Venice ADVENTURE

Day 1

The moment Denys (my elder son) and I arrived in Venice, we knew this trip would be something special. Stepping out of Santa Lucia Station, we were instantly greeted by the shimmering Grand Canal, with vaporettos and gondolas gliding gracefully through its waters.

Check Venice hotels below

Luxury Options:

1. The Gritti Palace (San Marco) – Historic palazzo with opulent interiors and Grand Canal views.

2. Aman Venice (San Polo) – Lavish accommodations in a 16th-century palazzo, known for unparalleled elegance.

3. Baglioni Hotel Luna (San Marco) – Perfectly located, featuring refined Venetian décor and exceptional service.

Budget Options:
4. Hotel Antiche Figure (Santa Croce) – Charming, affordable, and conveniently located by the Grand Canal.
5. Locanda Fiorita (San Marco) – Cozy boutique hotel with a warm Venetian vibe near major sights.

In the afternoon we made our way to Piazza San Marco—the heart of Venice. Denys was fascinated by the intricate mosaics of St. Mark’s Basilica, and together, we traced the city’s history through the grandeur of the Doge’s Palace. Walking over the Bridge of Sighs, we imagined the stories of those who crossed it long before us. From the top of the Campanile, we stood in awe as Venice unfolded beneath us—a maze of canals and rooftops bathed in golden sunlight.

As evening approached, we couldn’t skip the classic gondola ride. Gliding through the narrow canals, with the sun setting behind the ancient facades, felt like stepping into a fairytale. Denys loved spotting hidden courtyards and secret passageways along the way. We then wandered to the Rialto Bridge, where we stood mesmerized by the reflection of city lights dancing on the water.

Day 2: Art, Islands, and Rooftop Views

We started the morning with a dive into Venice’s artistic soul. Gallerie dell’Accademia amazed us with its grand Venetian masterpieces, and at the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, Denys was drawn to the modern art, intrigued by the bold colors and abstract forms.

Lunch at Osteria alle Testiere was cozy and welcoming, with some of the freshest seafood I’ve ever tasted. Then, we set off for island-hopping—first to Murano, where we watched master glassblowers at work. Denys was fascinated by the delicate artistry, especially when they created a tiny glass horse right in front of us.

Next was Burano, an explosion of color. Every house was painted in a different vibrant shade, and we strolled along its charming canals, stopping to taste local pastries and watch lace makers craft their delicate designs.

Back in Venice, we climbed to the rooftop of T Fondaco dei Tedeschi, where we were rewarded with a spectacular view of the city bathed in golden light.

For dinner, we returned to Burano to Trattoria al Gatto Nero, where we shared a seafood risotto that melted in our mouths. It was the perfect end to an adventurous day.