WEEK-END IN VENICE


week-end in Venice

Leave on Saturday at 9 am, return late Sunday afternoon

 

We leave by train from Bologna Central and reach Venice after roughly two hours. Stepping out of the station of Santa Lucia, we are greeted by the sight of the Canal Grande and are immediately enveloped in the magical atmosphere of Venice, city of canals and gondolas, where the streets are known as calli and the squares as campi (fields), world-famous for its unique, fairy-tale charm. You'll feel as if you had travelled back in time, surrounded by beautiful palazzi and sparkling light reflected off the buildings mirrored in the water.

A short stop-off in our hotel, then we take a walk to Ca' d'Oro, a beautiful 15th century house. After that, we cross the Canal Grande by gondola to get to the characteristic fish-market. The crossing doesn't last long, but it is a great feeling to step onto a typical Venetian vessel. If you wish, we could decide to make a longer trip by gondola (at the price of €20 per person). You'll also be struck by the colours, sounds and general liveliness of the market, as well as by the curious Venetian dialect.


week-end in Venice

 

Then we proceed towards Rialto Bridge and Campo dei Frari and look at the majestic 13th century basilica, after which we take a stroll around the most important monuments of the city: the 14th century Doge's Palace and the 11th century basilica of St. Mark. Later, we can enjoy the beauty of the lagoon on a long walk along Riva degli Schiavoni, crossing the famous "Bridge of Sighs", possibly stopping to watch the sunset.

A ferryboat will take us to a trattoria, where we can try typical Venetian dishes, or even just a pizza. After dinner, those who wish to can return to the hotel, while those who still have the energy can either listen to music played in Piazza San Marco or venture forth and discover the little streets and squares, by the light of Venetian lamplight.

 

Sunday

After breakfast, we catch a ferry to the isle of Burano, which is famous for its lace and colourful fishermen's houses.

Later we sail to Torcello, the island with the beautiful basilica consecrated in 1008 AD and the church of Santa Fosca dating back to the 11th-12th century.

You will enjoy the return journey by ferry-boat along the Grand Canal, sailing past all the lovely sights of Venice, before we wend our way back towards Bologna.




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