The real magic may lie beyond Venice
As someone who was born in the Land of Venice, I can truly say few places rival this city’s romance, magic, and intrigue. Throughout the centuries, Venice has been a backdrop for legendary love stories — from Casanova’s escapades to Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez’s upcoming “wedding of the century,” set to unfold across its most iconic venues.
And this isn’t the first time Venice has been buzzing with A-list anticipation. I clearly remember the summer of 2014 — the same year George Clooney and Amal tied the knot — when I was filming my PBS special From Venice With Love. The city was alive with cameras and excitement. Even my small crew was showered with attention as tourists snapped photos simply because they thought we must also be part of the wedding party. That rarely happens in Venice, where even superstars can usually wander unnoticed.
But this time all eyes are fixed on the lagoon. Bezos’s $500 million superyacht Koru is anchored nearby, hosting one glitzy event after another. Venetians too feel the thrill — some charmed by the spectacle, others cautious of crowds that could overwhelm this fragile city they call home. Everyone is wondering what surprises these secretive plans will hold.
Whispers of the Celebration Itinerary
• San Giorgio Maggiore Island – Rumored to host sunset cocktails and alfresco dinners with glorious views across the water.
• The Arsenale in Castello – A historic shipyard chosen after protests and logistics forced a change of plan.
• Scuola Grande della Misericordia – This cinematic, deconsecrated church that was once a James Bond backdrop – might be where they say “I do.”
• Legendary Hotels – Aman, Belmond Cipriani, Gritti Palace, and St. Regis will welcome a guest list of global A-listers.
But What If the Real Magic Lie Beyond Venice?
And what if the most unforgettable moments weren’t in the tourist hotspots at all? Imagine Jeff and Lauren exchanging vows at a tucked-away villa veneta or in a sleepy village, warmly welcomed by locals. Picture their guests staying at cozy family-run B&Bs with homemade breakfasts of fresh bread, pastries, and fruit before heading out to explore picturesque piazzas and winding alleys.
Perhaps they’d sip local wine surrounded by some of the borghi più belli d’Italia — places like Asolo, Arquà Petrarca, Montagnana, and Cison di Valmarino — or wander through historic gems like Portogruaro and Caorle, kissed by sea breezes and centuries of tradition. And just beyond lies a world of hidden beauty — the hills of Prosecco, grand Palladian villas, Vicenza’s Teatro Olimpico, and Shakespeare’s Verona forever linked to romance. Travel a bit further and you’ll reach the majestic Dolomiti, where jagged peaks catch the sunset and alpine villages like Sottoguda, one of Italy’s most beautiful borghi, invite you to slow down and embrace the wonder of the Alps.
And there is also the wilder soul of this region that inspired Hemingway himself — the untouched beauty of the Venetian lagoon, where white horses roam the marshy valli and mist dances across quiet canals at sunrise. It’s this quieter, wilder heart of the Veneto that whispers its stories to those who stop to listen.
A Slower, Richer Way to Experience Venice and Beyond
Venice will always face overtourism, but that doesn’t mean we should stay away. Quite the opposite — people needs to come with an open heart and curious eyes. They surely need to see Venice, yes, but also look beyond its famous landmarks to discover the surrounding treasures. Wander into sleepy villages, sip local wine while admiring a stunning panorama, and taste delicious homemade meals surrounded by those who truly call this region home — instead of following an umbrella through a crowded square or viewing its beauty only from a bus window.
This slower, richer way of experiencing Venice and its lands reveals its soul and beauty. It’s an experience even billionaires might wish for — to embrace the rhythm of the land and the generosity of its people.
So while this fairytale wedding unfolds, I’m enjoying some beautiful countryside spots that are just as lovely — and much more peaceful — hoping that people will come to Venice and embrace this city as the treasure it is, a place to be cherished. Wander slowly, savor its flavors, and let Venice and its surroundings steal their hearts. Because Venice and its lands don’t just need to be seen — they need to be lived, loved, and they will leave you forever enchanted, longing to come back again and again.
Love,
Giada
About Giada Valenti
Singer and songwriter Giada Valenti was born and raised in Venice, Italy. She is best known in the United States for her PBS music special From Venice with Love, which aired nationally in 2015, 2016, and 2017. In November 2017, she debuted as a headliner in Las Vegas with a concert at The Smith Center for the Performing Arts. In October 2018, she made her debut at Carnegie Hall in New York City, where she returned by popular demand in 2019. Another highlight was being asked by Andrea Bocelli to sing with him, at a concert benefitting his foundation. Her albums include And I Love You So, Italian Signorina, My Lullaby, and From Venice with Love. Giada is also a Tiramisu expert and has done cooking demos on television shows around the country making the famous Italian dessert. Giada has also been a co-host for several years for the Columbus Day Parade on ABC7 in New York. She also offers tours to explore Venice and beyond with her. Details on her website.