We boarded our train from Monterosso al Mare (Cinque Terre) at 11am. Peek-a-boo pockets of the sea streamed through periodically. We had “assigned seats” but I’m not sure if they actually mandate this. I would suggest trying to sit on the left side (when heading north). There are a lot more ocean views. The train was set for Milan, about a three-hour ride, followed by an hour layover before our next train to Venice. From there, you have to take a water taxi in. We opted for a water taxi (vaporetto) pass that allows you unlimited rides, plus the taxi (bus) to the airport.
We originally were going to stay for 4 nights, but after searching high and low for a reasonably priced hostel and Airbnb, we opted to cut down the trip by one day and found an Airbnb that would work.
(Side note: while searching for hostels in Italy, the majority of them required payment via cash, but would hold the room with credit card. This was not an ideal option for us, as our plan was to rack up points as we traveled.)
After we arrived, we walked directly to our Airbnb so we could drop off our bags. From there, we decided we would use the water taxi as much as possible.
I am sure with every city, I will have that feeling of “could I have done more”. With our first visit to Florence, we had more than enough time, and I felt like I did as much as I could. So, this time with our trip to Cinque Terre and Venice, our trip to each was much shorter, so I didn’t stress about trying to plan every detail. Which is not like me at all.
I wanted authentic Venice, but I also wanted to do all of the touristy things too. So, did I get the best of both worlds? I think so.
Our time in Venice was spent getting lost in the venetian streets by foot, drifting through the canals by boat, gazing at the beautiful colors and old structures, trying the infamous Bellini at Harry’s bar, and of course eating up all the Italian food we could find.
We were lucky enough to find an Airbnb that was about a minute walk to the water taxi and about a five-minute walk to the Rialto Bridge. It’s only one of four bridges that span the Grand Canal. So it was very cool getting to see that and walk across and take a water taxi under it almost every day. The Rialto Bridge is also the oldest bridge and was originally the dividing line between San Marco and San Polo districts. Fun fact!
Our second full day in Venice, we decided to wake up early and hit up Piazza San Marco before the masses descended upon the beautiful cobblestone roads. So thankful we did this! After coffee and a pastry, we managed to walk over to the square around 8 am. Which doesn’t sound too early, but the square was dead.
We walked around the square taking pictures of the Basilica (church), the bell tower, Doge’s Palace, and the Bridge of Sighs until the church opened up for visitors, free starting at 945am.
Many blogs recommended the Secret Itineraries Tours for Doge’s Palace for I believe 20 euros, but we weren’t feeling it, so we decided to skip that. The Bridge of Sighs is an enclosed bridge, built in 1600, and connects the prison with the interrogation rooms in Doge’s Palace. There was a fascinating legend about this bridge, however, with some digging I found it not to be true – but I do love the mystery of how that played out back in the day.
Instead of doing a tour of Doge’s, we did stand in line for about 10 minutes to walk through the Basilica. They don’t allow pictures unfortunately, but I can tell you that it’s absolutely worth it. Be sure to dress appropriately. And there are three or four rooms which will require a small fee to enter. We were not prepared and didn’t have cash on hand to pay – so not sure if we missed anything.
The Basilica also has a Museum that you can enter for a 5 euro fee. The bell tower across from the entrance also has a fee for 8 euros. However, they do offer a free guided tour at 11am and offer a “skip the line” for 2 euro. So you have a lot of options that could fill at least half of your day just in that square!
That was pretty much our day, full in the morning and relaxing in the evening. The following day, we took the water taxi to Murano and Burano.
Murano is known as the ‘Island of Glass’. They have a ton of glass shops with some very unique items. Some giant chandeliers, beautiful necklaces and other fine jewelry, and other massive pieces. Very fascinating. While walking to the water taxi we ran into a small crowd watching a couple men actually blowing glass in their shop, it was fun capturing that moment and seeing it first-hand.
The next stop has to be my favorite! Burano, known as the ‘Island of Lace’, wasn’t the main attraction for most. You could not help but be drawn towards their eccentric colored houses and buildings. I had a full-on photo shoot because I just couldn’t get enough!
We caught the end of their fall season, so unfortunately, we didn’t go over to Lido, which was also recommended for their beach. So, we headed back before leaving for a long flight the next day.
I have a feeling people are going to ask…
- We did not do a gondola ride. I wasn’t sold on it and after doing some research, it seemed more like a rip off. More bad stories than good, so we opted against this. Would this have sold me more on the romance city? I don’t know, but I can’t say I have regrets about not doing it!
- Museums. There are plenty there to keep you busy. But the city is full of history. Just walking around you could get your fill, especially on a short weekend trip.
Until next time, Venice. Ciao!
