When you see pictures of Italy, you often stumble across images of Venice and it’s gorgeous canals, the romantic gondolas, and its colorful buildings. It’s an artist's dream and has been at the top of my travel bucket list for a very long time.
This past summer, I finally made it to Venice. Unfortunately, as much as I wanted to love it, I admit I was a little letdown. Now you probably think I sound crazy. How could I possibly be disappointed in a place that everyone loves and dreams of visiting?
When I stepped off the ferry I took into the city, the dock was notably crowded. I’ve been to a number of tourist destinations in my life, including many different areas in Italy, but the large crowds in Venice made it hard to enjoy the charm and culture of the city. It was an adventure just to walk the cobblestone streets without bumping shoulders with people on guided tours.
Don’t get me wrong. Venice is a marvelous place everyone should see. I savored gourmet penne arrabiata and an Aperol spritz at an authentic restaurant down one of the many alleyways and enjoyed a romantic gondola ride down the canals, one perfect way to escape tourists might I add, and loved it.
If you are planning a trip to Venice, I recommend going during the off-season which is generally considered to be from November until Easter. Also, be sure to stop by Saint Mark’s Basilica, the Rialto Bridge, St. Mark’s Square, and the Bridge of Sighs on top of all the non-stop shopping and eating you’re probably going to want to do.
Stay tuned for part two of this blog where I share some of the best under the radar places to visit in Italy!
I'm Riley Schnepf, and I've been fortunate to travel all over the world and will continue to do so for as long as possible. Through travel, I believe that we as people truly learn who we are. You can find out about all of my travels at http://roamingriley.com.
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