Venice Italy in a Day

Top Things to do in Venice Italy?

If you are traveling to Europe via a cruise one of the best things you will find is the ability to sample many places in one trip.  The drawback is that you only have one day in each stop and you have narrow all the the things you want to do.  So when in Venice what to do with so little time?  Below are list of things you can do.

1) Plan a day trip to islands Burano and Murano  

A day trip to these islands will take you about 4 1/2 hours. To get to the islands you can book a local tour or purchase an excursion with your cruise line. The positive of booking a tour is that you will get to learn the history of the surrounding islands.  We had a  local guide and she shared stories of the surrounding islands with our group that were pretty interesting.  Some of the surrounding islands years ago were utilized to maintain those who were sick with polio and then later were turn into an insane asylum followed by monastery (Crazy right!).  Other surrounding islands today are private and are utilize to host celebrations such as royal or celebrity weddings.   Unlike Venice where the majority of the homes are similar in color; Burano presents a vibrant landscape of painted homes. The houses are pained in series of colors  that automatically bring joy to you as you step onto the Island. As Vincent Van Gogh  said "Color in a painting is like enthusiasm in life" that is the feeling you will get walking through this beautiful historic island.

www.journeyofvitality.blogspot.com -Burano Italy 

Today the main craft on the island is lace making however, many years ago it was a fisher mans island.  Legend has it that the origin of the colorful houses served as a guide to local fisherman.  As the fisherman return from their journey at sea they could spot the island from afar via the vibrant colors.  Besides enjoying the colorful scenery the island offers an array of restaurants serving tasty seafood dishes.  You can also stop by local shops to see the art of lace making and pick up a souvenir.  On the other hand the island of Murano is more widely known for….well you guessed it Murano glass.  It is a very small island but it features the opportunity for you to see how glass is blown...good news most tours will include this in the tour price.  There are also shops with gorgeous chandeliers and glass art giving you many options to pick up a trinket or two to bring back home.

2) Take a gondola ride from Rialto Bridge

You may find this option a bit over priced as this is a popular activity for tourist; however, I have to say when in Venice enjoy a gondola ride!  If you are traveling with friends you can consider  sharing a ride with your mates and that will reduce the cost.  The plus on sharing a ride is that you have someone that can take turns snapping a picture or two during your trip.  My husband and I took the gondola ride at night...it was dark but it created an amazing atmosphere.  

Seeing the homes in the dark made the experience much more romantic…. well at least for me…my husband was (a bit tense) as he was worried the gondola would tip over.  We also  happen to have a few locals comically serenade us during our ride.  A group of teens spotted us at the start and decided to sing to us When a man loves a woman via each bridge we passed.  Surprisingly enough they knew the route the gondola was going so they kept popping up in each bridge we past. It was pretty amusing and we got a glimpse of how playful their locals can be. Nevertheless, I recommend taking a gondola ride as it will give you an opportunity to experience Venice from a different vantage point.

3) Take a stroll down Piazza San Marco

www.journeyofvitality.blogspot.com -Venice Italy

Piazza San Marco (St. Marks Square)  is the center of Venice Italy and is surrounded by great architecture, restaurants  and shops.  In the Piazza you can also see a beautiful basilica containing very detailed ornate  elements.  As you stroll down through the streets a path will lead you to Rialto Bridge; there you can admire the scenery or choose to take a gondola ride.  Lastly, if you want to toast the moment you can stop at a bar and enjoy a couple of drinks.  My husband and I  chose to  have a Bellini. History has it that this cocktail was created in Venice Italy in the 15th century.  The Bellini is made of peach puree topped of with Prosecco (Yummy right!) So while there I suggest to stop and enjoy a Bellini.  Cheer to the fact that you have gotten the opportunity to explore a  destination on your bucket list.  Create great memories to take back home and next time you are out for dinner you can enjoy a Bellini and it will automatic transport you back to that time you had the chance to walk the streets of Venice Italy.