Venice, Italy

October 18, 2013

We have seen many cities in Europe built around water; whether it is a river, a lake, the ocean, or a canal. Venice sets the bar that those other cities are compared to and in my opinion it is like no other.

The city is a wonderful representation of architectural innovation for its time. The entire surrounding area was deforested during the construction of Venice the city is built on wooden longs that were driven deep into the bottom of a large lagoon. Then above the water, docks were built as the foundation for the brick buildings that make up the city today. Over the years the wooden docks have petrified and is slowly sinking into the earth under water causing the buildings to slant.

Venice's Grand Canal

Cafe with canal side patio

We took a 15 minute bus ride, across a long bridge, and arrived at the Venice bus lot. There are no cars permitted in Venice because there are no conventional roads. The city is easily traversed by foot which is quite enjoyable because of the historic feel of each bridge and narrow sidewalk all surrounded by water.

View from the famous Rialto Bridge 

Typical Venice front yard

Luxurious handcrafted Gondola

Although some would argue the view from the water is much better. There are a number of ways to experience Venice on the water: The most popular would be the gondolas but that is going to cost you; anywhere from 130 to 180 euro for a 30 minute ride. Granted if you have more than two people it gets cheaper because you can divide the cost more ways. 

Gondola boat slips were located throughout Venice

Another luxurious way would be to rent your own boat for a few hours, but I would not recommend this for a tourist for a number of reasons; the water ways are congested, there are no traffic signs, and some areas get very narrow. There are water taxis that navigate throughout the many islands that make up the city of Venice; unfortunately they too are costly, about 60 euro no matter how short the distance.

Gondola traffic jam

Compare the views: Ours 16 euro
to the gondola behind us 180 euro

Being seasoned travelers we knew there had to be a cheaper way. Finally after asking enough people, avoiding the pressure to pay top euro, we found a water bus that was only 8 euro per person for 45 minutes on the water.

The Rialto Bridge from the water

The Grand Canal; looks more like a lake

Getting bargains where you can helps; especially when teased by the variety of shops tucked around every corner in Venice. So for lunch we snagged two slices of pizza from a hole in the wall mom and pop pizzeria. They had individual hot slices displayed for only 2 euro per slice. As cliché as it sounds it was the best pizza we have ever had. Something about the crust and being cooked in a brick oven. For desert lemoncello gelato.

Location of our hole in the wall pizzeria

The Venetian style is played up big, every other window display filled with theatrical masks, costumes, and Murano glass. The stage masks were elaborately decorated; some of them were a little scary. The Murano glass can be bought in any color and in a variety of settings; jewelry, vases, stemware, and lamps.

Murano Glass 

Nothing could have ruined our relaxing day sightseeing in Venice! Not even the public transportation strike that caused us to wait two hours for the bus back to our campsite. Actually while waiting we met a lovely couple from Miami; who were also on their honeymoon. I still say it was more than a great day.