When I’d envisioned my first trip to Venice, it would be on a yacht. I would sail into the harbor and get off into Central Venice where I’d have endless pasta and wine. Lucky for me, it happened exactly that way but less exaggerative.

I flew into Marco Polo Airport (VCE) and immediately headed to the water taxi. There are three ways from the airport to Central Venice. There’s a bus that takes you to Piazzale Roma, which cost €5($5.83) and then transfers to a Vaporetto, (water bus) which cost €6.50($7.58) to Venice. Another option is to buy a pass on the Alilaguna Water Taxi. One way to Venice is €15($17.49) or €27($31.49) for a round trip. (from experience buy the one way). You can also buy day passes for the water taxi. €30($34.98) for a 24hour pass and €65(75.81) for a 72hour pass. Thirdly, it cost €130($151.62) for a private boat to the city.

Where to stay has always been a matter of personal preference and itinerary. With just 24 hours, I wanted to be close to everything so I chose the Cavalletto & Doge Orseolo Hotel just steps away from Piazza San Marco. (St. Mark’s Square). It had a great location, friendly staff and a subtle quirkiness about it. Most importantly, if you need a gondola ride, you don’t need to go far as the front desk can bring the gondola to you. The hotel has its own private pier for gondola and boat rides to the airport, which can be also used as an outdoor terrace to relax. (There are only two chairs. Date night anyone?)

I pretty much snacked my way through Venice with only a night out for dinner. In St. Mark’s Square, on the right side of the right of the Basilica di San Marco is a snack bar with a great selection of Italian treats. My favorite is the Arancini. Its rice and cheese that’s later breaded and deep fried. Fruit stands are also a nice way to go, €2($2.33) for mixed fruit and €1.50 ($1.75) for a bottle of water. A few favorites were Ristorante San Stephano for its immaculate Spaghetti Bolognese and Osteria da Carla, who has a variety of finger foods to try over a nice glass of red wine.

I look towards returning to Venice in the future for a longer period so I can really get the true essence of the city. I would also love to visit other islands, mainly Murano as I am intrigued by the colorful Venetian town.

Until then,

Chao Venice.

#Italy

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