bellelinus
<font color=deeppink>You have liberally applied fl
- Joined
- Jan 25, 2006
The stop in Venice was the reason we jumped on this cruise
Since it is our first time there we will be visiting the usual touristy spots, but we planned on getting to the really popular spots early in the morning on our second day in Venice (hoping to avoid some crowds that way).
So definitely looking to avoid the crowds the first day if we can and having dinner in Venice on the first night.
Do you remember where you ate in Cannareggio ?
And what was your favorite souvenir when shopping???
Bummer that we will be in Barcelona on the same day but not able to meet
The place we stayed 2 out of the 3 times I have been there (and plan to book for this summer) is in Cannareggio, so we would just literally wander around and look at the menus and find a place we liked - if you get off the beaten path there are so many lovely non-touristy places. The one place I have reserved in advance before is not in Cannareggio - Osteria Oliva Nera, which is fantastic, if hard to find (tucked into some labyrinth behind the lagoon past St Mark's in the Castello sestiere). It's not inexpensive but is a memorable experience. Here is their website:
http://www.osteria-olivanera.com/
Favorite souvenir - Murano glass jewelry, which I wear often. Just be sure it has the Murano mark on the back or you could be getting cheaper things imported from China. You don't have to go to Murano to get the real stuff, though. Also, leather gloves - I have two pair that i wear all the time.
With your limited time, you probably won't be able to venture away from Venice, but for a future trip consider a day trip to the island of Burano. Unbelievably cute, much lower prices on everything than in Venice.
Take a traghetto across the grand canal (only 1 euro each!) and experience what it is like to be in an authentic gondola at a fraction of the price. The traghetto stops are noted on most maps.
Also, don't forget that Venice is a walkable city - don't be so thrown by all the water that you think you have to take a vaporetto everywhere.