We spent 9 days in Italy: 3 days in Rome, 3 days in Florence and Venice was the last destination in Italy during our trip. Detailed itinerary of 3 days in Rome can be found here and 3 days in Florence can be seen here.
Day 1: Venice
We had an action packed day. We took the train for Venezia St. Lucia. Once you reach Venice, most of the destinations can be reached either by walking or by waterbus. Since we were tight on time, we took the waterbus to Rialto; nearest stop to our hotel.
We did the Venice Free Walking Tour. The meeting point for the tour is Campo St. Apostoli. It was one of the best free walking tours we did.
Some folks highly recommend the very famous gondola ride which takes you through the canals and exposes you to the mesmerizing views of Venice. However, I personally felt that this ride was very expensive and I had more fun to simply look at it instead of sailing in it.
Day 2: Murano & Burano
Murano Island is famous for its glass-making. A few centuries ago, all glass makers were required to live on the island to protect the glass-making secrets. Today the tradition of glass making continues here and you can find out about it in its museum. Some glass factories have free demo for visitors. There are many shops selling glass creations and souvenirs – but be careful, as some are made from China. True story. Wiki here.
Burano Island is an island of picturesque canals lined with colorful houses. What a happy place! Interesting fact about Burano is that only the government is allowed to renovate the houses to ensure the uniqueness and retain the colorfulness of the island. It’s also famous for its artisan lace (but check to see that it’s handmade and not mass-produced) or visit the Lace Museum to find out more about the tradition of lace making. Wiki here.
Day 3: Rialto bridge, the market and its surrounding area
This was the last day of our trip and very well spent indeed.
We did the Doge’s Palace Secret Itinerary tour. During the 1,000-year reign of the Republic of Venice, its headquarters and and the residence of its leader, known as the Doge were at the Doge’s Palace. It is now a museum with options to explore its secret passages. While this is a very interesting tour and I personally loved it, this is not meant for those who are claustrophobic. The tour is in the dark and there is no ventilation. However, while I was touring, I realized how much of what we have we take for granted.
Basilica San Marco is quite close and is beautiful as well. This grand multi-domed church, is one of Italy’s most spectacular churches and one of Venice’s top attractions. Exhibiting influences from Byzantine, Western European, and Islamic architecture all due to Venice’s powerful seafaring past, Saint Mark’s Basilica is truly an embodiment of the Venetian aesthetic.
We captured some really good shots of the local streets and did some shopping.
While you do what you do in Italy, please do not forget the Gelatos Icecream! That is an absolute heaven on earth. We just couldn’t stop having it.
Below are the most recommended shops for eateries by the locals in Venice:
We hope you enjoy the trip as much as we did! Would love to know if was helpful. Please feel free to write back to us should you have any questions/comments.
Venice is one of the most impressive cities to me. So beautiful and romantic, a pleasant boat ride along the city.
I really want to go on a long weekend vacation with my husband to Venice. I have always believe it would be so romantic and a lot of fun! Your post has made me want to go even more. Maybe one day.
I have been to Vince before and for a whole week! I enjoyed it but I think a whirlwind three days would have been better. I think research (helpful blog posts like yours) and booking just to catch the tail end of the tourist season so things are open is the best combination.
Wow, what memories! I am totally jealous. I would love to go to Venice one day!
Wow what an amazing trip! I love that you shared so much history behind the tours!
I love Venice! I hope I get to go back someday. It is such a special city and maybe a bit magical too.
Italy is at the top of my list for places I want to visit. There is so much to do and see. Murano glass is so beautiful. Good tip about the fakes.
Great review of your 3rd day. I love the beautiful colored homes reminds me of the building in Curacao. I also cant wait to go to Italy to get some authentic gelato!!!
These are some neat mini destinations. I like to see the colorful photos and environments.
The pictures are stunning! It sounds like you had a great time! Venice is one of the places that I’d love to visit in the future.
Belle | One Awesome Momma
We haven’t traveled in so long but this is perfect. The gondolas and all the colors of the city are striking! I really want to go to Venice!
I’ve always wanted to go to Italy and your vacation photos are inspiring me to book a trip sooner than later! It looks like a magical experience!
Venice is so gorgeous! I am always enthralled by pictures of the city. It’s definitely high on my “places to visit” wish list! It looks like you had a terrific time there!
these are such great places! i’ve always loved to visit Venice! I’m so jealous. 🙂
What an amazing trip1 I really hope to visit that part of the world someday, any day…it’s truly amazing there!
These photos of Italy are so beautiful! I wish I had the time to visit soon.
It would be nice to go to Venice right about now. I love that there’s a free walking tour, that’s going to help us save on expenses while seeing the city. Thanks for sharing your itinerary with us.
We are planning a trip to Italy the summer of 2018. I have bookmarked your page for our future reference!
Those buildings on the canals are so colorful. I could spend several hours they’re just people watching and taking photographs
oooo this looks like a beautiful place to visit and it would be a great option for us! We will have to plan a visit soon!
It sounds like you had a wonderful time in Venice! I have ALWAYS wanted to visit there and hope to get there someday 🙂