Venetian Dreams: A 3 Day Romance with the Floating City

Venice: The Enchanting Floating City

Venice, often hailed as one of the most romantic and unique cities in the world, is a marvel built on a network of 118 small islands connected by over 400 bridges. This floating city offers an otherworldly experience that captivates every visitor.

Arrival and Exploring the Heart of Venice

Journey to Venice

Our adventure began with an overnight train ride from Munich to Venice. As the train chugged through the night, the anticipation of exploring the fabled city of canals kept sleep at bay. Waking up to the first light of dawn, we found ourselves rolling into Venezia Santa Lucia station, ready to embark on our three-day Venetian escapade.

First Impressions

The first sight of Venice was like stepping into a painting. The Grand Canal greeted us with its shimmering waters, lined with pastel-colored buildings that seemed to float effortlessly. The iconic vaporettos (water buses) and gondolas glided gracefully across the water, setting the stage for our exploration of this enchanting city.

Exploring Venice

After a quick check-in at our charming hotel - Hotel Bonvecchiati Venice, we headed out for a quick lunch and then decided to explore the city on foot, immersing ourselves in Venice's rich culture, history, and beautiful canals. Our journey took us through the famous Piazza San Marco, where we marveled at the grandeur of the Doge's Palace and Saint Mark's Basilica. We also found the Bridge of Sighs and strolled along the Grand Canal.

We visited the bustling Rialto Bridge and Market, a vibrant hub of local life. Venice is a city of secrets, and we spent the afternoon uncovering some of its hidden courtyards and lesser-known squares. From the tranquil Campo Santa Margherita to the picturesque Campo San Polo, each corner of Venice revealed a new facet of its charm.

Crossing the Rialto Bridge, we explored the other side of Venice to admire the stunning Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute. As the sun began to set, we indulged in a serene gondola ride. Guided by a knowledgeable gondolier who regaled us with tales of Venice's rich history, we floated beneath ancient bridges and past elegant palazzos, feeling transported back in time.

Nightlife in Venice

The nightlife in Venice is simply beautiful! Around Piazza San Marco, you will find wonderful places to dine. We enjoyed a glass of wine while listening to live music, soaking in the enchanting atmosphere of the city.

Island Hopping – Murano, Burano, and Torcello

Morning: Murano

We started our second day with a boat trip to the vibrant islands of Murano, Burano, and Torcello. Our first stop was Murano, famous for its world-renowned glassmaking industry. The vaporetto ride offered stunning views of the Venetian Lagoon. Upon arrival, we headed straight to a glass factory for a demonstration, watching skilled artisans transform molten glass into intricate pieces of art. We also visited the Museo del Vetro (Glass Museum) to delve deeper into the history and evolution of glassmaking on the island. Strolling along Murano’s canals, we admired the exquisite glassware in the shops and visited the Church of Santa Maria e San Donato, known for its beautiful Byzantine mosaics.

Midday: Burano

Next, we took a short ride to Burano, a photographer's paradise famous for its brightly colored houses and lace-making tradition. Each house is painted in a different hue, creating a vibrant and cheerful atmosphere. We wandered through the narrow streets and canals, visited the Lace Museum (Museo del Merletto) to learn about Burano's intricate lace-making heritage, and saw the leaning bell tower of San Martino Church.

Afternoon: Torcello

Our final stop was Torcello, the most tranquil and historically rich of the three islands. We visited the Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta, which dates back to the 7th century and is adorned with stunning mosaics, including the Last Judgment. We explored the Church of Santa Fosca and the Torcello Museum to further immerse ourselves in the island's history. The serene landscapes and ancient monuments of Torcello provided a perfect contrast to the bustling streets of Venice.

Tips for Your Trip

Tickets: Purchase a day pass for the vaporetto to easily hop between islands.

Comfortable Shoes: Wear comfortable walking shoes, as you'll be exploring on foot.

Timing: Start early to make the most of your day, and check the vaporetto schedule to ensure smooth transitions between islands.

Farewell to Venice

As our time in Venice drew to a close, we took one last stroll along the Grand Canal after returning from our day trip to the nearby islands. The setting sun cast a golden glow over the water, creating a picture-perfect farewell.

The following morning, we explored Venice one last time before the city woke up. There is something alluring about seeing people getting ready for the day. We had saved the last day for shopping, and that was our last morning in Venice. After a quick lunch, we were all set to catch our train back home. Venice had woven its magic around us, and we departed with memories of a dreamlike journey through one of the world's most captivating cities.