It's Venice, but not as you know it.0:13
It's the perfect picture postcard.0:26
The sun shimmers on the blue green water of a canal as gondoliers steer their boats along the water.0:29
Along both sides are elegant townhouses.0:35
There are no cars to disturb the charm of the scene.0:38
If you think this describes the Grand Canal Venice, you'd be right.0:42
But this isn't Venice, Italy.0:46
It's Venice, Las Vegas.0:48
Las Vegas is full of extraordinary places.0:50
There's a hotel that is built like an ancient Egyptian pyramid.0:53
A casino complete with an Eiffel Tower and the Grand Canal shops, an enormous 46,000m2 shopping mall.0:57
It was opened in 1999 and its inspiration is taken from Venice, the city built on water.1:05
It's one of the most popular indoor malls in the world with 20 million visitors arriving every year for an authentic Venetian shopping experience.1:12
As you enter the mall, look up and you'll see some amazing ceiling art inspired by Michelangelo.1:21
Only remember to watch where you're going.1:27
Once inside, you'll be amazed at the attention to detail.1:31
Everything in the mall mirrors the floating city, even the streetlights and bridges crossing over the canals.1:35
Then of course, there's the fantastic atmosphere.1:42
As you stroll past the shops or stop for a cappuccino, you'll be serenaded by the sweet violins of street musicians.1:45
There's also a juggler, an opera trio and a collection of marble statues.1:52
But look twice and you'll see they're actually human.1:58
The living statues line the sides of the canal and pose by the doors of exclusive fashion boutiques selling the finest clothes, including some of the best Italian designers.2:02
Keep walking alongside any of the canals and you'll find they all lead to the mall's star attraction.2:13
A replica of St Mark's Square at twilight under a painted Italian sky.2:19
Here there are more performances of singers, actors and musicians.2:25
And a marketplace selling souvenirs of Venice, including carnival masks and costumes and pretty Venetian glass from Murano.2:29
Before you leave the square, there's one thing you really must do to complete your day.2:37
Experience the true tradition of Venice and take a ride on a gondola.2:42
The gondolas glide from St. Mark's Square for half a mile along the canals, giving you a tour of them all by water.2:47
All of this should inspire you to take a trip to the real Venice one day.2:55
I know it's definitely inspired, Sam.2:59
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