Venice
After we landed at Marco Polo airport in Venice, we took a bus to Piazzale Roma station. At the bus stop, we followed the crowd across the crosswalk toward the Grand Canal. Then we bought a vaporetto (water bus) ticket and rode to the Rialto Mercado stop. Our hotel was only a short walk from there.
Arrive in Venice
Before the trip, we received an email from the travel gurus at Rick Steves with our hotel information. They made it very easy to contact the hotel and add an extra night to our trip so we could arrive a day early.
The hotel was very accommodating as well, and held our suitcases for us since we arrived a few hours before check in. After dropping our bags off, we walked around the corner and had a delicious meal and a glass of wine.
DAILY TIP
Install WhatsApp on your phone. You can text your hotel and tour guide!
Day One - Venice
Our Rick Steves' tour group wasn't meeting until 4:00pm, so we walked over to the Parco delle Rimembranze. Along the way we stumbled upon a Liberation Day celebration and stopped to listen as a woman sang the Italian National Anthem. Next, we took a vaporetto to Murano, explored the area, and had some gelato. After that, we rode over to San Michele Island, home to Venice's main cemetery. The island was peaceful, and respectful visitors are welcome.
After having dinner with the group, we went on a very special gondola ride.
DAILY TIP
If you enjoy birding, make sure to update your Merlin app before your trip. I spotted a European Serin today!
Day Two - Venice
Our Rick Steve's tour guide, Marianna, started the day by introducing us to a local Venetian guide for a walking tour. It was really great hearing about daily life in the city, its history, and we visited the fish market. Everything at the market was caught that morning!
After the walking tour we found lunch and did a bit of shopping. We had 3:00pm tickets to St. Mark's Basilica and practically had the place to ourselves!
DAILY TIP
Keep your Venice QR Code handy, we were asked to show it. I kept it in a photo-folder on my iPhone home screen.
Day Three - Venice
We began the day with a tour of Venetian art. Our local guide, Elisabetta, led us through the Accademia and explained some of the most important works. Afterward, we took a private boat to Burano. Lunch in Burano was delicious, and included Sgroppino, a refreshing Venetian digestif. Burano was so charming, and we purchased some lace Christmas ornaments. It's definitely worth a visit
In the evening, we wandered around Venice and stopped for a glass of wine and a snack at a cicchetti bar, and then had dessert at Caffè Florian.
DAILY TIP
Leave your hotel at 6:30am and go explore, it's wonderfully quiet.
