When you have taken in tiny Venice, take a guided cruise on the Brenta River and see dozens of fabulous villas and lavish gardens of the former Venetian elite. This area, for good reason, is known as the Brenta Riviera.
The Brenta Canal was built when engineers diverted the Brenta River's course and created a canal with locks. Back in the day, barges were pulled by horses for well-heeled visitors.