Ten Reasons to Visit Venice

Venice also known as the ‘The Floating city’ is Italy’s wonder located in the Venetian Lagoon. The city of Venice portrays an ambience that is the sole feature of a city built upon centuries of history, not to forget the image of Venice as the ‘City of Water’ has become a major tourist attraction. Yes, it is serene and beautiful but there’s a lot more to it!

Venice is ranked as one of the most popular tourist destination of all times, but why is Venice a must-go destination? Here are 11 tempting reasons to pack your bags and visit Venice!

1. Architecture:

Venice has a rich and diverse architectural style which can be observed from the Venetian Gothic style buildings with a bit of Byzantine and Ottoman influence. All the empires mentioned above combine together to present an imagery that is not only unique but has now become associated Venice itself! Just take a look at the marvel below:

2. Music in the Streets:

Music is deeply embedded in Venetian culture; the very reflection of music can be seen in the history of Venice. The Music of Italy itself has drawn inspirations from Venice as many famous music composers like Antonio Vivaldi and Giovanni Picchi were Venetians. Music plays such an influential role in the circumspect of Venice that a 17th-century proverb refers to Venice and proclaims that, “In every home, someone is playing a musical instrument or singing. There is music everywhere.”

3. The Merchant of Venice:

I am sure that most of us have read or at least heard of the classic Shakespearean play The Merchant of Venice. Well, you’re in for a treat! Venice is the city of writers, nearly hundreds of great writer have been inspired by the secretive allure of this city. The Architecture, flowing water, music in the background and the inspiration from literary greats gives you something to ponder on. After-all the city’s ambient background is unreal!

3. Gondola Riding:

The entire trip would just be incomplete if you don’t ride the classical Gandola Venetian boat and it is specially used for tourists so you can get to meet a whole lot of people from different countries. And as Venice is built on a variety of Islands the entire ride you would get to witness some of the most amazing scenes in Venice. Starting from the Gothic style architecture to music being played in the streets!

5. Venice and its Fashion:

It is interesting to study the evolution of fashion especially in the context of this city. It is a fact that the earliest change in fashion trends started from this very city. Venice is still influential in this world as many Italian fashion shows are exclusively held in Venice around the year. And frankly, if you would just observe the people out there you would find that Venetians still are quite fashionable.

6. Baicoli:

Setting aside the fact that Venice is characterized by its fantastic seafood the city also has a speciality in the form of cookies known Baicoli. Venice is famous for its Oval shaped and almost golden coloured cookies! Other forms of sweets are relished by the residents; this just further explains why Venice is such an amazing place to visit.

7. Museums and Art Galleries:

Museums naturally are an attraction for almost every tourist because of the fact that it provides an in-depth understanding of the culture and traditions of a country and in our case Hungary. Many of the museums in the capital city contain monumental art and paintings that reflect many philosophical ideas and movements that were popular in Italy. Not to forget the rich history preserved in the museums speaks volumes of how museums are given importance in Venice. The Gallerie dell’Accademia is a 19th-century museum containing extensive pieces of art and paintings relative to the Italian culture.

8. The Carnival of Venice:

What’s better than a carnival showcasing distinctive masks and changing fashions of Venetians? The Carnival of Venice is an annual held fashion show. The main attraction for tourist in this carnival is ball dancing with their masks on and as tradition recalls this has been happening for decades!

9. Sports:

Although Venetians are not so inclined towards sports, many still enjoy the variety of outdoor sports. FBC UNIONE VENEZIA is the main football club of Venetia and is supported by thousands across the city. Also, their home teams ground Stadio Pierluigi Penzo one of the oldest historical grounds in the city. And they love Marathons!

10. The name is Bond:

Ever wondered what it would be like to be in a James Bond film? Well, unfortunately, Venice is not going to cast you as the new bond but it will provide you with the closest experience of a James Bond film set that you can ever experience. Three of the Bond films From Russia with Love, Moonraker and Casino Royale have been filmed in this city.

11. Midnights in Venice:

Are you a Night Owl just like me? Perfect! Nights in Venice are simply mesmerizing. From Cafes to pubs and nightclubs this city has everything. Imagine spending the evening in a Gondola boat around the city and then having a few beers in a local pub! There are literally countless fun ways to spend the night in Venice!

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48-Hours in Rome: A Weekend Itinerary

If you are planning to take a break from your hectic schedule this year you should look for some of the best holiday destinations that offer value for money experience. If you love photography or want to take a ride back into the past Rome in Italy is one of the best places that you can choose. It is also called one of the most romantic cities in the world and therefore an ideal choice if you are traveling with your loved one. One of the reasons why Rome is such a beautiful place is because it has this unique mix of haunting ruins that reflect its history while it also has a vibrant street life that mirrors the modern society that thrives right in the heart of the city.

If you are heading to Rome you would want to make sure that you have the best accommodation option. You can find some really great hotels that offer the best experience or you can find houses for rent in Italy that allow you to get similar experiences but help you save extra money. You can indulge in shopping and enjoy Italian cuisine with all the money you save and enjoy Rome in the limited time you have. A weekend trip to Rome is a perfect way to enjoy time with your special ones and for that, you need the right itinerary.

Check into your hotel on a Friday night and enjoy the classic Roman food that allows you to have the first taste of Rome before you call it a day and prepare for 48 hours of Rome tour.

Saturday in Rome

Start your day with a complimentary breakfast and then get dressed for a visit to the Vatican. Visiting the Vatican is an experience in itself as it offers you a window into the past. While visiting the Vatican you have to ensure that you follow the dress code and keep your knees and shoulders covered at all times. You can start your tour with the Vatican Museums where you can explore the immensely popular Sistine Chapel and Raphael Rooms. The Vatican Museum is considered to be the most complex and the largest museum complex in the world.

After the Vatican Museum tour, take a break for a lunch and enjoy lunch at some of the best restaurants in the Vatican area. An hour later, resume your trip of the Vatican with a tour of the St Peter’s Basilica, the world’s largest church. If you are willing to burn some calories make sure you climb up the magnificent dome designed by none other than Michelangelo.

Once you descend the dome and complete the tour of the St Peter’s Basilica you can head for a stroll to the Centro Storico also known as the historic center. This is the best place where you can shop as there are some stalls and shops here that sell all kinds of products. A little further away you will come across the Pantheon so make sure you visit it. Pantheon is among Rome’s most visited places and also the best-preserved monument. If you are into architecture you’ll fall in love with the way Pantheon has been designed and created. A few minute away you will find the stylish fountains of the Piazza Navona.

As the sun goes down be ready for a great candle-lit dinner at some of the finest restaurants in Rome that offer top-notch fine dining experience along with classic Italian and Roman cuisine. Take a walk back to the hotel as you explore Rome and see it come alive in city lights. Explore the nightlife in Rome and enjoy a modern life in the city that still reflects its past.

Sunday in Rome

Once you are done with your breakfast you can start your day with a climb to one of the most picturesque places in Rome, Palatine Hills. This place is perfect for history-lovers and photographers as they can explore the intricate fountains, colored mosaics and marble floors of the 1^st-century palace now turned into a ruin.

When you are done exploring the Palatine Hills you can head to the biggest attraction of Rome, the Colosseum. Rome has a history of blood-sport and this amphitheater has witnessed many such battles. Enjoy a guided tour here and explore different areas of the Colosseum which might evoke your experience of watching an Oscar-winning movie Gladiator.

After a detailed tour of the Colosseum take a break for lunch. Enjoy a delicious Roman cuisine at the finest restaurant around and a glass of the regional wine.

Up next you would visit the Capitoline Museums which date back to 1471 and are the world’s oldest public museums. Here you will find the 12-meter high statue of Constantine that originally stood in the Basilica di Massenzio. The museum has various sculptures and ancient masonry in the ground-floor courtyard. When you head upstairs you will find the 16^th and 17^th-century Italian works like the Sala Pietro da Cortana and the Sala Santa Petronella.

After the museum tour take some personal time out for shopping and exploring the streets of Rome. Enjoy the evening stroll through the cobbled lanes and hidden corners and spend quality time with your loved ones in the most romantic city in Italy. Capture vivid colors of the Rome in your camera and smell the aroma of the freshly grounded coffee brewing at the cafes locally. Enjoy your dinner at the local restaurants and head for your hotel room.

Check out early next morning on Monday and take a homeward bound flight.

Have you visited Rome? how long did you spend wandering this historic land? I would love to know what you got up to whilst you were in Rome.

7 things to do in Venice

 Venice is one of the most romantic cities in the world; with long canal rides, and beautiful buildings, it is not hard to see why. Whether you’re going solo or with that special someone, here are the 7 things that are a must-do in Venice:

1. Visit St. Mark’s Basilica:

This elaborate church sits on the popular piazza by the same name. The church was built in honour of Saint Mark the evangelist. The basilica was crafted from many different styles of architecture, and today it is hard not to be entranced by its beauty. From the four bronze horses that guard the entrance to thousands of square feet of mosaics to the Pala d’Oro, you will be in awe of the beauty of the place. The basilica is open daily from 9:45 a.m. to 5 p.m. with abbreviated hours on Sunday and holidays.

2. Rowing Down the Streets of Venice:

One of the things that set Venice apart from the rest of the world is, that instead of streets made out of concrete and such, its streets are actually canals. And the Grand Canal is the main street of Venice; stretching 2-mile-long, the Grand Canal is one of the city’s most popular and highly photographed attractions. The Gondola ride makes for a romantic setting which you can enjoy with your significant other, though it may be a little expensive. Vaporetto lines No. 1 and 2 go down the Grand Canal, and it is strongly recommended that a travel card if you don’t plan on walking the entirety of your trip.

3. The sights of Rialto Bridge:

Next up we have Rialto Bridge, which has a deep connection with the Grand Canal. Because several centuries ago, if you wanted to cross the Canal, this bridge was the only way; granted there are several other options available now, it still has a historical significance. The bridge’s current incarnation is the handiwork of Antonio da Ponte, the bridge is built entirely of marble after collapsing multiple times from previous wooden designs.

4. Enjoy the World’s Finest Opera at Teatro La Fenice:

One of the most popular opera houses in the country, the opera house has an old world feel with intricately designed gold interiors outfitted with plush velvet chairs, giving off the perfect classic opera house vibe. A variety of dance, ballet, musical performances and operas are scheduled throughout the year. There also day tours available as well.

5. Companile di San Marco:

This articular bell tower that exists presently was constructed in the early 20^th century, as the replica of the original 15th-century one. It pays a tribute to the original tower, that provided a stage for Galileo Galilei’s presentation of the telescope; it also served as a stage for tightrope walkers who would humour the doge with their feats during the flight of the Angel celebration. Today’s campanile is used for sightseers desiring a Venetian panorama. Though this view will be without the sight of canals, as they are not visible from that high up; most visitors say the attraction is well worth your time and makes for a great photo opportunity.

6. Enjoy a little History at St. Mark’s:

This place is considered to be the heart of Venice by many; as the largest square in the city, it is considered to be the heart of the city. Lining the square are multiple historical sites including St. Mark’s Basilica, St. Mark’s Campanile and Doge’s Palace, as well as a number of restaurants, making it the perfect spot for leisurely people-watching and wine sipping. Along with intricate architecture and hearty plates of spaghetti carbonara, visitors will also be met with throngs of tourists, pigeons and vendors selling souvenirs.

7. Bridge of Sighs:

Centuries ago, the bridge (which connects the Doge’s Palace to dungeons) was used to transport prisoners from the courtroom to the prisons. According to legend, the bridge is named after the sighs the prisoners took when they gazed upon the outside world for the last time. But on a lighter note, Venetian lore says if two lovers kiss on a gondola under the bridge, they’ll be granted eternal bliss. Travellers going to the bridge appreciated the details of the architecture and unique placement of the bridge, saying it was a nice photo op, especially while the gondolas passed underneath it.

There are lots of great things to do in Venice and this is just a fraction of what Venice has to offer. Do you have a favourite thing you like to do? Can you add to my list? What do you recommend to do in Venice?

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Venice

I arrived in Venice in Italy from the U.K, by plane for £60 a return ticket, it took 2 hour flight time.

Venice is a city in northeastern Italy sited on a group of 117 small islands separated by canals and linked by bridges. It is located in the marshy Venetian Lagoon which stretches along the shoreline, between the mouths of the Po and the Piave Rivers. Parts of Venice are renowned for the beauty of their settings, their architecture, and artwork. A part of the city is listed as a World Heritage Site, along with its lagoon.

Venice is a beautiful place with lots of architectural buildings, small winding canals, and narrow alleys.

I wouldn’t say Venice is a budget place however it’s not overly expensive, one thing you can be sure of is Venice is a perfect romantic retreat.

Venice is a city packed with things to do from exciting museums to chilled out gondola rides.

The food is fair priced however to be aware of the city tax that’s added to the bill, as well as 12% and a cover charge. You should expect to find lots of meat dishes, especially pizza and pasta.

Venice has enough to keep you entertained for a couple days and you should allow at least 3 days to see the best of Venice.

Getting from Venice airport to the centre of Venice

Venice Airport

Venice’s Airport is approximately 7 km from the city centre.

A water boat is available from Venice airport boathouse, connecting you  to Venice and the main Venetian islands (Murano, Burano, Lido). A single ticket cost 15 (£12) euros one way or a return for 27 (£21) euros and can be bought at the Public Transport ticket office in Venice airport arrivals hall or at the ticket office at the dock. To get to Venice water boat service, from the Arrivals hall exit and look to the left for the covered walkway and follow the walkway for 10 minutes until you reach the dock. Venice water service will take around 40 minutes.

There are other options such as bus: for a single is 8 euros (£6) and a return is 15 euros (£12) and should take around 25 minutes, however, this will drop you at the very top of Venice, due to no public transport within Venice apart from water boats.

If you’re buying a Venice travel pass, look into the ticket that includes airport transfer.

Travelling Around Venice

For travel within the city of Venice, the Venice Travel pass gives unlimited free travel, on the water buses and the Vaporetta.

A weekly travel pass costs 60 euros (£48)

A 72 hour travel pass costs 40 euros (£32)

A 48 hour travel pass costs 30 euros (£24)

A 24 hour travel pass costs 20 euros (£16)

A single ticket costs 7.50 euros (£2.50)

Do not forget to activate your travel card on the first journey or face a big fine.

Click the image for further details on the Venice card

Italy’s, Venice Card

Venice Tourist Card is a city card with a number of benefits that will help you to discover and experience Venice, plus save you money.

The Venice card has a lot included, depending on which card type you take. There are a large number of different options available, depending on what you like to do. Some include transport, churches, restaurant discounts, museums and even an option that includes a toilet pass.

If you’re in Venice for a few days I really would suggest getting the Venice card, one that suits the sights you wish to see.

For the endless options on the Venice card, click the Venice card picture on the left.

Accommodation, Eating and Drinking in Venice, Italy

Hotels and hostels budget for most price ranges with:

Hostel’s in the centre of Venice can be found for around 35 euros (£28) per person.

3- star hotels with 2 sharing a double room with breakfast can be found from around 75 euros (£60).

4- star hotels with 2 sharing a double room with breakfast can be found for around 126 euros (£100).

Or

If you’d rather, you could find a 5- star hotel for 1206 euros (£950).

Restaurants are all over Venice with plenty of choices.

If you were looking for a 3- course meal in a mid- range restaurant you could expect to pay 35 euros (£27) and a beer for 4 euros (£3).

If you were looking for a single course meal in an inexpensive restaurant you could expect to pay 15 euros (£11).

Notes

Venice has a few extra charges that you may want to make note of which is kind of confusing.

You must pay city tax per person, per night, and the price is based on the star of the hotel (charge not included in room rate).

Pane e coperto is very common at all restaurants in most of Italy and is a fixed seating charge, usually 1.50 – 3.00 euros per person.

 A service charge (“servizio”) which is a percentage (10%- 12%- 15%- 20%??? applied to the total bill).

Unless your not fussed about your budget I really recommend you study the menu before ordering , so there is not surprise when you receive you bill with a 3 euro cover charge and 20% service charge and a note saying “tips not included”.

Museums worth a visit In Venice, Italy

 The Patriarchal Cathedral Basilica of Saint Mark is the cathedral church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Venice, northern Italy. It is the most famous of the city’s churches and one of the best- known examples of Italo- Byzantine architecture.

The Doge’s Palace is a palace built in Venetian Gothic style, and one of the main landmarks of the city of Venice.

The Galleria Giorgio Franchetti alla Ca’ d’Oro is an intimate art museum located in the picturesque Ca’ d’Oro on the Grand Canal in Venice, Italy.

Ca’ Rezzonico is a palazzo on the Grand Canal in the Dorsoduro sestiere of Venice, Italy. Today, it is a public museum dedicated to 18th- century Venice and one of the 11 venues managed by the Fondazione Musei Civici di Venezia.

Things to do and must see’s whilst in Venice, Italy

No trip to Venice is complete with a Gondola ride.

St Mark’s Campanile is the bell tower of St Mark’s Basilica in Venice, Italy, located in the Piazza San Marco. It is one of the most recognisable symbols of the city.

The Bridge of Sighs is a bridge located in Venice, northern Italy. The enclosed bridge is made of white limestone and has windows with stone bars.

San Giorgio Maggiore is a 16th-century Benedictine church on the island of the same name in Venice.

The Rialto Bridge is one of the four bridges spanning the Grand Canal in Venice, Italy. It is the oldest bridge across the canal and was the dividing line for the districts of San Marco and San Polo.

Most of all you must just go wander the narrow alleyways of Venice, get lost and enjoy this incredible place.

Free things to do Whilst in Venice, Italy

San Giorgio Maggiore is one of the islands of Venice and offers stunning views looking out over the Doges Palace and the Grand Canal.

The Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo is a small palazzo in Venice, Italy, best known for its external multi- arch spiral staircase known as the Scala Contarini del Bovolo.

The church of Santa Maria Assunta, known as I Gesuiti, is a religious building in Venice, northern Italy. It is located in the sestiere of Cannaregio.

Santa Maria della Salute, commonly known simply as the Salute, is a Roman Catholic church and minor basilica located at Punta della Dogana in the Dorsoduro sestiere of the city of Venice.

Wonder the streets of Burano, an island in Venice, and enjoy the colourful building, which looks like kids have been let lose and decided to paint everything with bright colours.

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