"Venice" a Venice Travel Page by xristinaki

My stay in Italy was not too long (only 2 weeks), and as much as i wanted to visit Venice, it was not in my initail itinerary. I said that i would save it for another visit. However, after a day in florence, i came across a tour agency that offered a day trip to Venice from Florence. So i was weak!! i handed them 100 euros (a bit much ) in exchange for the city of water. The bus ride was very long (about 4 hours), but also very scenic. then we tranfered onto the boat and finally arrived! it was wonderful, amazing, breathtaking, and very crowded!! We met the tour guide who did a lot od talking...more than necessary to tell you the truth (downside of guided tours?) We went for a quick lunch, then toured for 2 hours, had a bit of free time to explore on our own, and finally boarded the boat again.

Venice is a very unique city. Made of 170 small islands, and over 400 bridges connecting them, it can get overwhelming...there are tiny alley ways....perfect for getting lost. If you have to be onboard at a certain time, try not to wander too much....if not, knock yourself off..there will be a wonderful surprise just a round the corner.

Don't be surprised to see huge puddles everywhere, or even walking on 5 inches of water or even more. Floods are a great problem..after all, it IS made on water. the combination of the winds and it sinking creates a huge wet mess...

I still plan to visit again and explore more of the 'islands'...it deserves more than a day visit...

The tour offered a 30 minute gondola ride for 20 euros each...this was a fantastic deal. The gondola is a perfect way to see venice. Plus, how can anyone visit vencie wothout a gondola ride?????? (maybe not if it was 100 euros :) )

Nothing romantic about the bridge...just connects the prisons. It's unique in that it is completeley enclosed so that prisoners were unable to jump off and escape.