Venice has been known as the "LaDominante," "Queen of the Adriatic," "City of Water," "City of Masks," "City of Bridges," "The Floating City," and "City of Canals."
It’s a beautiful dream you do not wish to wake up from. It’s truly like a watercolour painting that a camera can never do justice to. One of the most beautiful places ever visited. Beautiful as it looks, you can easily get lost in the maze of canals, small streets, whimsical bridges, and colourful buildings. Land of Marco Polo, Casanova etc. If you are a big fan of history, like me, this will bring back all those memories of Hollywood movies based on Renaissance times.
The journey began ….. took the water taxi to reach Venice from Mainland.
First Impression…….incredible
A short walk will take you to St. Mark's Square (Piazza San Marco),a very large square, with heaps of tourists husting bustling in mid of Feb, which means cold but the sun was shining on us.This Square is called Venice’s Living Room with lot of shops and cafés with inside and outside seating(Coffee cost you more if you sit outside in square i.e.: entertainment tax). You can see lots of pigeons here they will come and sit on you, your arm, head– very thrilling.
Just around the square is Saint Mark's Basilica! The architecturally beautiful church. Very much inviting, it was originally the Doge's private chapel, decorated with art treasures brought back by Venetian ships after the fall of Constantinople.This is the most popular tourist stops in Venice and is free.You will notice its uneven floor because it is sinking (Venice might Vanish soon, this is one man-made marvel, once financial capital of the world, originated from marshlands).
All around you can see lots with little stories associated with them like the tall columns from Constantinople with winged Lions on them. Just right down the way from St. Marks is the Bridge of Sighs Why is it called the Bridge of Sighs?The view from the Bridge of Sighs was the last view of Venice that convicts would see before taken to the prison. Go on top of Piazza San Marco for a bird’s eye view of Venice.
Be prepared to walk a lot in Venice. Venice is full of gems, you will notice it in every corner.There are so many galleries, museums and church/cathedrals you could wander through all day long throughout Venice. We visited The Palazzo Ducale/ Doge's Palace and saw the grandeur of it.We weren't really allowed to take pics inside, so we only got a couple but these will give you an idea of how grand it is!?
A must see place in Venice is the Murano Glass factory where they demonstrate the age-old art of Venetian glass blowing and creating masterpieces (do bring one back as a souvenir).
There would be a lot of people dressed up as olden day’s Venetians for photo opportunities, make the most of it.Venice will keep you occupied, not even a single dull moment.
Now comes the best part the Gondola Ride. We hopped on one and icing on the cake was Musicians along singing romantic songs while we enjoy the ride in the Canals it was the most beautiful and romantic moment, had dejavu Bollywood Movie moment truly majestic, cruising through the little Canals leads you to Canale Grande (Grand Canal),Venice even better at dawn and we truly got immersed in the scene. Reached Ponte dell' Accademia, this is one of the four bridges over the Grand Canal. The view from the bridge is amazing.
When you visit, do try Alfredo's Fresh Pasta-To-Go you can't really go wrong with any pasta/sauce combo that you choose but Creamy Broccoli Alfredo Sauce with the Fettuccini noodles and of course Italian Panini with Coffee shot or Tuscany Wine highly recommended.
Overall, Venice was one of my favourite stops in Italy!
It is such a magical, romantic place with so much to do and see and never to be forgotten.