Venice ~ Italy

The enchanting city of Venice is dreamy and romantic, with its beautiful architecture and glittering canals. Magical to just walk around, getting lost in the complex maze of alleys and small bridges.

The most popular area to explore is between Santa Lucia Railway Station and St Mark’s Square, with the Rialto Bridge midway. Allow a couple of hours by foot, as it is easy to get distracted by this beautiful city, and lost as although there are some signs it is very easy to miss them! Street maps are available from most hotels/tourist offices and Google maps can also assist, however a waterbus travel card can be a good idea if you need to be in a certain location for a set time.

Saint Mark’s Basilica, with its domes and more than 8000 sq metres of luminous mosaics…

Saint Mark’s square,

The Rialto Bridge, at sunset is a beautiful time to visit it. Shops line the sides of the bridge, selling glass, masks, linen and some clothing.

Views from the Rialto at night, when it looks particularly magical.

View point of the Grand Canal from the Fondaco die Tedeschi, a department store next to the Rialto Bridge with a terrace on the top floor. It is free to observe from the terrace, but you have to book a time slot on the internet (and they are strict with timings, so don’t be late!).

VizioVirtu Cioccolateria, where the hot chocolate is like drinking pure melted chocolate! What more could you want?! It’s situated a few minutes walk away from St Mark’s square.