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HONEYMOON ITINERARIES

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VENICE, ITALY founded on traditionally and conveniently on St. Marks day April 25th 421. I recommend at least a stay of 3 full days in Venice (4 nights).
Venice by the Numbers--Central Venice is divided by Venice's longest (4km/2 1/2 miles) and widest (30-70m/98-230 ft.) waterway, the Grand Canal. Its 118 islands are separated by approximately 170 rio (canals) and connected by some 430 footbridges, mostly stone with iron balustrades added in the 19th century. Only three bridges cross the Grand Canal: the Ponte degli Scalzi, just outside the train station; the elegant white marble Ponte Rialto (by far the most recognizable bridge, and, for centuries, the only one), connecting the districts of San Marco and San Polo; and the wooden Ponte Accademia, connecting the Campo Santo Stefano area of the San Marco neighborhood with the Accademia museum across the way in Dorsoduro.

Well over 1,600 years after the founding of Venice, it can still boggle the mind how the ancient Romans built the Floating City. Throughout the centuries, it has undergone floods, fires and plundering pirates. Yet, despite its hardships, Venice remains proud of its heritage, beauty and triumphs.

The fastest way to reach Venice is by airplane or slow and romantic by via train. There are stations in most major Italian cities. If you’ll be in Europe for a good while, look into getting a rail pass for unlimited travel among the countries for a set period of time.

1) Once your reach Venice, you have two options of getting around- by foot or by boat. There are no roads in Venice, and thus no space for cars or scooters. Aqua taxis (vaporetti) and ferries (traghetti) line the docks at the train station, ready to take you anywhere in the city. There are very few locations in Venice that don’t sit on a canal or a block or two away from each other. If you’re walking, make sure you have a comfortable pair of shoes and are able to walk up and down steps. All canals are crossed by raised foot bridges. Keeping in mind the age of Venice, however, travelers should note that the city is not entirely handicapped accessible.

2) Walking through Venice in the early morning hours is a treat. Fishing boats are still unloading their nets and delivering them to the Farmers Markets that line the Grand Canal. Bakers bring fresh pastries and breads to sell at the market. Local farmers also bring their daily harvests, filling the air with the smell of fresh fruit and vegetables. Prices are cheap, and make for a great breakfast on the go. To check this out walk over the Rialto bridge from San Marco into San Polo and their you will see the early morning vendors. Please Note: If you arrive after 10 am most venders will be packing up to leave. The Rialto market is visited very early in the mornings by local Venetians.

3) One of Venice’s claims to fame is the annual Carnivale di Vinezia. The festival dates back to medieval times and usually starts two weeks before Ash Wednesday. Hand-crafted theater masks and ornate costumes are worn by partygoers to the plays, concerts, and grand balls that are a traditional part of the celebration. Many mask shops in Venice have workshops for guests to create their own Carnivale masks, as well as sell their own wares.

4) No trip to Venice would be complete without a gondolier ride. Gondolas were once the main source of transportation in the city, but now mostly function for the tourists. While gondoliers can be found all over the city, be wary of any that contact you away from a main dock. The licensed gondoliers will have an “office” right by their pier. Gondolier rides can be expensive (upwards of $100.00 dollars for a 30 minute trip and the price is not per person but per ride), but do offer a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Try taking your ride just before sun down for the best views of Venice. Most gondola trips will take you past the homes of Casanova and Goethe, then into the Grand Canal for spectacular views of the Rialto Bridge, Bridge of Sighs, Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s square. As you look at a gondola you’ll notice it has 6 fins at the front of the boat. This represents the 6 diffrent regions of Venice, which is, San Marco, Cannaregio, Castello, San Croce, San Polo and Dorsoduro.

5) Back on dry land, head over to St. Mark’s for great photo opportunities and historical tours of the palace, museum and cathedral. Be careful walking through the square. For decades, the piazza has been home to literally thousands of pigeons. Locals come to feed, pet and play with them. If this makes you uncomfortable, there are covered sidewalks along the sides of the square where you can escape.

6) Just off of St. Mark’s Square, travelers can find the upscale shopping district. Besides mask makers, shoppers can find designer labels (such as Gucci and Prada), jewelry, glasswork, and art boutiques. Keep in mind, the European Euro is worth more than the U.S. dollar, but most shop owners are willing to “negotiate” prices with you.

7) Don’t forget about Italy’s most savored sweet- gelato. If you’ve never tried this frozen delight, then you’re in for the treat of a lifetime. American ice cream will never taste the same again. Pair it up with an Italian cappuccino or espresso. Both put the American versions to shame. Also when ever you need a snack, the taste of Los Spuntino or the Italian pizza is always near by with any street vendor.

8) Like everywhere in Italy, restaurants don’t open for dinner until approximately 8:00 p.m. Dining is meant to be a long, casual affair, making room for the many dishes traditionally served. Typically, Italian dining begins with an antipasto platter, followed by a fish dish. Then comes your pasta, and then a protein of some kind (chicken, beef, wild boar, etc). Next is your salad, followed by hot vegetables. Finally comes desert- in two or three courses! Keep in mind, each of these dishes would be considered a full meal in most American restaurants. A few notes of interest with Italian dining: bread on your table does not come with your meal; it’s usually an added charge. Waiters will bring the bread, but not explain the charge. If you don’t want any bread, just let your waiter know. Also, you’ll notice a “service charge” on your receipts. This means the tip has already been included in your bill and you do not need to leave anything extra, unless you informed your waiter you are on your honeymoon. Venice is the most romantic city in Europe so if waiters know it is your honeymoon they will often place you at a better table with a view for free and give you more attention without you having to request for it. As friendly as waiter are in Venice, you can always pull yours aside and explain you would like a song sung for your bride or to the both of you and that caps off a very nice evening. Paris being the second most romantic place in Europe so keep Paris in mind for your anniversary.

9) Surprisingly, most mid-level and fine dining restaurants are located in the opposite direction of St. Mark’s Square. But really, none are more than a twenty minute walk from any of the main hotels. Many restaurants, such as Acqua Pazza, serve traditional fare at reasonable rates. And no, you’re not required to order all seven courses! Thrifty travelers could easily share a platter of pasta with someone and still feel full.

10) Another famous event in the city is the Venice Film Festival, the oldest of its kind in the world. Usually held in August or September, the eleven day event highlights the best of independent and foreign film. Tickets to this prestigious event can cost upwards of €150.00. But, the stars of the films usually wander the city and environs during the day, and you never know who you’ll see!

11) Santa Maria della Salute was built on more than a million pilings, the magisterial Church of Santa Maria della Salute rises on Dorsoduro, one of Venice's six sestieri, or districts. A baroque masterpiece designed by Venetian architect Baldassare Longhena, the church was commissioned as an offering to God when the plague devastated Venice in the 1600s.

12) A short boat trip from Venice is the island of Murano, known world-wide for their Venetian glass sculptures and creations. For over 1,500 years, the glass blowers and artisans have been producing beautiful works of glass art, furniture, statuettes, and assorted bric-a-brac. Most shops offer complimentary tours and demonstrations of the glass blowing process. Some of the larger pieces can be a bit pricey, especially when you add in shipping costs. However, the small pieces, like decorative wine bottles, small figurines, and jewelry, are very affordable and make great souvenirs/gifts.

13) All throughout Venice you will find artists and vendors selling their crafts. Be sure and check out all the bridges as many venders hang out selling amazing items for much less then the major shops. Just pass the Rialto bridge is the market place and through that area are many vendors displaying their items for much less then the normal shops.

Please take note: Winters can be drippy and chilly, but the fog that drapes Venice makes it appear even more magical.

For honeymoon travelers looking for the most romantic place on earth, Venice is the city for you.

MARRIED IN ITALY

ST. MARKS SQUARE

BASILICA

WORLDWIDE WEDDING CHURCHES VIDEO

MAP OF VENICE

ITALIAN MAP OF VENICE 2

WEST MEETS EAST IN VENICE

ARRIVING IN VENICE

VENICE SIGHT SEEING

VENICE ITINERARY 1