Lara accidentally (as always) stumbles upon an old book in the National Library in which she reads about the Heart of Venice, a powerful artifact in shape of a heart which was in possession of the first Doge Paolo Lucio Anafesto, the chief magistrate and leader of the City of Venice. This artifact should give power, wealth and prosperity to its owner.
Legend has it that it can be found in Venice at a place where three doves are flying around above in the sky but only if you are in possesion of the ashes of Paolo Lucio Anafesto which can be found on a cross in a church. So, Lara is heading to Venice to find the ashes and the place where the Heart of Venice is said to be hidden. Of course,there are also some Italien guys she is waking up.