This week, I’m continuing my Italy theme following on from my ‘Romantic Rome’ blog a couple of weeks ago. And today I’m going to focus on Venice – truly one of the most unique and extraordinary places in the world. Most people have heard about the gondolas and the canals of Venice, but you have to experience this little piece of romantic heaven to really understand what the fuss is all about.
I actually flew into Venice, and then was taken by speed boat from the mainland to Venice, following a short taxi ride. The whole experience was surreal almost ‘James Bond’ like! And instantly I felt as if I was being transported back in time, into a remote, secluded part of the world that was unlike any other.
Venice is a labyrinth of canals, alleyways and bridges. A gondola ride is an absolute ‘must’, as the gondoliers will take you into the narrow canals where you can see where people access their homes (sometimes the only way in and out is via the canal) and take in the amazing serene waterways whilst watching the world go by. Make sure you stop under the ‘Bridge of Sighs’ and if you’re serenaded at the same time, all the better!
Walking tours are also popular, and you’ll find most of your exploration in the main area can be done on foot, and you can also use the ferry system to fill in the gaps. St Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco) and St Mark’s Basilica are probably the most renowned sights. It’s free to go into the Basilica and the adjoining Doges Palace prisons. And once you’ve enjoyed your visit inside, why not spend an hour enjoying a glass of wine, cup of coffee or gelato in one of the numerous café’s located in the Square? They are touristy and quite expensive, but it’s an experience not to be missed, and it’s quite fascinating to watch the pigeons and people all crowded together in the square.
Then head to the Campanile – Venice’s tallest building standing at 99m high – where you can look out over all of Venice Lido. Rialto Bridge is the beautiful bridge that you see in all the travel brochures, and it is surrounded by amazing shops selling Venetian souvenirs, restaurants and markets that really come alive at night. You’ll be lost in the romance and never want to leave, and it’s quite different at night to during the daytime, so make sure you do check out during both times of day.
Lido is the main island of Venice but there are other island treasures within the area. Take the ferry and stop off at the smaller islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello. All are tiny but quite different and great to explore. Murano is home to the world famous ‘Murano Glass’, so you can watch the glass blowers in action, and then treat yourself to Murano glass jewellery or divine vases/ornaments. The local lace is also world famous.
Venice is also well known for its arts and drama scene, and people travel from far and wide to take in the contemporary art and to experience the Venice Baroque Orchestra, symphony and chamber music, and the world’s largest and most famous masked ball, known as Carnevale. Carnevale is held every year during the 10 day lead up to Shrove Tuesday. The celebrations are extensive and everyone gets into the mood and participates, locals and visitors alike. The masks are exquisite and elaborate, and you can purchase amazing masks to bring home as souvenirs.
There are lots of hotels to choose from when picking your stay in Venice – just bear in mind that the hotels on Lido itself are more expensive than nearby Mestre on the mainland and they are older in style, but I highly recommend staying on Lido itself, so that you can immerse yourself into this wonderful area fully. A stay on Venice Lido is Italy at its best and worth every penny and you cannot experience anything like it anywhere else. And try and stay for at least three or four nights. There is so much to enjoy and the people, buildings, culture, atmosphere, food and wine are fantastic. It’s a relaxing few days and you will feel as if you are in a completely different world. One thing is for sure, Venice will capture your heart and I for one intend to definitely return one day!