Venice in one Weekend
The lagoon city and its islands
A stay of several days in Venice offers several advantages at once. First, you have more time to visit the many attractions of the city; second, you can also visit one or more islands like Murano and Burano without being in a hurry. Apart from that, you get the chance to enjoy the beautiful lagoon city at night – a truly unique experience that is not to be missed. From historic buildings across the art till the idyllic places and beautiful boating: everything is possible on a weekend in Venice.
Day 1 in the morning:
- The tour starts at the train station of Venice Santa Lucia in the north of the city. This is where most visitors arrive in Venice who have not taken a hotel in the city or who have come by ship.
- From the station, walk over the Ponte degli Scalzi and follow the signs in the direction of Rialto Bridge. If you don’t want to go by foot, you can also go by ferry directly to the Rialto Bridge. The walk, however, offers some really nice places and gives a good impression of life in Venice.
- The Rialto Bridge was the first bridge in Venice that crossed the Canal Grande. Here used to be the heart of Venice – the trading centre as one can see.
- Continue by taking a slight right along the Mercerie in the direction of the Piazza San Marco. The Mercerie consists of three wide shopping streets, which constitute the shopping district of Venice. Here you can get almost everything under the sun – at the corresponding prices, of course.
- Through the Clock Tower you will finally reach the Piazza San Marco – the representative, social and political centre of Venice. Here are the main attractions such as St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace and the majestic Campanile.
- The order of visits is up to you now. After seeing the stunning mosaics in St. Mark’s Basilica, you should not miss the Marciana museum upstairs. Here are the famous four bronze horses.
- • In the Doge’s Palace you can get a good impression of the former political centre of Venice. In addition, you can get to the private apartments of the doge and via the famous Bridge of Sighs to the prison from which Casanova once fled.
- The entrance to the Campanile is worth every penny. From the bell tower you can enjoy a splendid view of Venice and its lagoon.
- At lunchtime you can have a short break in one of the historic restaurants and cafes in St. Mark’s Square. Those who want something cheaper should go just a few blocks away from Saint Mark’s Square where much cheaper options for enjoying a snack are available.
Day 1 in the afternoon:
- Once you have finished visiting St Mark's Square, leave it to the west through the Napoleonic Ala.
- Passing by many nice shops, canals and alleys you will reach the Teatro La Fenice.
- From here continue on to Campo Santo Stefano where you will find the church of the same name.
- Now you will leave the place in the south and reach via the Ponte dell’Accademia the Gallerie dell'Accademia with the largest and most valuable collection of Venetian painting. Even those who are not so interested in art will enjoy taking a look at the 1,000 years of Venetian art history.
Day 1 in the evening:
- Not later than sunset, you should go back to St. Mark’s Square – the further east, the better. If the opportunity arises, take a boat to head out into the lagoon and enjoy the beautiful sight of Venice at dusk.
- In the evening, you can go on a culinary journey through the whole of the Veneto region. Those who would like to party, however, should keep in mind that the party options are more than limited in Venice and that they will probably just have to spend the evening relaxing with a glass of wine or beer.
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