Gondolas take passengers down Venice's canals |
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DAY
3
Treat yourself to a morning gondola excursion to watch Venice awaken. While the evening (think moonlit canals and illuminated palaces) is considered the zenith of romance, opt for a less crowded and more peaceful morning ride through the ducts and passageways that interconnect this labyrinth of islands. You’ll be pleased to examine—literally at lagoon-level—the fine architectural details that would otherwise not be visible in the dark. The city of Venice regulates the price of a gondola ride; expect to spend up to 80 euros per 40-minute ride depending on the location.
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Lace Museum |
After an early lunch, discover the numerous churches in the Santa Croce sestiere, or explore one or two of Venice’s other islands. Spend a couple of hours on tiny Burano, "the jewel of the Venetian lagoon," famous for its magnificent lace. If you’re lucky, you may even spy a traditional lace maker sitting outside one of the bright and colorful little houses—because the craft is dying out quickly, most of the lace you see is machine made outside of Venice. If lace making is of interest to you, or you wish to buy a souvenir, check out the Museo del Merletto, or Lace Museum.
Before taking the vaporetto back to Venice, enjoy an authentic Bussolà di Burano. This delectable cookie in the shape of a ring is to be eaten with a glass of the local white wine. These dolci are also wonderful gifts to bring home. If you’re in the mood to shop for art glass, visit famed Murano. While this island, with its overabundance of glass factories and glass shops, lacks some charm, you may enjoy the Museo del Vetro, or glass museum, with its splendor of chandeliers and fascinating collection of glass objects spanning six centuries.
In addition to glass, traditional Carnevale masques make great souvenirs. They range from small, delicate ones that cover just the eyes, to huge oval faces decorated in lace, plumes and other ornaments. Try La Bottega dei Mascheri at the Rialto Bridge. Glass jewelry, especially millefiori, tiny mosaic-encrusted trinkets, makes a unique and beautiful keepsake. Hand-painted, marbled paper is also a luxury item native to the city. You can find many journals, diaries, boxes, cards, notebooks and more covered in the fine, richly decorated parchments. An address we must mention is Camiceria San Marco, a custom tailor that has since 1954 outfitted Joe Di Maggio, Katherine Hepburn, Hemingway, Cirico and the Duke of Windsor. Owner Errante Perino will see to it that you'll walk away with fine shirts and pajamas even within the day. For beautiful international art depicting Venice, drop by the Antichita' S. Maurizio fine arts gallery.
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Hotel Metropole |
Tonight, discover the Castello district, a residential area full of bars, cafés, restaurants and churches. Its gingerbread-like Arsenal, the former military shipyard of the Republic of Venice is a compelling site, although closed to the public. Those interested in Venice's extraordinary nautical history will want to visit the Naval History Museum around the corner.
Le Corte Sconta is a Venetian favorite for seafood, and it's right in the neighborhood. Order the famous seafood antipasto for the freshest sea creatures harvested that day. If you're tired of simple Venetian cuisine, head over to the "Met," inside the historic Hotel Metropole in Venice where Chef Corrado Fasolato turns out modern, small plates that delight the senses. If your pocketbook isn't bare, take that final splurge on a stylish water taxi back to your hotel and make plans for your next encounter with Venice. Arrivederci! |
