Perfect 5 Days in Venice, Italy (Part 2)

One can spend countless days in Venice and never have enough of this magnificent place. Unfortunately, most of us have a limited vacation time. We spend perfect 5 days in Venice, Italy. Experience our adventure with us and hopefully, get inspired to create your own perfect itinerary.

To Read Perfect 5 Days in Venice, Italy (Part 1)>CLICK HERE!

Day 3

Sunrise over Venice

The beauty of going to bed early (Day 2 was the only time we did it in Venice) was that we were up and ready by 5:30 am next day to do what I always wanted to do: see sunrise over San Marco Square.

Walking out from our hotel at dawn, street lamps still lit, we proceeded toward San Marco square with no one on the streets of Venice but us.

It was a surreal experience comparing to crowded, chaotic streets in the middle of the day. Arriving on the Piazza San Marco I was surprised to see only 3 other people there, all with professional cameras timing the sunrise for that perfect photograph.

We were armed with our Samsung Galaxy 9 plus and confident of our abilities to capture same amazing photos. Walking towards the waters of the lagoon we encounter wedding photographer with his clients. Other than that there were maybe 2 dozen people all together versus thousands normally crowding this place.

Unbelievable, getting up early truly pays off. It’s almost impossible to describe the magic of the moment so I let our photos do the job. We stayed till about 8 am and took in the beauty of Venice during sunrise, than we headed back to our hotel for another amazing breakfast with the view.

Visiting Dorsoduro

After the breakfast at the Gritti Palace we took a Gondola ferry across the Grand Canal, departing next to our hotel, to the opposing bank and neighborhood of Dorsoduro.

We started our exploration of this quiet and more residential sisterie by visiting magnificent church of Santa Maria della Salute, build by Venetians to thank God for saving them from one of the worst plague epidemics of 1630. It’s one of the most photographed sights in Venice as well as a breathtaking viewing point of this city.

From there we walked through side streets of Dorsoduro, past Guggenheim museum, little quaint stores offering quality merchandise for fraction of the price from their San Marco competitors, and towards Academia museum housing some of the most spectacular Venetian arts. From here all we had to do is just cross the Accademia bridge and we were minutes from our hotel ,where we took an hour break before next adventure begun.

Afternoon boat tour of Venice

There is no better way to experience Venice than from the water, and the best way to do it is by the private boat tour.

Again we hired guide and the boat via Walks of Italy.

EXPLORING VENICE IN COMFORT FROM THE WATER, WITH AN EXPERT GUIDE.

One of Venice’s grandest traditions is boating down the Grand Canal. The city’s main waterway serves as a passage for ambulances, cargo vessels and gondolas, while its shores are lined with the most beautiful palaces and bridges. You can see them all and soak up the atmosphere of the Grand Canal on the luxury Venice Boat Tour. As we passed each one, our guide told the stories and anecdotes that make them so incredible, from the Ca d’Oro and Cà Pesaro palaces; to the Rialto Bridge; Rialto Fish Market; and the Accademia Gallery.

From the water, we saw the Doge’s Palace and the St. Mark’s Basilica like never before. We explored the city’s prettiest inner canals, Venice’s equivalent to “back streets,” taking in the city’s beautiful palaces and getting a sense of how Venetians really live.

ADMIRING THE BEST VIEW IN VENICE FROM THE BELL TOWER OF SAN GIORGIO MAGGIORE.

At this stage we saw the most famous sights of Venice so we continued our off-the-beaten-path tour for something quite special. Few visitors take the time to visit the Island of San Giorgio Maggiore. That’s their loss and you’re about to find out why.

We stopped just across the water from St. Mark’s Square. Ever seen a postcard of the Doge’s Palace and Venice from across the water? This is where that shot was taken! Our guide led us inside the stunning basilica for a tour of its art and architecture, then we climbed the bell tower (admission is included in the price of your tour and there is an elevator). We strongly advise that you do so as well.

Stepping outside you’ll be hit full force by an incredible view over all of Venice. Trace the route of the Grand Canal, admire the dome of St. Mark’s Basilica and marvel at this incredible – and incredibly unique – city.

LUXURY BOAT TOUR: A TRULY VIP EXPERIENCE.

It’s the little details that really make this tour. While riding a gondola is a fantastic experience, the Grand Canal is too busy, its current too strong, to make any real progress. We’ve opted instead for a luxury speedboat so you can choose to sit inside and listen to your guide’s commentary or stand outside, snapping the best photos.

Our Venice Boat Tour took us away from the crowds to experience the best that the city has to offer – from the Rialto Bridge to the secret spots locals show to visiting friends. And with a local on hand to tell us the stories woven into the fabric of the city, our experience was as authentic as they come. We returned to Venice relaxed, refreshed and with tons of new knowledge and appreciation for this fascinating island city.

The only thing left to do to finish this perfect day was a wonderful dinner at the deck of the Gritti Palace.

Day 4

Exploring backstreets of Venice: S.Polo, S.Croce and Cannaregio

After early breakfast we headed for a walk through backstreets of Venice, where locals live, shop and eat and crowds and chaos of daytime visitors do not spoil this city. We started by crossing over the Accademia bridge towards Dorsoduro neighborhood and headed to neighborhoods of San Polo and San Croce. These less touristy areas offer you the glimpse of Venice that once was. Quiet, quaint, far less expensive and definitely slower pace.

Don’t be afraid to get lost, it’s part of the fun. Venice is small and safe, and in few minutes of walking you will come to the lagoon’s edge or the Grand Canal and regain your bearings. Also, stop by osteria for a drink and a bite, you might enjoy it and it is far less expensive than anything near San Marco.

Churches of Venice

Churches are a common feature along Venice’s canals and in her many beautiful piazzas. From the world famous St. Mark’s Basilica, to the imposing Santa Maria della Salute at the mouth of the Grand Canal, to the church of the Frari which houses High Renaissance artist Titian’s greatest work, there are around 139 consecrated churches to visit. And while many are well-known tourist attractions, there are plenty of hidden gems that harbor artistic masterpieces and religious relics just waiting to be discovered.

I haven’t seen a church I didn’t like in Venice. If it’s open, stop by for at least few minutes, you will be rewarded with some of the most amazing interiors. Some of the Venetian churches look from outside jus like another house. You can however distinguish them by occasional beggar sitting nearby.

Campo Santa Margherita offers great food and hang out alternative to Piazza San Marco, while osterias and restaurants near Campo della Pescaria offer some of the freshest seafood at competitive prices.

Cannaregio

Working class neighborhood of Cannaregio features longest and widest walking street in Venice, Strada Nova, lined with shops, banks and restaurants. It’s a picturesque walk full of opportunities to window shop as well as enjoy local cuisine.

H​istoric Jewish quarter

Cannaregio also houses first Jewish ghetto in the world dating back to 1516. Still vibrant local Jewish community enjoys beautiful historic synagogues, (five, one for each of the specific community) and kosher restaurants.​The oldest is the synagogue (or Schola) of Germany, one of the Ashkenazi Jews, which is located in the same building of the Jewish Museum.

At the corner of the square there is the Canton Synagogue and there near the Italian Schola. Moving to the ghetto old are the two most recent synagogues: the Spanish and the synagogue or Levantine Schola.​ I highly recommend taking a guided tour which explains in depth history of different and distinct communities that comprised Jewish presence in this city.

We finished our day with most exquisite dinner at ​A Beccafico Ristorante​​: Located near Accademia bridge on Campo San Stefano. This excellent restaurant features indoor and outdoor gourmet Sicilian dining, best that ​​Venice has to offer.

Day 5

Visiting neighborhood of Castello and night at the opera

Today we spend enjoying streets of Castello in the morning. This sisterie located behind San Marco offers some great sights including Santa Maria dei Miracoli, childhood home of Marco Polo, Santa Maria Formosa and most importantly Basilica dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo where most distinguished Doges and Venetian nobility are buried.

Santi Giovanni e Paolo

More familiarly known as San Zanipolo, Santi Giovanni e Paolo vies with the Frari as the city’s greatest Gothic church. It was built in the late 13th to early 14th centuries by the Dominican friars, and is striking for its huge dimensions and architectural austerity. Known as the Pantheon of Venice, it houses monuments to no fewer than 25 doges. Many of these are outstanding works, executed by the Lombardi family and other leading sculptors of the day.

Statue of Colleoni

Bartolomeo Colleoni, the famous condottiere or commander of mercenaries, left his fortune to the Republic on condition that his statue was placed in front of San Marco. A prominent statue in the Piazza would have broken with precedent, so the Senate cunningly had Colleoni raised before the Scuola di San Marco instead of the basilica. A touch- stone of early Renaissance sculpture, the equestrian statue of the proud warrior (1481–8) is by the Florentine Andrea Verrocchio and, after his death, was cast in bronze by Alessandro Leopardi. The statue has a strong sense of power and movement which arguably ranks it alongside works of Donatello.

Castello is also a great place to escape crowds visiting Venice for a day and a great place to sample local finger food: cicchetti. Our favorite place was a tiny ​Osteria ae Forcoe.

La Fenice: night at the opera

After short nap we were ready for another exciting Venetian experience, performance of Gioachino Rossini’s ​the Barber of Seville at splendid ​Teatro La Fenice (the  Phoenix) opera house.  Throughout the 19th century the name of La Fenice was  linked with great Italian composers. The many operatic  premieres that took place here include Verdi’s La Traviata  (1853) and Rossini’s Tancredi (1813) and Semiramide  (1823).

During the Austrian Occupation red, white and  green flowers, symbolizing the Italian flag, were thrown on  stage, to shouts of “Viva Verdi” – the letters of the  composer’s name standing for “Vittorio Emanuele Re  d’Italia”. More recently, the theatre saw premieres of  Stravinsky’s The Rake’s Progress (1951) and Britten’s  Turn of the Screw (1954).

We splarged for a best seats in the private box. It was well  worth it, and this romantic evening was a magnificent way  to finish our amazing stay in Venice.

Now all was left is to board our cruise ship for the next stage of this adventure, one week cruise to Montenegro and Greek islands.

I hope this introduction and guide to the Floating City was helpful and will allow you to create your own unforgettable memories.

However, I do realize that finding a perfect place to stay and dine might be challenging for someone traveling first time to Venice. Many get overwhelmed by choices Venice presents. If that describes you, no worries. ​My friend and expert on Venice, Brenda Furey Harmeling and Elegant Travel Worldwide, stands ready to help you plan your magical Venice experience. She visited the Floating City over 45 times and her services are at your disposal.

To contact Brenda Furey Harmeling and Elegant Travel Worldwide for free trip consultation CLICK HERE or email: bffffh@gmail.com

 

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