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Let me preface this post by saying (emphatically!) that Venice deserves far, far more than a “day trip”! A lifetime would not be adequate to fully immerse in this marvelous gem, this exquisite and unique treasure…

So, why am I only taking a day trip?

♦ I have visited Venice many times since I first walked out of the train station and fell under her spell many, many years (okay, decades!) ago. I was instantly seduced by her magic and my enchantment with and love for her has never wavered. And, always, the same thrill every time I walk into Piazza San Marco!

On the Grand Canal…and then…

♦ Venice is unique, she is splendid, she is fascinating and, for me, irresistible. I have visited her resplendent Basilica, her stupendous Palazzo Ducale (Doges Palace), lost myself in her Galleria dell’Academia and Scuola di San Rocco, stood in awe in Santa Maria Glorioso dei Friari, and admired her from the top of Campanile della Basilica di San Giorgio Maggiore.

♦ Whether I am riding along the Canal Grande in a vaporetto, gliding through her canals in a gondola, admiring her tempting shops or walking and wandering through the labyrinth of calle and alleys, enchanting surprises greet me around every corner.

Perhaps visiting dedicated and talented artisan and foodie friends, perhaps sitting at The Florian in Piazza San Marco and always, always returning with precious memories and hundreds and hundreds of photos because Venice is marvelously photogenic and a feast for the senses!

This was my third trip just since I’ve been here in Florence and it was almost spontaneous. After a brutally long hot summer, I longed to be near water and the siren call of La Serenissima lured me back…(an since it’s only a little over two hours by train and there was a “summer sale” on tickets, how could I resist!?)

Museo Correr! Canova, frescoes, maritime and glory day artifacts, masterpieces, royal apartments…so much beauty to behold and admire!

Although my list is still long, when planning my day, I decided to narrow my “itinerary” down to a museum I’d never visited, Museo Correr, and see her from a different viewpoint taking the elevator to the top of Campanile di San Marco – the majestic bell tower in the Piazza.

So, that is what I’ll be sharing today but when you plan your visit (and I would say that you must see Venice!), definitely allow a minimum of 3-4 days. Plan to see some of her stunning sites, take that gondola ride, go to the top of the bell tower…wander, meander, and enjoy getting a little lost!

And, always a Prosecco at The Florian…and a toast to returning!

♥ Arrivederci Venezia…a la prossima volta…until the next time! ♥

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