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I first went to Venice in May last year for 4 days and was taken aback by the beauty of this country. Never having been to Italy before, I didn’t know what to expect so was pleasantly surprised, I loved it!!
It was a special occasion as it was my mum's 60th birthday and she'd always longed to go to Venice so I took her there for a surprise birthday treat! We had a great time......
The weather was lovely, a sunny 24 degrees, perfect for sightseeing for the next few days.
I stayed in a small boutique hotel which was very central and only 3 stops away from Rialto Bridge by water taxi. You need to stay in the heart of Venice to truly experience the feel of the place.
The water taxi’s are frequent turning up every 10 minutes or so and are a great way of getting around to see the many places Venice has to offer.

Nothing can prepare the first time visitor for the unique barrage of sights and sounds upon your arrival into Venice. Even the most seasoned traveller cannot tire of the sights of St.Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, Rialto Bridge and the spectacular Bridge of Sighs.

It’s worth going to the top of the Campanile Bell Tower to get a wonderful panoramic view of the city.

The wonderful markets of the Rialto & Cannareggio areas offer an interesting insight into local life and are definitely worth a visit. I could spend all day here!
When you’ve had enough of sightseeing or shopping, you can sit in one of the many pavement café’s alongside the Grand Canal watching one of the many Gondola’s float past, you can hear the hustle and bustle of the Rialto Market just behind you, so I just sat there admiring the view and taking it all in, what bliss!....
Every tiny canal, enlivened by the passing of the Gondola, is an enchanting discovery in this most romantic of cities.
It was a maze walking around the tiny streets and you could soon get lost but that didn’t matter as it was all part of the experience. It’s truly beautiful to be surrounded by so many canals, words can’t describe it unless you have been there.

You can visit the pretty islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello.
I went to Murano Island, famous for Murano glass. This tiny Venetian Island has been the home of Venice’s glassmaking industry for many years.
You can get here by Vaporetto, the public water bus or by private motor taxi.
Also worth a visit is the Museum featuring lots of glass art work, so if you want that special vase or jewellery to bring home, you will find it here at a reasonable cost.

Whatever you do, make sure you save time for some aimless wandering so not to miss the delights that Venice has to offer.
Everyone should visit Venice at least once in their lifetime, i'm glad I have!