A Venetian Affair to Remember

Ah Venice, the romance, the sounds, the smells, the food. Yes, Venice I must confess is my favourite City in all of this small world of ours. I am lucky to have been 5 times and each time I fall more and more in love with the place!


A follower has asked me to give some insights and suggestions of hotels to stay in Venice around the Grand Canal, so I'll suggest a few later on.

Venice, where do I begin? Having arrived by air, probably at Treviso Airport, it is necessary to take some other means of transport to the main area of Venice and the Canal waterways, maybe train or bus. Then depending on where you are staying you'll have to take a water taxi or use your feet to get to your chosen hotel. but try to pack lightly as walking around Venice is not for the fainthearted, with the many bridges and steps and winding passageways.

As soon as you arrive at the water, everything that everyone has ever said about Venice becomes apparent, the brightly clad gondoliers, the well dressed Venetians and ...................the tourists! Yes, it has to be said, Venice attracts a lot of tourists and, apologies to the Americans reading this blog, but there's a lot of Americans out there, it's easy to spot them, large cameras, white trainers (sneakers), baseball cap and a bit of a paunch!!


As much as I love the area around Piazza San Marco, I love to wander further into Venice, along the narrow streets and hidden squares to find the 'real' Venice. Eat at the restaurants where the Venetians eat and taste the real Venetian food. BUT, don't get me started on food, that's my other big passion next to travel.

However, walking back along the fascinating streets, a couple of restaurants of note to mention are Osteria Oliva Nera situated near Ponte dei Greci and Ristorante Corte Sconta with the delightful secluded garden, just perfect for a fish supper.


If you can afford to take out a mortgage to buy a drink a visit to Harry's Bar is a 'must'; try his world famous drink, Bellini which Giuseppo Cipriani, the founder of the Bar invented in the 1930s and named after a famous 15th century Venetian painter.

As promised here's a few hotel ideas:

For sheer luxury and indulgence a stay at Cipriani's on Guidecca Island can't be beaten and they have their own speedboat to taxi you around the islands and to the mainland. If you can't afford to stay, try to take in a drink at sunset on their beautiful patio.

http://www.hotelcipriani.com/


Hotel Giorgione is centrally located near the Piazza De Marco and offers 4 star luxury.

http://www.hotelgiorgione.com/

Near to the aforementioned Ristorante Corte Sconte, in the Calle della Pieta, you'll find the delightful old building where Birsanzio hotel is located. The buildings date back to the 15th century.

http://www.birsanzio.com/

To be nearer the action and to stay right on the waterfront, overlooking the gondolas, tourists, the beautiful lagoon, a stay at Pensione Wildner (2 stars) is an excellent choice. The rooms are situated above their own restaurant and many come with balconies and fine views; perfect for sitting and enjoying a Bellini without the need for a mortgage!!

http://www.hotelwildner.com/

Well, just a small taster of Venice, there's so much to mention, the islands, the squares, the churches, the wonderful Gallerie dell Accademica housing such wonderful works as those painted by Titian and Carravaggio.......................but time waits for no man and there's travelling to be done....................