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Because of its breathtaking beauty and grandeur, Venice is a place that makes you decide whether to spend most of your time outdoors, taking in the unparalleled beauty of the City. Or, you still have a passion to traipse through Museums, Art Galleries, Churches/Basilicas or other cultural/historical buildings.
You MUST be prepared to walk extensively in Venice, there's just no way around it. Yes, you can get a vaporetti ride everywhere, or a more private transportation mode of motoscafi (motorboat - great for the airport!). A gondola is a wonderful experience and to be enjoyed, but unless you can spend the whole day on the water, don't! What is beyond compare anywhere is a night-time water-ride, as the sun is setting, and all the evening-night lights going on, it will take your breath away. It is the best time to be on the water.
Wandering in Venice is an art form. Every corner you turn, every bridge you cross, opens new vistas for you. No-one is in a hurry, which especially helps when tourists overrun this beautiful little City. It seems as if everyone is in Venice-Disneyland judging by the crowds. Also, with the arrival of the humongous new ruise line ships, it feels like "the ships that ate Venice." Because the City is so small, even as a luxury traveler you cannot avoid tourists, of every level and country. There is only one thing everyone has in common - they marvel at the beauty of this City.
There are many events throughout the year that draw people to Venice. One, of course, are the famous Masked Balls of Carnavale, that period right before Lent begins. Fabled of old, these Masked Balls draw the richest citizens from around the world. They dress in ancient,original Venetian costumes with the most glamourous masks you've ever seen. And, according to old religious tradition, if married people strike up romantic liaisons with others they don't know behind the mask, then such "affaires des coeurs" will not be recognized in divorce courts. The parade of Gondolas and boats to the Palazzos on the Grand Canal for these bacchanalian festivities is a sight to behold for the people lining the Canals. The tableaux are directly out of the Canaletto paintings.
Every year, there are several major Boat Parades on weekends, usually coinciding with a Religious Holiday. Boats line the route, the private and public boats sail leisurely into the St. Mark's area - quite breathtaking. And, of course, a global observation of the Venice Biennele brings people from around the world to see the works of the most brilliant Contemporary artists. To be chosen to exhibit during the Biennele is a country's rare honor bestowed on a national artist.
There are two major day trips of local islands. Murano is recognized globally for its amazing glassworks, and to spend a few hours in the workshops of true artists and artisans is an educational pleasure. Murano is a short boat ride from Venice, and became a trading area in the 7th Century. Take money, because it's a guarantee you'll see many beautiful art and practical pieces you'll want for your home.
The second island is the famed LIDO, famed for its Casino and "dancing girls" high kicking shows, just like Las Vegas. Fabled Ciprianis opened a hotel on the Lido, and with it's beautiful and private beaches, restaurants and fitness center, it offers the Luxury Traveler the perfect getaway from Venice. They run their own boats for hotel guests, so you're never more than 30 minutes from Venice proper. And, whilst visiting Venice, go to the most famous Cipriani property of all - famed HARRY'S BAR where the Empire began. Bellinis are on the menu, and the smooth sophistication of the bar and restaurant attract the most famous celeries. This area is also crowded when the VENICE FILM FESTIVAL is in full swing. The stars stay at the Palazzo Hotels on the Grand Canal, and can be seen standing in the bows of the boats as they are whisked to and from the Festival venues. It's almost possible to get a luxury room at this time as the movie companies take over hotels for their stars, staff and the press.
One quick tip too - because Venice is so incredibly popular during certain periods/events, long lines form around tourist sites. Given that a lot of these sites are religious - go to a service (or fake it!), and once you're on the inside you can easily jump the line and see the tourist attraction...
VENICE is a repeat City. You'll never see enough of it in even a week's visit. Go back, at different seasonal times and experience the joy of this City. One thing is for sure, as Climate Change becomes inevitable, flooding that has taken a heavy toll on this City over the Centuries, will one day lay total claim to it. Then again, that might be the flood that ate up the world!
June 20, 2023
