You can travel the entire two-mile (four-kilometer) length of the Grand Canal by boat, passing the many fine palaces and churches that line its banks. See examples of the impressive architectural styles that give Venice its charm. Among the more than 170 landmark buildings is the Gothic palace Ca’ d’Oro, the baroque Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute and the Renaissance-style Palazzo Dario. Several agencies offer tours that will explain the history of these buildings in detail, a great way to get an overview of Venice. If you’d rather explore at your own pace, hire a private gondola and punt your way along the calm waters.