HONEYMOON ITINERARIES
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first kiss and their first love. We want you to remember
your perfect honeymoon and our exclusive "Hollywood
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VENICE, ITALY founded on traditionally
and conveniently on St. Marks day April 25th 421. I recommend
at least a stay of 3 full days in Venice (4 nights).
Venice by the Numbers--Central Venice is divided by Venice's
longest (4km/2 1/2 miles) and widest (30-70m/98-230 ft.)
waterway, the Grand Canal. Its 118 islands are separated
by approximately 170 rio (canals) and connected by some
430 footbridges, mostly stone with iron balustrades added
in the 19th century. Only three bridges cross the Grand
Canal: the Ponte degli Scalzi, just outside the train
station; the elegant white marble Ponte Rialto (by far
the most recognizable bridge, and, for centuries, the
only one), connecting the districts of San Marco and San
Polo; and the wooden Ponte Accademia, connecting the Campo
Santo Stefano area of the San Marco neighborhood with
the Accademia museum across the way in Dorsoduro.
Well over 1,600 years after the founding
of Venice, it can still boggle the mind how the ancient
Romans built the Floating City. Throughout the centuries,
it has undergone floods, fires and plundering pirates.
Yet, despite its hardships, Venice remains proud of its
heritage, beauty and triumphs.
The fastest way to reach Venice is by
airplane or slow and romantic by via train. There are
stations in most major Italian cities. If you’ll
be in Europe for a good while, look into getting a rail
pass for unlimited travel among the countries for a set
period of time.
1) Once your reach Venice, you have two
options of getting around- by foot or by boat. There are
no roads in Venice, and thus no space for cars or scooters.
Aqua taxis (vaporetti) and ferries (traghetti) line the
docks at the train station, ready to take you anywhere
in the city. There are very few locations in Venice that
don’t sit on a canal or a block or two away from
each other. If you’re walking, make sure you have
a comfortable pair of shoes and are able to walk up and
down steps. All canals are crossed by raised foot bridges.
Keeping in mind the age of Venice, however, travelers
should note that the city is not entirely handicapped
accessible.
2) Walking through Venice in the early
morning hours is a treat. Fishing boats are still unloading
their nets and delivering them to the Farmers Markets
that line the Grand Canal. Bakers bring fresh pastries
and breads to sell at the market. Local farmers also bring
their daily harvests, filling the air with the smell of
fresh fruit and vegetables. Prices are cheap, and make
for a great breakfast on the go. To check this out walk
over the Rialto bridge from San Marco into San Polo and
their you will see the early morning vendors. Please Note:
If you arrive after 10 am most venders will be packing
up to leave. The Rialto market is visited very early in
the mornings by local Venetians.
3) One of Venice’s claims to fame
is the annual Carnivale di Vinezia. The festival dates
back to medieval times and usually starts two weeks before
Ash Wednesday. Hand-crafted theater masks and ornate costumes
are worn by partygoers to the plays, concerts, and grand
balls that are a traditional part of the celebration.
Many mask shops in Venice have workshops for guests to
create their own Carnivale masks, as well as sell their
own wares.
4) No trip to Venice would be complete
without a gondolier ride. Gondolas were once the main
source of transportation in the city, but now mostly function
for the tourists. While gondoliers can be found all over
the city, be wary of any that contact you away from a
main dock. The licensed gondoliers will have an “office”
right by their pier. Gondolier rides can be expensive
(upwards of $100.00 dollars for a 30 minute trip and the
price is not per person but per ride), but do offer a
once-in-a-lifetime experience. Try taking your ride just
before sun down for the best views of Venice. Most gondola
trips will take you past the homes of Casanova and Goethe,
then into the Grand Canal for spectacular views of the
Rialto Bridge, Bridge of Sighs, Doge’s Palace and
St. Mark’s square. As you look at a gondola you’ll
notice it has 6 fins at the front of the boat. This represents
the 6 diffrent regions of Venice, which is, San Marco,
Cannaregio, Castello, San Croce, San Polo and Dorsoduro.
5) Back on dry land, head over to St.
Mark’s for great photo opportunities and historical
tours of the palace, museum and cathedral. Be careful
walking through the square. For decades, the piazza has
been home to literally thousands of pigeons. Locals come
to feed, pet and play with them. If this makes you uncomfortable,
there are covered sidewalks along the sides of the square
where you can escape.
6) Just off of St. Mark’s Square,
travelers can find the upscale shopping district. Besides
mask makers, shoppers can find designer labels (such as
Gucci and Prada), jewelry, glasswork, and art boutiques.
Keep in mind, the European Euro is worth more than the
U.S. dollar, but most shop owners are willing to “negotiate”
prices with you.
7) Don’t forget about Italy’s
most savored sweet- gelato. If you’ve never tried
this frozen delight, then you’re in for the treat
of a lifetime. American ice cream will never taste the
same again. Pair it up with an Italian cappuccino or espresso.
Both put the American versions to shame. Also when ever
you need a snack, the taste of Los Spuntino or the Italian
pizza is always near by with any street vendor.
8) Like everywhere in Italy, restaurants
don’t open for dinner until approximately 8:00 p.m.
Dining is meant to be a long, casual affair, making room
for the many dishes traditionally served. Typically, Italian
dining begins with an antipasto platter, followed by a
fish dish. Then comes your pasta, and then a protein of
some kind (chicken, beef, wild boar, etc). Next is your
salad, followed by hot vegetables. Finally comes desert-
in two or three courses! Keep in mind, each of these dishes
would be considered a full meal in most American restaurants.
A few notes of interest with Italian dining: bread on
your table does not come with your meal; it’s usually
an added charge. Waiters will bring the bread, but not
explain the charge. If you don’t want any bread,
just let your waiter know. Also, you’ll notice a
“service charge” on your receipts. This means
the tip has already been included in your bill and you
do not need to leave anything extra, unless you informed
your waiter you are on your honeymoon. Venice is the most
romantic city in Europe so if waiters know it is your
honeymoon they will often place you at a better table
with a view for free and give you more attention without
you having to request for it. As friendly as waiter are
in Venice, you can always pull yours aside and explain
you would like a song sung for your bride or to the both
of you and that caps off a very nice evening. Paris being
the second most romantic place in Europe so keep Paris
in mind for your anniversary.
9) Surprisingly, most mid-level and fine
dining restaurants are located in the opposite direction
of St. Mark’s Square. But really, none are more
than a twenty minute walk from any of the main hotels.
Many restaurants, such as Acqua Pazza, serve traditional
fare at reasonable rates. And no, you’re not required
to order all seven courses! Thrifty travelers could easily
share a platter of pasta with someone and still feel full.
10) Another famous event in the city
is the Venice Film Festival, the oldest of its kind in
the world. Usually held in August or September, the eleven
day event highlights the best of independent and foreign
film. Tickets to this prestigious event can cost upwards
of €150.00. But, the stars of the films usually wander
the city and environs during the day, and you never know
who you’ll see!
11) Santa Maria della Salute was built
on more than a million pilings, the magisterial Church
of Santa Maria della Salute rises on Dorsoduro, one
of Venice's six sestieri, or districts. A baroque masterpiece
designed by Venetian architect Baldassare Longhena, the
church was commissioned as an offering to God when the
plague devastated Venice in the 1600s.
12) A short boat trip from Venice
is the island of Murano, known world-wide for their Venetian
glass sculptures and creations. For over 1,500 years,
the glass blowers and artisans have been producing beautiful
works of glass art, furniture, statuettes, and assorted
bric-a-brac. Most shops offer complimentary tours and
demonstrations of the glass blowing process. Some of the
larger pieces can be a bit pricey, especially when you
add in shipping costs. However, the small pieces, like
decorative wine bottles, small figurines, and jewelry,
are very affordable and make great souvenirs/gifts.
13) All throughout Venice you will find
artists and vendors selling their crafts. Be sure and
check out all the bridges as many venders hang out selling
amazing items for much less then the major shops. Just
pass the Rialto bridge is the market place and through
that area are many vendors displaying their items for
much less then the normal shops.
For honeymoon travelers looking for the
most romantic place on earth, Venice is the city for you.
ST.
MARKS SQUARE
BASILICA
WORLDWIDE
WEDDING CHURCHES VIDEO
MAP
OF VENICE
ITALIAN
MAP OF VENICE 2
CONGRATULATIONS
HONEYMOON
LOCATIONS
Custom Video Events will be right there
to capture it all.
