Venice, the city of canals and waterways, seems to have come straight out of a painting. With its gondolas gliding silently along the canals, its historic buildings reflected in the water and its narrow, winding streets, it is a place that seems suspended in time.
As soon as I arrived, I was immediately struck by the unique atmosphere of this city. The sound of flowing water, the smell of the sea mixed with that of coffee coming from the numerous bars... everything contributes to creating a magical and unforgettable atmosphere.
But Venice is not just beauty. It is a city rich in history and culture, where every corner tells a story. From its famous bridges, such as the Rialto Bridge and the Bridge of Sighs, to its splendid palaces, such as the Doge's Palace, Venice is a true open-air museum.
In the Venice lagoon, its fascinating islands stand out, Murano and Burano, which are certainly worth a visit. These pearls of the Veneto are famous for their unique beauty, their rich history and their artisan traditions. Prepare to immerse yourself in a world of glittering canals, colorful buildings and hand-blown glass.
This two-day itinerary passes through some of the most iconic locations, offering a taste of its cultural and historical richness and timeless beauty. Whether you are a history buff, an art lover or simply looking for beauty, the Venice lagoon has something to offer everyone.
Here are the unmissable stops on our itinerary.
Day 1: Venice – Canals, Palaces, Historic Squares and breathtaking views
The first day is dedicated to the main attractions of Venice.
Let's start our journey from Rialto bridge, the oldest of the four bridges that cross the Grand Canal. Built in the 16th century, it is a masterpiece of architecture with its stone arches, has a length of 48 meters and consists of a single large arch of 28 metres. Its name means “High Bank” and is home to 24 small shops on both sides. In the center of the bridge, a portico with two arches. From here, you can enjoy a spectacular view of the Grand Canal, with its gondolas and historic buildings.
A curiosity about the Rialto Bridge concerns two capitals representing a man with a clawed protuberance between his legs and a woman crouching in the flames. At the time of its construction no one believed that such an impressive and expensive bridge could have been built. Among the skeptics, a man reportedly said the bridge would be finished when his private parts clawed, and a woman promised to have her belly burned if the bridge was completed. The two sculptures make fun of all the skeptics who did not believe in the project.
Tips for Trips: it is also possible to reach the bridge by vaporetto thanks to the public water transport offered by the ACTV service, by purchasing a single-way ticket for €9.50 (valid for 75 minutes) or by selecting the transport card valid for 24 hours, 48 or 72 hours (at €25, €35, €45), with which you can travel unlimitedly in Venice and its islands during the chosen period.
From here, we get lost in the center and its thousand alleys and arrive at St. Mark's Square, the beating heart of Venice. At one extreme lies the Basilica of San Marco, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture, in which history and faith, East and West, art and wealth are intertwined. Its beauty is the result of architectural contaminations and artistic.
Opposite is the Bell tower of San Marco which with its 98.5 meters of height is the tallest building in the city. At the top there are five bells which, during the Republic, were used with different functions: the "Marangona", the largest which rang at the beginning and end of the working day; the “Maleficent”, the smallest which announced death sentences; the “Nona”, which sounded at nine; the “Trottiera”, which was used to gather the members of the Maggior Consiglio in the Council Chamber; the “Half third,” which announced a session of the Senate. From its top you can enjoy one of the most spectacular views of the city and the lagoon.
Next to the square the Ducal Palace, a symbol of the power and wealth of the Republic of Venice. We cross the famous Bridge of Sighs, so called because the prisoners were said to sigh at their last sight of Venice before being imprisoned. The bridge connects the Doge's Palace to the Palace of Prisons Nine which you can visit to get an idea of the life of prisoners in the Venetian era.
Let's walk on Riva degli Schiavoni, a lively and crowded seafront that offers spectacular views of the lagoon. As true tourists we don't miss a gondola ride through the city's canals. The experience strikes me a lot, I feel cradled by the movement of the water up and down the canals and the view of the city from here conveys calm and peace.
