Venice

Return flights from Bristol using easyjet

Date travelled: 7-10 February 2005

Known as the "City of Water", the romantic city of Venice is tucked away in North East Italy, surround by nothing but its watery lagoon.

From the airport, take the number 5 bus to the centre (tickets €0.80), or if you fancy something different, you could take the express airport water taxis (€70). Both take about 40 minutes to reach the centre. I stayed at the Hotel Ariston, which is a short bus ride from the centre.

As you first travel over the causeway that separates Venice from the mainland, you will notice that the road network simply stops. This is because Venice is a road traffic free zone, which makes the city excellent for walking around. Late winter/early spring is the best time to visit, as temperatures are pleasant, and there isn't as many tourists around.

Once you arrive, grab a map from one of the stalls by the bus station (around €3), and start your walking adventure.


The Grand Canal.

You will soon come to the first crossing over the Grand Canal, at Accademia bridge, where you will see the Basilica of Santa Maria (or Salute) to your right.


The view towards Salute.

As you travel through the narrow streets, crossing mini bridges along the way, you'll see the gondela's lining the canals (about €60 for an hours ride).


The gondela's.

If you travel to Venice the same time as me (first week of February), you will soon notice the locals dress is very distinct. This is because its carnival season, where legend has it locals dressed up and hid their faces to commit mass adultery. Nowadays, carnival time brings live entertainment all over the city.


Venice carnival.

You will soon arrive at the second big crossing over the Grand Canal, at Rialto Bridge. The bridge contains many small market stalls, selling all sort of Venice souvenirs.


Rialto bridge.

Continue your walk, and you will arrive at the highlight of Venice; St. Marks Square, with the grand Basilica dominating.


St. Marks Square.

Also on the square, is the Campanile (Tower), with its bell's chiming over the city every hour.


The Campanile.

Tourists and Pigeons en mass cover this area of the city, so you will probably want to escape. Instead of paying nearly €7 for a coffee in one of the cafés, take the lift inside the Campanile, to view for yourself the fantastic views over the city and lagoon.


The view over the city.

Once you've enjoyed the views, head along the water front, where you will see the Bridge of Sighs, which was the last view that prisioners had before being jailed. The sighs was meant to resemble the sighing prisioner. Legend has it that couples will ensure eternal love if they kiss under the bridge at sunset.


The Bridge of Sighs.

You can continue walking around the water front, where you will see the "old" or "real" Venice. The Arsenal, which was once a mighty Venetian dockyard, now a military base, is also in this area of the city.

In terms of local beer, you cannot beat a large Peroni, or Nastro Azzurro, as you watch the sunset over St. Marks Square. (€4)

If you don't fancy walking back to the bus, or perhaps you've had one too many! you can always take the Vaporetti (local water taxi) back to the bus station (€3 single), where you will enjoy the views of the Grand Canal. The journey takes about an hour.

So if you fancy a romantic weekend away, Venice is the place to be.