Venezia lives up to its name as the most beautiful city in Italy. The perfect blending of its canals and islands gives the city a unique charm found nowhere else in the world. The great Doge’s palace and Duomo are all located around San Macro piazza. And not to be missed is Valvidi’s Four Seasons. The city patron saint is St. Macro (San Macro). Venice has its share of famous names such as Macro Polo and Casanova.
We took the first train out of Florence to Venezia Mestre. The train ride takes around 3 hours and cost 19Euros. From there we took a taxi to Camping Alba D’oro which comes up to 4Euro per person. It is quite a pleasant place which easily accommodates the 4 of us in a personal hut. It comes with kitchen and personal bathing facilities.
From the camp site is a 1Euro bus ride to the Venezia isola bus station, which is on the Venice island. Venice is an ultimate maze island. I am unable to decipher the maps at all. So eventually we just follow the cardinal direction and the signs there are provided along the popular route.
The Grand Canal (Canal Grande) cut through the middle of Venice and it is the busiest waterway in the city.
Along the way, we came upon this performer who plays music just by using glasses and water.
We walked to Venice main attraction - the Piazza San Macro and its Basilica. There are many pigeons walking around the plaza.
And fine cafes where we can just sit and have a cup of cuppuccino.
A peak into San Macro side gates.
Elizabeth and Si Yu are both experts in classical music and they recommend we should attend a Vivaldi Concert on Quattro Stagione (Four Seasons).
16th April (Friday) – Venice Sights
On this day we will visit one of the main museum of venice, the Doge Palace (Palazzo Ducale). Venice was ruled by the Doges until Napoleon invasion. It is said that Casanova escaped from the prison palace via this narrow waterway.
We also visited the Museo Correr, Museo Archeologico Nazionale and Sale Monumentali Della Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana.
After the sights, it is shopping around venice. Venice is famous for its Paper Mache (Carnevale masks).
There are people travelling on gondola around the many waterways.
17th April (Saturday) – Venice Sides
On Saturday morning, we visited San Banabas church where Indiana Jones uncovered the tomb of the ancient crusades in 'The Last Crusade'.
From there, we did more shopping followed by a Vaporettu ride to a outlying island - the La Guidecca island.
A view of the cathedral from the opposite island.
The Santa Maria Maggiore is the main cathedral on the island.
As evening approaches, we paid a visit to Venice fresh food market.
Seafoods dorn the many stalls in the market.
As our camp comes with kitchen facilities, we decide to prepare our own italian crusine. Here is the combined effort of the four of us.
