Off Voyage!

Italy is one of those countries I could visit over and over again without ever getting bored. Every city has its own unique character, its own atmosphere, and of course, delicious food! I thought Venice would be a good start for the Italian Stallion era of my blog, so here we go!

We spent three days in Venice with a group of lovely friends, and stayed on the mainland instead of the island, which I recommend from a cost-efficiency point of view. Venice quickly became one of those trips where I had to stop at every possible corner to take a photo.

We visited at the end of August and the beginning of September, and I honestly think it’s a great time to go. Although Venice is one of Italy’s most popular destinations, we didn’t run into the huge crowds the city is often known for, which made exploring it much more enjoyable. As a bonus, our trip coincided with the Venice Film Festival, giving us the perfect excuse to spend some time in Lido, where we also enjoyed the change of scenery.

First things first, let’s explore the landmarks!

Starting with Teatro La Fenice, which is one of the most famous opera houses in Italy. Its name means “The Phoenix,”referring to the several fires after which it had to be rebuilt.

After being mesmerised by the opera house, we are heading to the most famous square in the city, Piazza San Marco. Standing proudly in the square is St. Mark’s Campanile, Venice’s iconic bell tower. At nearly 99 metres tall, it offers one of the best panoramic views of the city. You can take a lift to the top in just a few minutes, and on a clear day you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views over Venice’s rooftops, the lagoon, and even the distant Dolomites.

If you’re in the mood for a coffee break after visiting the bell tower, Caffe Florian is the perfect place to stop. Opened in 1720, it’s the oldest café in Italy and one of the oldest continuously operating cafés in the world. If you prefer to sit outside, I suggest having a look inside as well. The interior design of the café is a glimpse of 18th century Venice (without the plague).

If you prefer a cocktail, Harry’s Bar is the place to go, the birthplace of the Bellini cocktail. Created here in 1948 by Giuseppe Cipriani using white peach purée and Prosecco, the Bellini has since become one of Italy’s most iconic cocktails.

If you’ve finished your coffee (or your Bellini), it’s time for our next stop: Palazzo Ducale (Doge’s Palace). Built in the 14th century, this magnificent Gothic palace served as the residence of the Doge, the ruler of the Venetian Republic, and remained the city’s political and judicial centre for nearly 500 years.

Just next door, you’ll find the iconic Bridge of Sighs, one of Venice’s most visited and photographed landmarks. The bridge once connected the palace to the old prison, where prisoners took one last look at Venice before being led to their cells.

Speaking of bridges, my last landmark to mention is the iconic Rialto Bridge. As the oldest bridge over the Grand Canal, it’s one of the city’s most famous landmarks and a great place to stop for photos. It can get quite busy during the day, so if you want to enjoy the view with fewer people around, try visiting early in the morning or later in the evening.

Signore! Signora! Gondola?

And now let’s talk about my favourite part of Venice and, let’s be honest, probably everyone else’s too: the gondola ride! Before you book one, here’s a little tip: don’t be afraid to negotiate. There is often some room for bargaining, especially if you keep in mind that the initial price is usually aimed at tourists. It’s definitely worth asking politely if they can offer a better price. There are generally two different routes the gondolas take, and we chose the longer one. It gave us plenty of time to drift through Venice’s quiet canals.

Venice is an incredibly walkable city, and exploring it on foot is part of the experience. However, if your feet need a break, hopping on a vaporetto (Venice’s public water bus) is both the easiest and one of the most enjoyable ways to get around. We bought a day pass, and it was definitely worth it, especially since we used it several times throughout the day.

Murano, Burano and Lido!

If you’re visiting Venice during the Venice Film Festival like we did, it’s definitely worth checking out the programme and booking tickets for one of the many films being screened. And don’t forget to pack your swimsuit; Lido has a lovely beach, making it the perfect place to relax with a swim after your movie.

Lido isn’t the only island worth visiting while you’re in Venice. There are also day trips to Murano and Burano, which we joined during our stay. Murano is famous for its glass-making workshops and charming little shops selling handmade souvenirs. It’s a lovely place to wander around, although there isn’t a huge amount to do.

Burano, on the other hand, was an absolute gem. Colourful houses line every street, and the cafés along the canals are the perfect spot to sit back, enjoy a drink, and take in the beauty of this little island.

If you’re as lucky as we were, you’ll be treated to a beautiful sunset on your way back to Venice from one of the islands. It’s the perfect way to end the day, so don’t forget to put your camera down for a moment and simply enjoy the view. With this we are marking the end of my Venice blog.

Before you go, make sure to check out the Foodie section, where I’ll share my favourite Venetian cicchetti and dinner spots and the best gelato I’ve ever had!

Basak x