Caffè Greco – Rome’s Oldest Coffee Bar

Guest Post By: Margie Miklas

When you are in Rome you can't leave without stopping in at Caffè Greco, the oldest coffee bar in Rome. A fixture for over 250 years, Caffè Greco is second only to Caffè Florian in Venice as the oldest coffee bar in Italy. Always crowded, very expensive, and very classy with waiters dressed in tails, Caffè Greco is one of a kind.

It is not only a place to get a cup of cappuccino or a cannoli but a gathering place where you can actually sit and talk about current issues or your family. Italians stand and sip their espressos in the large front lobby where the table tops are made of marble and the huge wooden bar is beautiful. Tourists as well as those who wish to stay awhile head towards the back where there are several rooms, called interna sala, adorned with red velvet and rich décor.  You will pay an extra ten euros for the privilege but the atmosphere alone is worth it.Caffè Greco  Rome, Italy

Quite an impressive list of writers artists, and composers have spent time here, and there is fact an old guestbook with yellowing pages where you can check out some of their signatures. Writers Goethe, Keats, Stendhal and D'Annunzio made this a regular hangout and Hans Christian Anderson used to live upstairs in a rented room.  Casanova was known to frequent this bar during lunchtime while he worked as secretary to the Spanish Ambassador.

Classical composers Richard Wagner, Liszt, Mendelssohn, and opera conductor Toscanini all spent hours at Caffè Greco drinking and discussing the issues of the day. Rossini was known to have composed in these rooms and even the American writer Mark Twain spent time here when he was in Rome. Today Caffè Greco is still a place where intellectuals like to come to have a sophisticated conversation.Dolci inside Caffe Greco Rome, Italy

Besides all the variations of coffee here there are rows of delicious sweets or dolci. When I was there recently I had a cannoli and even though it was six euros it was so worth it. It was one of the best I had tasted north of Sicily. I wish I had known at the time that I could have hung out in the front and eaten it at my leisure while people watching. I thought you had to pay the ten euro fee to sit down or else leave once I bought something. Next time I will spend more time and maybe even pay the ten euros   to sit in one of the rooms in the back.

Caffè Greco is almost like an art gallery since there are so many collections of old paintings and 19th century frescoes on the walls. On the walls are also some portraits of some of the more famous patrons. There are over 300 works of art here which makes this the largest private art gallery that is open to the public.

Centrally located in the heart of the historic area of Rome, Caffè Greco is located on via Condotti not far from the Spanish Steps. Open daily from 9-7 Caffè Greco is always an interesting place full of life. The house specialty features coffee made with lemon and orange and is called "Paradiso." Don't miss a visit here on your next trip to Rome. You will not regret it.

Guest Post By: Margie Miklas

Follow Margie on her blog at margieinitaly.wordpress.com

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The Neighborhoods of Venice, Italy

Guest Post By: Margie Miklas

Venice is an island shaped like a fish. Actually Venice includes an area on the mainland called Mestre but it is really considered to be only administratively part of Venice. The historic Venice is the island shaped like a fish and it is divided into six separate neighborhoods called sestieri. These neighborhoods are San Marco, Dorsoduro, San Polo, Santa Croce, Cannaregio and Castello.

 

Cannaregio

It is in this sestiere that the Venice train station is located and most likely the place where you will be arriving in Venice. This is the most heavily populated sestiere of Venice and the second-largest by area. This sestiere stretches almost to the Rialto Bridge and encompasses the northwest area of Venice.

 

 If you imagine the fish shape of the island of Venice, with the head of the fish to the left and the tail to the right, Cannaregio is where the brain would be. It is here where you will find the Jewish Ghetto and the Fondamento Nove, where you can take a vaporetto to the islands of Murano, Burano, Torcello and San Michele.Cannaregio Canal in Venice, Italy

 

Santa Croce

Santa Croce is located in the northeast section of Venice and is where the eyes would be on the fish. By way of Piazzale Roma, Santa Croce connects to the mainland and if you are arriving by cruise ship this is where you first set foot in Venice. Santa Croce is the smallest sestiere and is also where the bus and car parking terminals are located.Santa Croce, Venice, Italy

 

San Polo

Located where the heart of the fish would be San Polo is the smallest sestiere and has been the liveliest for the past ten centuries. The city marketplace is here next to the Rialto and this is a hub of activity all the time. San Polo ha many little markets here selling all types of food and other items.

 

San Polo is more residential and has fewer tourists except for the area around the rialto market. If you want to wander around the streets and see how the locals live this is a good place to do it.San Polo, Venice, Italy

 

Dorsoduro

This sestiere lies in the southern part of Venice, or the fins of the fish. This is where I stayed on my last visit to Venice. I loved walking around the neighborhood, getting lost and speaking in Italian to the locals who lived here. There are a lot of college students here as the Foscari University  is in this neighborhood, so naturally there are plenty of places with reasonably priced food as well as a lively night scene.

 

Santa Margherita Square is the hub of the college scene here and there are plenty of gelato shops and cafés here as well as night spots. The Accademia Museum and the Peggy Guggenheim are also located here. The island of Giudecca is part of this sestiere although it is across the canal.Squero Di San Trovaso, Dorsoduro, Venice, Italy

 

San Marco

This is the most touristy sestiere as this is where St Mark’s Square is located. San Marco lies in the belly of the fish and is the busiest but considered the heart of Venice. Everyone wants to be here and there are plenty of restaurants and shops here as well as the main attractions of the Doge’s Palace, St Mark’s Basilica and the Campanile. Live orchestra music fills the air in the evenings and it is a magical place.Piazza San Marco, Venice, Italy

 

Castello

This sestiere is in the tail of the fish, part of it near San Marco and the other part far less touristy as it extends to the east and further from the center of Venice. More local Venetians live here and there are more green spaces here.Sestiere Castello, Venice, Italy

Guest Post By: Margie Miklas

 Follow Margie on her blog at margieinitaly.wordpress.com

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Feltre, A Great Day Trip Out of Venice

 It is true that there is nothing like Venice, but if you find yourself in the watery Italian town, consider exploring the outlying area as well as Venice. Only 60 miles from Venice, Feltre and the drive are worthy of a day sojourn for exploration, good food and beautiful vistas.

The drive from Venice to Feltre takes you northwest into Italy. The drive goes through Treviso, Montebulla and then into Feltre. Feltre is a city steeped in culture, history and gastronomic delights, yet many Italians are not aware of all it holds. Feltre represents an Italy of old, and certainly one that is not dependent on tourism, making it a great "secret" day-getaway from the tourist laden Venice.

Church in Feltro, ItalyHistory buffs need to take a trip to The Hall of the Coats of Arms and see the multi-generational families and lineage of the region. Carlo Rizzarda Museum of Art, Diocesan Museum and the Sanctuary of Vittore & Corona showcase centuries worth of artworks, some that rival even such classic museums like the Louvre or "L'hermitage.

Outdoor enthusiasts have access to one of the many entrances into The Dolomiti National Park, where world class rock and ice climbing, mountaineering, hiking, trekking, mountain biking and skiing are found.

Feltre is also a frequent city that is included in the multi-stage cycling race, Giro D'Italia. If your vacation coincides with the race, it should not be missed. The Giro is one of the three major cycling races each season, with the Tour de France being the most well known.

Classic buildings and structures surround Feltre. Fans of such should stroll around the Pusterla Gate, Romita tunnel, Cathedral of St. Peter and the Crusades era stone walls that surround parts of Feltre.
 

When your appetite overtakes you, rest assured that you are in the heart of a prime gastronomic region of Italy. Local delights that should be sampled include fried Schiz cheese, a pan or deep fried delight; malga – a dish made from local sausage, beef and Tosella cheese. Wash it all down with the local Prosecco wine. If you have a sweet tooth to satisfy after your lunch, give the local polentina cake a sample.

Feltre represents a taste of the untouched Northern Italy. When you need a respite from the tourist hordes of Venice, point your car towards Feltre for a day adventure worthy of Columbus.

 

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A Day Trip To San Dona di Piave, Italy

When in Venice, taking the time to get out of the bustle of tourism and head out into some of the lesser visited yet nearby cities adds excitement and interest to your vacation. A day trip to San Dona di Piave, Italy is well worth your time, as the city offers places of historical interest as well as an annual celebration of the founding of the Friendship Pact every year on August 7. Situated on the coast, San Dona di Piave, Italy offers visitors much to enjoy on even a short excursion.

 

San Dona di Piave, Italy is located just 40 km northeast of Venice, on the banks of the Piave River and shores of the Mediterranean Sea, about a one hour drive from the center of Venice. The ideal location of San Dona di Piave, Italy makes for a mild climate, with average highs above freezing even in the coldest month of December, and summer temperatures into the 70s and 80s Fahrenheit. Visitors will enjoy stepping out of the travel coaches or cars and walking through the historical and cultural centers of the city.

San Dona di Piave, ItalyAmong the must see places in San Dona di Piave, the Duomo of Blessed Virgin Mary is a draw for Catholic visitors and those who enjoy the beauty and art of Christianity. The Church of Saint Charles in Chiesanuova is another must-see stop for visitors to get a feel for the city's rich Catholic history. Enjoy a picnic lunch of local wine and cheese at the Villa Ancillotto and its ornamental historical park during the warmer months of the year.

In addition to the historical churches and parks, San Dona di Piave also offers three museums of significance. Museo della Bonifica, or the Land Reclamation Museum, presents the ancient history of the area as well as contemporary history through World Wars I and II and the environmental changes related to the flooding of the Piave River. Students and appreciators of art will enjoy a stop at the Galleria Civica d'Arte Moderna e Contemporanea, or the Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art of the city. Finally, make time for a walk through the Parco della Scultura in Architettura, or Park of Sculpture in Architecture, which is an open air museum open year round for visitors.

 

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The Beauty of Chioggia, Italy, in a Day

If in Venice, Italy, on a week or two-week long trip, and staying in one of the many hotels and apartments in Venice that are available, day excursions from Venice central are a great idea. One such destination that can easily be included is Chioggia. Known as Little Venice, this small fisherman’s port and town sits on the same lagoon as Venice. Especially in the summer, Chioggia has numerous day amenities to enjoy, including wonderful beach and swimming areas only a short walk from the port center.

Narrow Waterways of Chioggia, ItalyChioggia sits on its own island in the same water area Venice, 25 kilometers to the south of the more famous city. Access can be achieved with a morning boat ride from Venice’s St. Mark’s Square, and buses run daily from the larger city’s airport to Chioggia as well, dropping off riders at the beach area. The boat trips are available in the summer from June to early fall, and buses are used primarily for the other times of the year. Train travel is possible as well, but it takes much longer waiting for the specific train run and switching at stations.

Sailing Boats, Chioggia, ItalyThe historic central streets of Chioggia offer wonderful walking areas in the summertime with plenty of shops, restaurants for local fare, and cafes for lounging. Many of venues have both indoor and the more enjoyable outdoor seating when the weather is good. At the port side street, known as the Piazzetta Vigo, there are additional stand-while-you-eat opportunities, ranging from ice cream to hotel cafes as well. Many of the boat buses and tourist vessels will come into town through this side.

For those who like to be up and about early in the morning, the Chioggia fish market is worth seeing. Operating during the weekday morning time only, visitors can find all sorts of seafood delicacies and enjoy a number of plates with local spices and preparation for breakfast. Plus, the average food plate cost is far cheaper than Venice proper.

In the afternoon there are plenty of architectural and museum sites to visit. The town clock tower, Corso del Popolo, is a nice place to visit on weekends and holiday time. The Duomo cathedral features a real gold roof with early century stained glass and altar presentation. Finally, right near the cathedral, is the Sacred Art museum which showcases a number of paintings from the church.

Finally, for the warm late afternoon there is the Sottomarina area with wonderful beaches that can be traversed with a parallel street for pedestrians to walk the stretch, enjoying the ocean air and scene. And if visitors feel they just can’t go back to their Venice apartment that evening, there are plenty of hotels along the Sottomarina to find a comfortable place to sleep for the night.

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A Day Trip To Bassano del Grappa From Venice, Italy


Looking for a easy day trip from Venice or Verona? Bassano del Grappa is easily reached by train, bus and air. Bassano del Grappa is an hour away from Padua by train and two hour’s distance from Verona and Venice. It is possible to travel by bus from Bassano del Grappa to other towns in Veneto. The nearest airports are Venice and Vernona, with a smaller airport in Treviso.

Bassano del Grappa is a town from the medieval era along the Brenta River. It is in the Veneto area of Italy in the northern Vicenza province. The town‘s name comes from Monte Grappa as the town is located where the plains touch the hills near the Alps.

Alpini Bridge, Bassano del Grappa, ItalyBassano del Grappa is identified with pottery, Italian brandy, the Alpini covered wooden bridge, and the military events of Monte Grappa. The town center is small with buildings from the medieval era and designed with Alpine appearance. It is also a starting point for traveling around to view the castles and villas of the Veneto area.

Bassano del Grappa has many attractions to see and activities for participation. The Alpini Bridge, a main attraction of the town, was constructed in the 1500s though this is not the original wooden bridge. After the bridge was demolished a number of times, the existing bridge was reconstructed in the original design after World War II. The bridge has two arches dating from the 16th century. Visitors can view the town from the bridge. The Museum of the Alpini and the Nardini Tavern are on the other side of the river.

The town has three squares, Piazza Garibaldi, Piazza Libertia, and Piazzotto Montevecchi. All three are filled with shopping arcades, fashionable shops and trendy restaurants and are joined with each other and busy both in the day and in evening.

Exhibits display the town‘s history. The Civil Museum displays archaeological relics and arts from the 1800s. The Sturm Palace, built in the 18th century, contains frescoes and pottery. The Municipal and Astronomical Clock from the 1700s is still running today.

Visitors can view the town and valley from the street of Viale dei Martiri on the perimeter of the town. The street is dedicated to the partisans murdered by the Nazis who hung them on the trees during the war. Their pictures remain on the trees.

The churches of Bassano del Grappa date from the 12th century to the 18th century and include various styles of architecture. Besides the churches, some of the other historic buildings are the Pretorio, Agostinelli, and Bonaguro Palaces.


The Grappa Distilleries and tasting are popular spots where visitors can taste grappa or the Italian brandy. Bissano del Grappa hosts a variety of entertainment and festivals. The Opera Estate Festival hosts arts and music programs in the summer. The grappa distilleries conduct the Open Distillery days at the end of August and October.
The city presents a market in October through December.

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The Island of the Venetian Lagoon, Murano, Burano and Torcello

Looking for a day trip while staying in Venice? While there is plenty to see outside of the city there is still quite a bit to see close at hand.

The three islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello all sit in the Venetian Lagoon and are easily reached by a number of water taxis, or vaporetti. Tour companies do offer combined tours of all the islands, but the time on each one is limited. Seeing each one on your own gives you more time to take in the local color. So take a day and venture out of your hotel or apartments in Venice to explore 3 of the most famous of 117 small islands that make up Venice.

Murano Island

View of Murano Island, Venice, ItalyOn Murano Island, it’s all about the glass. To preserve the secrets of Murano glass, and to prevent the spread of fire through the water bound city of Venice, workers once had to live on the island. Today visitors can see glass-making at the Fornace – Entrata Libera, a factory that is open to the public. After a ten minute demonstration, exit through the showroom where you may find your own bit of authentic Murano glass. The Museo Vetrario, or the Glass Museum, has samples of glass that are as old as Egypt’s pyramids. Murano Island is easily reached by waterbus from a number of stops throughout the Venetian waterfront. Most of the restaurants are along the Campo Santo Stefano and the canals. Some are pricey affairs, but snack bars offer budget-minded pizzas, sandwiches or gelato treats.

Colorful Houses of Burano, ItalyBurano Island

Burano Island is where you go to find hand-made lace, this quiet locale’s claim to fame. The Lace Museum traces the tradition of the island’s lace industry and a number of shops market the locally made creations. Most of the island’s canals are framed with colorful homes, made even brighter by window boxes filled with flowers. Boats are docked along the canals, the Venetian equivalent of the family car. The even smaller island of Mazzorbo is connected to Burano by a foot bridge. A water taxi from Fondamente Nove will get your directly to Burano. Trattoria al Gatto Nero is the one restaurant on the island.

Torcello Island

Wall with old Reliefs, Torcello, ItalyLargely a nature preserve, Torcello Island is also home to the Cathedral of Santa Maria Dell’Assunta, dating back to the 7th century. The cathedral is home to mosaics from the Byzantine Period, added to the structure in the 11th and 12th centuries. A tiny museum sits at the top of the bell tower. This is the island to visit if you want a little bit of peace and quiet. One restaurant, Osteria al Pointe del Diavolo, is an upscale affair offering both indoor and outdoor dining and an assortment of dishes featuring seafood, pasta and local vegetables. To reach Torcello, take a water taxi from Fondamente Nove to Burano Island and then transfer to the Line T water taxi.

After spending a great day visiting the 3 islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello you will be ready to return to your Venice apartments or hotels to clean up before spending the evening enjoying the lights and nightlife that Italy’s romantic city has to offer.

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Venice, Italy’s Romantic and Spectacular City

When one is trying to decide on a destination for a trip, he/she usually has some choices in mind. After all the research is completed, one city that many times ends up on top is Venice, Italy. A trip to this city will be a trip to remember. It is a romantic, spectacular city, with an abundance of interesting sites to visit.

San Giorgio Maggiore Island, Venice, ItalyVenice is actually made up of 117 small landmasses, all connected by bridges and canals. This city lies on the northeast coast of Italy, and is one of the most fascinating cities in the world. It was first settled about 1500 years ago. In earlier times, it was important in its support of the crusades, and many treasures were brought back to Venice where they can be seen today. One historic fact that many of us learned in school is the story of the merchant, Marco Polo, who traveled from Venice to China to search for new routes for trade. Although Venice was known as a center for trade in the past, it now depends on tourism for its survival.

There are several travel options for those wishing to visit Venice. The city has its own small airport for those wishing to fly to the area. There are also buses, ferries and water taxis available, depending on the area of the city one wishes to visit. Travelers will find a variety of hotels and apartments in Venice available to match any budget.

The most common means of transportation within the city are the vaporetti. These boats are the main means of public transportation for those who live in Venice. They travel on the main canals, and allow a visitor to obtain an overall view of the city.

When a traveler thinks of Venice, a picture of a gondola slowly traveling up a canal often pops into their mind. However, this is not as common as one would think. Traveling by gondola is a romantic but expensive means of travel, and the majority of those traveling in this manner are the visitors to the area.

Venice is a city of varied attractions and most visitors will find something that grabs their attention. There are many churches in the city, and those interested in architecture will not be disappointed. For instance, Saint Mark’s Basilica is a building that incorporates architecture of both the East and West. Another well-known church in Venice is the Church of Santa Maria Gloriosa Dei Grari. The construction of this site was completed in 1338, but in the beginning of the 15th century, it was torn down to build a bigger church. The city’s archives are now housed in the convent and oratory section of this site. There are many other sites similar to these in this city.

Another popular site is Saint Mark’s Square, located in the center of the city. It is a wonderful area for sitting and relaxing, as well as for listening to music at night. However, the small shops and cafes that surround the square can be quite expensive.

One site not as popular as most but worth the attention is the Sotoporto Ghetto. This was the very first Jewish Ghetto. In the early 20th century, all the Jews in Venice were forced to live there. The building consists of seven stories, which was typical of this type of building, and is still standing today.

Venice is the site of a unique natural phenomenon. In the fall, the tide rises, causing the water from the canals to spill over their banks and to flood many of the buildings in the city. Although this might cause worry among visitors, those living in the city are used to this occurrence. Walking platforms are erected during this time in order to allow the citizens to be able to traverse through their city.

The information given above is just a brief look at Venice. So find a nice bed and breakfast or a Venice apartments and take some time to explore this romantic and spectacular city. There are many additional sites for a visitor to investigate, from museums, to ancient architecture, to walking tours throughout the city. When one’s visit ends, there are probably many places they did not have a chance to visit. The only solution to that problem is to start planning for their next visit to this unique city.

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Top Tips and Suggestions for Traveling in Italy

Guest Post By: Karen Mills

Leaning Tower of Pisa, ItalyWhether traveling in Italy for the first time, or a return visit, there are some important things to remember that can make your travel experience a little less stressful.  These things aren’t always easily remembered or recognized if this is your first trip.  It is the little differences in processes, procedures, and culture that can make things uncomfortable if you aren’t aware.

1.            Learn some Italian words.  There are many English speaking Italians, and generally the language barrier is not a problem if you are in the larger cities.  Traveling to small towns can prove to be more of a challenge when it comes to language.  Italians are friendly, generous, and welcoming so a few words go a long way.  Take the time to learn “please, thank you, excuse me, I’m sorry, and Where is the bathroom?” at a minimum.

2.            When you go into a bar (this is a coffee shop, sandwich shop or cocktails) in Italy, always pay first before you order.  Take your receipt to the counter for ordering.  Remember that the prices are different if you sit at a table rather than stand at the bar.  It costs more to sit down, even if you order at the bar and take it to a table.

3.            Most bars have restrooms, but they are for customers only.  Schedule these bathroom breaks around your coffee breaks to insure you are comfortable while you are sightseeing.

4.            When using the trains in Italy, Don’t forget to stamp your ticket before boarding the train.  There are bright yellow boxes that look like time card stamps located at the front of each track.  Insert your ticket to be stamped with the date and time.  This is true for all tickets that do not have an assigned seat, so the regional trains.Florence Italy

5.            Carry a scarf or shawl in your bag to wrap around your shoulders when you enter the churches.  In the summer if you have on shorts, or a short skirt or bare shoulders, entrance might be denied, unless you have something to cover.

6.            Remember that service in restaurants in Italy is different than in the USA.  It is more relaxed, and you must always ask for the check (Il conto, per favore!).   If you are in a hurry, do not go into a sit down restaurant.  In Italy, meal time is almost sacred and the kitchens and wait staff are not prepared to accommodate you in a short time frame.

7.            Sandwiches can be enjoyed in bars quickly if necessary, but won’t be available on restaurant menus.  Italians don’t eat butter with their bread, nor do they pour oil on plates and dip the bread into it……this is an American thing.  They will accommodate you if you ask for it, but it is not their custom.  Salads are served at the end of the meal.  House wines are available in almost all restaurants and are usually much less expensive, but delicious.  I recommend you try them!  Three courses are customary in Italy, but not required.  If you are eating pizza, the three course custom is not expected.  If you decide to try the Bistecca Fiorentina while in Florence, expect it to be served rare.  This is a very thick cut of meat and is customarily served this way.  Don’t be surprised if they are unhappy with your request to cook it longer.

8.            The use of ice in soft drinks and water is not customary in Italy.  If you want ice, you will need to ask for it.  When you do, don’t be surprised if you get only 3-4 cubes.  Ice is an ecological drain, because of the water usage and electricity for freezing as well as the space that it takes up.

9.            Be “ecologically aware”.  In Italy, most lights are on timers, escalators in airports on motion detectors, etc.  In hotels, you may need your key to be inserted near the door to work the lights.  Many places will not use air conditioning, and at certain times of the year, air conditioning may not be available in your hotel.

10.          Make time in your travels to sit in the piazzas and enjoy the culture.  Piazzas are one of the most important cultural aspects of Italy.  In your busy travels, it might be easy to overlook taking the time for this important activity.  Enjoy a beverage or picnic in the square while people watching.

For more information on Florence sites, visit www.anamericaninitaly.com

Karen Mills is an American woman who made the decision to leave her corporate life behind to live “la dolce vita” in Florence, Italy, Read more about her experiences at An American In Italy or contact her at queenkaren0@hotmail.com

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Have you traveled to Florence? Visited other parts of Italy? Do you have any advice or recommendations for our readers?

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Travel Tips For Visiting Venice Italy

Guest Post By: Margie Miklas

Rialto Bridge Venice ItalyVenice is one of the most visited cities in Italy and there is simply no place like it anywhere.  Averaging approximately 20 million tourists a year, most of them Americans, you can expect this beautiful city to be crowded.  Here are some travel tips for visiting Venice and making your stay one of the most memorable of your vacation in Italy.

Spend as much time as you can in Venice because it never seems to be enough.  If all you have is a day then make the most of it, but if you can manage to stay a few days in Venice, it will be worth it.

  • Enjoy getting lost as it is part of the charm of Venice. Wandering around the back alleys and narrow streets will give you a feel for how the people live. Eventually you will find your way back to the Grand Canal and take a vaporetto back to your hotel.

 

  • Buy a vaporetto ticket for either 24 hours or longer depending on how long you will be in Venice. It is the best way to navigate the Grand Canal and the ticket is for unlimited rides. A single ride is 6.50 Euros so a few rides will pay for an all day ticket.

 

  • Venetian Masks, Venice, ItalyTake a vaporetto to the islands of Murano and Burano and you won’t be disappointed. Burano is a photographer’s dream with all its colorful homes next to one another. Murano is the place where artisans still make glass by hand and is known throughout the world as the glassmaking capital.

 

  • Have dinner near Piazza San Marco but try one of the numerous trattorias on one of the side streets nearby. The prices are better and they are more intimate. I found a wonderful small family-run restaurant with only five tables and it was one of my favorite places.

 

  • Ride the elevator to the top of the campanile in St Mark’s square where you will have amazing views of the city. If you happen to be up there when the bell tolls on the hour, be prepared to cover your ears, as it is very noisy.

 

  • Wear good walking shoes because you will be doing a lot of walking including up and down steps. Venice was built on 117 separate islands and there are over 400 small bridges across the 150 small canals. This is not exactly a disability-friendly city, as far as walking is concerned.

 

  • Venice gondolier, Venice, ItalyIf you want to take a gondola ride, they are pricey and even moreso in the evening.  The prices start at 80 euros for a ride that lasts 40 minutes.  More information on riding a gondola  can be found here. You have the option of taking a traghetto across the canal for €0.50 or “cinquanta centesimi” and then you can say you rode in a gondola. It’s not the same experience but it is an option.

Venice is beautiful, charming and unique and one visit will only make you want to return. I never get tired of the beauty of this 1500 year old city in Italy. Bellissima Venezia!

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Varenna- Travel Destination on Lake Como, Italy

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