Composed of 117 islands in the Venetian Lagoon and held together by a series of canals, Venice is like no other city in the world. Established more than 1,000 years ago by seafarers and Roman refugees, this magnificent city continues to be the heart of Italian culture as well as a mecca for hopeless romantics.
There’s no city in the world where arriving (or departing) by cruise ship offers such an intimate view, as does Venice. Cruise ships that visit this ancient city, one of the most popular ports of call in the Mediterranean, dock out in Venice’s less-pretty outskirts. But from onboard, you can see vistas high above most of the city’s elegant palazzos, you can peer into tiny canals, and get an up close view of St. Mark’s Square as ships glide slowly along the Guidecca Canal.
Venice is unique in its own right, theirs a certain charm with being surrounded by water. Staying right by the Piazalle Roma./ Giudecca made it easier to transport our suitcases after our arrival via train. Our hotel has a great view of the Grand canal, I could have easily just watch the world go by. Food choices around the city weren't too many to delight our tastes-bud . Italian fare is your best bet or Burger King. For dining view, theirs plenty to choose from.
As an island and laced with canals it is best seen by boat. So we took a nautical joyride, down the Grand Canal as it snakes through the heart of Venice, and saw what makes this city so unique. The Grand Canal — Venice’s “Main Street” — is truly grand. At more than two miles long, 150 feet wide, and nearly 15 feet deep, it's the city’s largest canal, lined with its most impressive palaces and churches.
Armed with our phone audio guide by Rick Steves, we wondered our way sitting at back of the bus-boat Vaporetto.
Here it goes.. very easy to follow.
"Thanks for joining me on a trip by public vaporetto from the train station to St. Mark's Square. Along the way, we'll pass by once-grand, now fading palaces from Venice's glory days. We'll sail under bridges — including the famous arch of the Rialto Bridge — and see churches with soaring domes and markets with stinky squid. The wide boulevard of water called the Grand Canal is a sight in itself, and we'll share the road with the everyday working boats that keep this island city going. For specifics on boat tickets, passes, and routes, consult a good guidebook. Now, allow about 45 minutes for the boat trip as we get a first-hand, sea-level view of the greatest sight in all of Venice — the city itself.
Getting lost walking around the streets and bridges in Venice is one way to discover hidden sights, having an audio guide is a must. We got to learn more about what the sights is all about.