d'oro has 250 gold plated paintings and is covered with precious gems including 1,300 pearls, 400 garnets, 90 rubies, 300 emeralds, 90 amethysts, and 300 sapphires. Saint Mark's body, which was lost after a fire in 976, miraculously reappeared a century later and is stored in the alcove. The Basilica's roof glimmers with ornate statues of bronze and gold. The best time to experience San Marco is during a high ma** when the ceremony brings the church to life. It can be toured daily and some tours are conducted in English