Venice: A Stroll To Remember
- Mar 3, 2016
- 3 min read
For years I dreamt of going to Italy and finally my dream came true. It took a lot of convincing to get my husband to agree but finally after a year or two, I wore him down. Venice was the first stop on our 15 day Italy tour.
I had to pinch myself when walking outside Marco Polo Airport. After years of dreaming, wearing down my husband and months of meticulous planning, I was living my dream trip. Luckily, I arranged a private transfer to our hotel. Otherwise, I think we would’ve been lost from the get go. We had an enchanting ride to Venice. I was elated as we coasted thru the canals with each canal offering a different view. My eyes welled with enthusiasm! Venice, the city of love, with its’ romantic ambiance, labyrinth of streets, canals, and of course the gondolas, I was ready to explore!
We finally arrived at the Hotel Saturnia. The location was perfect; a few short blocks to Piazza San Marco, yet not too busy. Contrary to what I read about rooms in Italy, my room was large with a queen size bed, delicate red venetian chandelier, antique sitting desk and overlooking the canal; how romantic! Every morning, I had the pleasure of enjoying free breakfast in the quaint courtyard with the best cup of cappuccino to date.
We quickly unpacked and ventured into this magical city. Coming across my first piazza, Piazza San Marco, I was astonished at the magnitude of it. The sheer size alone is overwhelming not to mention the detailed architecture and the history behind it. The centerpiece of St. Mark's Square is the magnificent St. Mark's Basilica. The lines to get into the basilica can be long so get there first thing in the morning. Keep an eye out for Moor’s Clocktower which are two bronze figures that strike hourly. You can’t miss St. Mark’s Campanile (bell tower) which you can go up in for great views of the city and lagoon. Next to St. Mark’s Basilica is another historical structure, Doge’s Palace which is a lavish Gothic grand palace; you can easily spend a few hours strolling through the rooms. Right around the corner of the entrance to Doge’s Palace is the infamous Bridge of Sighs. Strolling thru these grand historic structures, you can feel the wealth and rich history of a period long ago. At night, the square is the perfect romantic setting. Enjoy a cafe or glass of wine and listen to the Italian music. If you’re lucky enough like I was, you may just find yourself dancing in this historic piazza.
Strolling through the winding streets (minus cars) is enchanting. Take a few hours and literally get lost! One minute you're walking in quiet residential area then all of a sudden pops a lively piazza. You never know what you’ll find around the next corner. Wander over the Rialto Bridge to the Rialto Market which is a fish and produce market significant to Venetian culture. By the waterfront, stop for a gelato or glass of wine and take it all in. The one great thing I’d like to take back with me is that Italians know how to relax! They take the time to enjoy the simple things in life.
No trip to Venice would be complete without a gondola ride. At times, there are so many gondolas on the canals that there is a long traffic jam; not very romantic in my opinion. We opted for a late evening gondola ride in which the city has a certain mystique about it. Plus, it's a lot less congested and more enchanting than a day ride. Float past Casanova’s home one of the most famous lovers of all time! A private gondola ride will set you back a few euros, but I wasn’t sure if I’d ever make it back to Venice so I’m gonna live it up!
Venice is small and for the most part walkable. If you’re staying near St. Mark’s Square either take an evening gondola ride or take the poor man’s excursion of a water bus along the Grand Canal. The Grand Canal is named “Grand” for a reason. Many of the buildings were constructed by wealthy Venetian families. There are so many different areas to explore and if you think you’ve seen it all (you probably haven’t) than take a trip over to Murano and visit a Murano glass factory. The rides to Murano glass factories are free, but forewarning, they would like you to purchase their fine glass blown craftsmanship.
Venice truly is more than gondola rides. Venice is about romantic strolls, leisurely glasses of wine aside the waterfront all while engulfed in rich history from a city built from people seeking refuge from their enemies.
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