Destinations
VENICE…
A country that draws in culture lovers, and lovers in general, Italy is classically timeless. Its art, architecture, scenery, musical traditions, food, and wine are absolutely spectacular. Italy’s beautiful cities and villages radiate an ancient beauty, and its locals live simplistically and unhindered. Full of old tradition, customs, and pure charm, Italy will enrapture your senses and leave you only craving more. This large country must be visited numerous times to take in all that it has to offer, I’ve been there twice and haven’t even covered all that I’ve wanted to see. That is why, I will only cover Venice for the time being. Get your glass of Pinot Grigio, and enjoy the decadence that Venice has to offer…
In the far northeast of Italy, lies the heavenly city of Venice. Multi-colored homes and enchanting ancient buildings line the narrow weaving waterways, each with their own idyllic attributes. Truly a unique piece of the world, Venice is overflowing with visitors and avid travelers wanting to experience one of the most romantic cities on this planet. Once in Venice you can meander through the endless streets and alleyways, constantly running into the most beautifully simple sights and picturesque nooks.
Venice is rich in art and cultural heritage, marble churches, grand palaces, and is the creative powerhouse of Italy. Every street corner you will see a local trying to make a living with their arts and crafts. Hammering the soles of beautiful Italian leather shoes, painting the delicate face of a Venetian mask, or a gondolear gracefully gliding down the glassy waterways, every sight it enrapturing. First, go to the cities main symbol the Piazza San Marco. Lovely when empty, but now one of the cities main Tourist Traps, San Marco it is still worth a visit. Here you can admire the architecture that surrounds, the pigeon filled square, and the Basilica San Marco. The Basicila St. Marks ( in English) is the mightiest monument in Venice, with its Byzantine, Roman, & Venetian artistry. In addition to the square, you must visit Venice’s many bridges. The Rialto Bridge, is the largest bridge over Venice’s main waterway, going to the smallest and equally famous “Bridge of Sighs”, a bridge connecting to a jail, where those condemed would sigh as they walked through .
Venice is full of classically timeless hotels, with rich reds, damask curtains, and gold inlay. I like a traditional ambience when I travel, but I also love the modern clean lines some of Europe’s hotels have to offer. The Palazzina Grassi is an exquisite hotel that melds together both modern and traditional. Designed by the ever-popular Phillip Starck, this hotel is beyond, with exaggerated chandeliers, rooms of every theme, and mirrors in spaces and places you wouldn’t imagine. If your on a budget stay here for a night or two and then resort to a local little B&B. Another wonderful hotel, that has slightly more Italian charm is Ca Pisani Hotel. The classically rustic exterior, contradicts the retro italian interior, making this hotel unique, and perfect for a Venetian weekend getaway.
Venice is one of those destinations where every shop you walk into beholds such charm and authenticity. Its hard to relay specific boutiques and spots that are truly special, because most of the city IS truly special. If your looking for great Italian leather shoes, whether boots or heels, I recommend Pot-Pourri. Golden Goose esque boots cover the store, and its location is perfectly idyllic right atop a canal.
The food in Italy is the best in the world. Every little restaurant you walk amongst is absolutely fabulous. Eat right on the water and experience the ethereal beauty Venice has to offer. Delicious seafood, heavenly pizza & pasta, Venice will tantalize your senses and your palette. This is only a taste of Venice, with much more of Italy to come! Venice is like a heavenly dream, so whimsically special, with charm, culture, and art that is unlike any in the world.
xx Isabella