Venice and Lake Garda!

My husband and I recently spent a few days in Venice and then Lake Garda to celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary. Neither of us had visited Venice before but as it features in so many films we thought we had a rough idea of what to expect. How little did we know!

Venice is a place unlike no other. Some aspects are slightly familiar due to various James Bond films and other movies. However, we didn’t realise how beautiful it really is and how much it relies on its waterways.

Venice really does seem like it hasn’t changed in years and has a mysterious air about it (some say a slightly pongy air in the summer – alas we were there during a cold spell in May so cannot comment!) You really cannot take enough photos of the beautiful canals and beautiful buildings on every corner.

We also treated ourselves to a Gondola ride – it’s a fixed price of around 80 euros and you are taken around various canals for around 20 minutes. Our Gondolier also gave us a running commentary of who lived in which building so we felt we got some info for our money at least! It’s also very relaxing and although expensive, quite a pleasant way to see the city.

After spending so much on a Gondola, we didn’t take a water taxi but instead took many of the frequent water buses that stop at the water bus stops around the island. The number one water bus in particular gives glorious views of the city while transporting you on the grand canal. A great way to get around, save money and see Venice from the main canal.

Restaurants are expensive in Venice but not ridiculously priced considering Venice’s watery isolation. As long as you avoid St Mark’s square for food and drink you will find prices similar to Rome or another major city.

After two nights exploring Venice we moved on to Lake Garda for a further two nights. The trains in Italy are fantastic and we found it very easy to take a train from Venice to Garda. The train took around an hour and a half and from Garda station it was another 20 minutes or so to Sirmione, our destination on Lake Garda.

Sirmione is a stunning spa town, situated on a peninsular on Lake Garda. Sirmione’s spa status dates back to Roman times and there are Roman ruins of what once was a spa used in that period. Sirmione also has a fabulous castle in its centre, dating back to the 13th century and cobbled streets throughout with many outdoor cafes and restaurants, making it a very pleasant location to stay in on the shores of the lake.

We had another two nights here, eating, relaxing and taking excursions on the lake. The food in Sirmione is fantastic, pizza, fish, prosecco, spritz and ice cream featuring frequently and excellently on every menu.

I could have probably stayed another week in Sirmione as I felt like there was a lot more to see on the lake and surrounding towns. However, we had to return to the UK– with a belly full of food and some great memories!