Venice, Italy, a cluster of over a hundred small isles on the Adriatic Sea, was once the most affluent city in Europe. For centuries, its traders plied overland and sea routes to the far reaches of Arabia, Asia, and Africa, returning with precious gems, perfumes, silks, and spices. These luxurious items were then distributed across Europe.
Venetian maritime and political power has long since waned. Yet this UNESCO World Heritage Center, with its winding byways, artistic and architectural masterpieces, graceful bridges, and water-lapped canals, currently welcomes some 30 million tourists a year. Though many of its shops abound with inexpensive, mass-produced tourist items, Venice is also a vibrant center of contemporary, quality art and crafts.
Though luxurious Italian products, like designer clothing, silks and velvets, leather goods, ceramics, and jewelry,…