March 1, 2020
As you can see from the wide selection of Venice photos that we offer, it is a favorite destination of ours. Though fragile from flooding, most recently in the fall of 2019, it is still one of the worlds’ most beautiful, unique and photogenic cities and brings lasting memories to anyone who goes there.
The Venice airport (VCE) is convenient with frequent water buses for people and their luggage going to San Marco, “downtown” of the main island, or connecting point to other islands. If your budget allows, comfortable water taxis rush you to the dock of your hotel.
The islands offer many luxury hotels. Our favorite, the Hotel Metropole (www.hotelmetropole.com) isn’t the most expensive, by far, but it is so unique that we and friends who we have recommended it to have come back again and again. Rooms in the front face the lagoon, on the side a canal and in the back, a delightful garden. Décor includes several eclectic antique collections consisting of corkscrews, nutcrackers, pouch bags, crucifixes and card cases. It is like staying in a museum that offers wonderful meals and comfortable accommodations.
It’s location is only two bridges—1150 feet from San Marco Square proving the truth to the saying “location, location, location” especially when the area becomes crowded from cruise ships late in the morning and you can easily return to your hotel for a wonderful lunch and some relaxation before returning to San Marco to watch the cruise ships leave.
And evenings in San Marco are delightful. Several restaurants in the courtyard hire full orchestras to play your favorite song. It is almost a musical competition for your listening pleasure.
And speaking of competition, the restaurants try to outdo each other but in a very subtle way. They are all different and wonderful in their own way. You will not have a bad meal in Venice. Ditto on service. These people take pride in the Venice tradition.
During your stay, plan a trip to Murano which is famous for several glass factories. Here, the artisans blow the glass into beautiful vases, dishes, chandeliers or other elegant art and décor. Our favorite is BISANZIO Gallery (www.bisanzioglass.com) and your hotel can arrange for them to pick you up at your hotel, take you to Murano to tour their glass blowing shop and watch the artisans at work, then tour their showroom and others on the island. If you make a purchase, they will pack it and ship it to you and all the charges go to your credit card. Very old-world treasures with the convenience of a modern world business. When you have finished, they will return you to your hotel—no charge for the transportation and tour, If you ever want to see this tremendous skill, do it now because the young people are not taking up the trade as the old artisans retire. It is hard, hot work.
If time allows, take a vaporetto (Water bus) to Burano, a totally different kinds of island about 4 miles (40 minutes) from Murano. In Burano, the homes are painted in a variety of vivid colors and funky patterns, like nowhere else in the world. It is a fun place.
Whether you are in Venice for a few or several days, you will not be bored, and you will say it was one of your most memorable trips. And we almost guarantee, it will not be long before you return.