My first trip to Venice

I travelled in June, for a weekend break to the beautiful 'world' of Venice. From the moment I saw Venice from the plane I was blown away! We pre booked a water taxi transfer, and I had made sure we had booked a hotel with it's own pier! Arriving by water into the lagoon of the city is simply magical. As you approach the Grand Canal and see magnificent buildings rising from the water, the sight is what postcards are made of!

We stayed in a 3 star hotel very near to St Marks square. The hotel was the perfect location, everything was easily accessible and within walking distance. We ate at a typical Pizzeria in a side street our first night , and then strolled to St. Marks Square for 'Belllinis' ( A cocktail of champagne and peach originating in Harrys Bar - Venice) and listened to the band playing under the stars! - very very expensive!, but nevertheless an experience I will never forget!

We took a walking tour the next day from a very good tour company, the guide was full of passion and she gave us a real insight into the history of Venice - fascinating! Once we had taken the tour we were aware much more of our surroundings and headed back away to one of the peaceful squares for a long Italian lunch.

In the evening we took the water bus to the colourful and charming island of Burano and ate at a lovely restaurant called the 'Il Romano' - a quality seafood restaurant - fish caught just an hour before, and typical italian dishes, fine wines and desserts, and of course the opportunity to buy fine Burano lace, still hand made in some of the shops! The Water Bus brought us back to the lights of the Grand Canal and a short walk over thoughtfully lit bridges and narrrow streets to our hotel!

Our Last day we spent exploring the shops and seeing places in more detail before taking a Grand Canal tour which showed us all around the areas we had not seen - including Elton John's house! A quick trip up to the top of Campanile tower for a panoramic view of the whole of Venice, and then we were back to our hotel getting ready to board a water taxi to Accademia - we ate at a fantastic restaurant in this artist's region of Venice called the 'San Traverso', it had it's own secluded courtyard - the service was fantastic and the food delicious ( you may want to share - the portions were huge!) Reasonably priced too!

We left on Monday morning, our water taxi collected us from the private pier I had sipped champagne on the night before!

As we left the Grand Canal for the airport we were all sad to say Goodbye to Venice, but I am sure it will not be long before we return. The whole time we were in Venice we felt like we were part of a film set - the 70 squares all boasting a church, linked by hundreds of bridges, over canals that reflected the colourful houses. As you walked through the quaint streets and through the cobbled squares it was not the sound of cars and crowds you heard, but the gentle paddling of a gondoliers oars and the sounds of an accordion!

The very important thing that made our trip so special was planning - we made the most of our time in Venice - pre booking restaurants, and we pre booked our trips. Our hotel, The All'Angelo, a 3 star, had the most helpful staff, and was in the perfect location, so we were relaxed and just enjoyed what the city had to offer without having to hassle with the crowds.

I would recommend Venice to anyone looking for a relaxing but enjoyable break away from the noise and traffic. It is expensive to eat out - but it's worth it! - I am Venice hooked!!