Print Friendly

After leaving Milan it was only a short drive to where we had to leave the car before catching the water transport to our accommodation in Venice.

We had researched quite a few accommodation places before booking on line and had decided to stay at Duodo Palace Hotel in San Marco. It was a great choice with authentic Venetian décor and style with great service. Our room was air conditioned which we wanted and were very thankful of, as the day we arrived the temperature was 40˚, and even the locals were complaining of the heat.

Not being a water person, I didn’t want to go for a ride on a gondola, the water taxi to the hotel was sufficient for me.

The traffic on the canals is crazy, with water ferries, water taxis, private boats, sightseeing ferries, gondolas and transport boats delivering mail, food etc.

I was quite happy walking along the canals and laneways, definitely with a map in hand as it is so easy to get lost. We found some great little boutiques and the shopping area around the Rialto Bridge and some around St. Marks Square. I had bought some venetian glass jewellery on our previous visit, so this time I bought a necklace and matching earings. We did however buy a linen and lace tablecloth which was beautiful but very heavy.

We enjoyed a beautiful lunch at one of the cafes on the canals (refer the picture below, where the pink flowers are) before going to check out the local markets.

 This is a daily market in the commercial centre alongside the Grand Canal. You can find fruit, fish and vegetables at the market.

Back to St Marks Square to enjoy an iced tea on what was again a really hot day, and very thankful for the misters placed around the outside café. If any one has seen the movie One Chance about the opera singer Paul Potts, the scenery when he was in Venice was a true reminder of how lovely this place is.

After a pre-dinner drink at Duodo Palace Hotel we decided to walk through St Marks Square to the main canal and see what options we had for dinner. We decided to eat at Hotel Savoia Jolanda Restaurant in their outside terrace as it was a beautiful evening.

This image was downloaded from their website.  As you can see a beautiful spot to sit and enjoy a meal.

We could not have wished for better service or food, all in all a fantastic evening.

Walking back through St Marks Square there were areas totally covered in water, and some of the restaurants had to remove tables and chairs out of the way. For us this was strange to see but I guess these businesses are very used of it over time.

Although a fairly short visit again, it was very enjoyable and I would visit again should the opportunity arise.