Venice

The most exquisite city of the Renaissance, the first time you enter Venice, (preferably by sea) will be imprinted into your memory forever.

I can still remember clearly the view of the Doges Palace and the gondolas bobbing gently against the coast as the boat pulled into Venice. It was all I had imagined come to life, like the set of a movie everything that I expected it to be, it was…and will be for you.

Fifteen years on I close my eyes and still live that first experience as if it were yesterday. And no it didn’t smell, the coffee wasn’t £15.00 a cup and the food was fantastic!.

The Piazza San Marco - It is said that Napoleon called it "The finest drawing room in Europe" and still today it could take that honour. It is a huge open square with architecturally stunning buildings and many shops and fantastic restaurants throughout its colonnades. Sit watching the tourists and the pigeons in the square. People feed them and those with patience (and nerve!) have the pigeons on their arms and shoulders; the picture opportunities are amazing!

The musicians at the restaurants play in the square, entertaining the crowds and trying to attract business to their tables. The front men are real entertainers and now how to draw in a crowd, once one band finishes a piece the band next door starts up!.

The prices are moderate to high though you should try it at least once, but don't miss all the little hidden places on the side streets. There are so many treasures to find.

In the square is St Mark's Bell Tower the Campanile di San Marco, rebuilt in 1902 when the original collapsed. The views from the top are incredible, and if you time it right you can be there when the bells ring. The Basilica di San Marco is a wonder to behold; a mix of Medieval, Romanesque, Byzantine, and Classical architecture. Taking the tour inside there is so much to learn, be sure to look for the Madonna Nicopeia, an incredible work of art made with jewels.

Next door is the Doges' Palace, Palazzo Ducale, another incredible building, magnificent in its architecture, treasures, and history. This is the building that you may recognize in some of Monet's paintings. Attached is the Bridge of Sighs, the place many condemned persons had their last views before taking in their last breath.

There is so much to see but you haven't found the real treasures of Venice just yet. These are found in the little canals, small bridges, and alley ways throughout the city.

I suggest getting lost, though the truth of the matter is you can’t really, when you walk the back alleys and canals there are signs posted with a simple arrow to major city areas. You’ll find a sign that simply states San Marco with an arrow, you follow the arrow and you will find yourself in the square!. These markers are not on every wall or turn; they are in just enough places to get you where you need to go. In the alley ways you will find many little shops and small bakeries, places to grab something to eat that the Venetians frequent.

With regards to eating the best suggestion is trial and error; any of the small restaurants and trattoria in the alleys are wonderful. For the best views and to watch the Gondoliers working their craft try the restaurants right on the banks of the Grand Canal near the Ponte Rialto.

The area near the bridge is a great picture taking spot, the striped poles, gondolas, small waterside restaurants and fantastic architecture of the surrounding buildings will have you shooting away trying to get that perfect photo. And they will be perfect, the opportunities are endless. The lighting of the morning, noon, sunsets, and evening is forever changing and the views are gorgeous.

For the ultimate romantic gesture take a gondola ride, with wine (a good Prosecco matches the finest champagne!), and listen to an accordion player while doing the canals, Bellissimo!.

Tours

Grand Tour.

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