After spending close to a week and a half in Italy, our trip was coming to an end. We took an easy train from Lake Garda to Venice. Venice felt like the perfect place to end our time in beautiful Italy. This was both of our first time seeing this unique city. Neither one of us really knew what to expect. You see Venice in pictures and movies, but it’s a whole different experience seeing it with your own eyes.

I must admit I was somewhat disenchanted with Venice at first. I blame the long travel day, but our first evening in Venice fell flat. It was also hard to come from the beauty of Lake Garda with very few crowds, to be suddenly overwhelmed with tourists everywhere. We kept things easy our first night with a Bellini on the Grand Canal before a quick dinner. Our hotel was steps away from the Rialto Bridge making it easy to walk across to Naranzaria for the drink.

We went to bed early with the plan of waking up before the crowds to see Venice. In the early morning light, with a slight pink haze that covers the buildings, I began to fall in love with Venice. It was quiet and peaceful walking through the winding alleyways towards St. Marks Square. This city is like no other. The blue water splashing against the sides of the buildings, all of the arched bridges that connect you from one island to another. Venice is definitely unique.

We wandered around for most of the morning before heading back to our hotel, Hotel Rialto, for breakfast. With no big plans for the day we decided to see where the little streets took us. Be prepared to get lost! But that was half of the adventure. With no where to go we took our time, heading down a dead-end alley, only to have to turn back. Finally coming to the edge of the island, we decided to walk along the water.

We made it all the way to the edge of Venice and stopped at Ristorante Paradiso for a cappuccino. I really enjoyed this spot. The surrounding garden is one of the few green spots on the island, and is much quieter than the major tourist attractions. It’s a great place to stop and catch your breath. By this point in our trip we were tired, mentally and physically, so taking in the view over a drink is just what we needed.

Over the couple of days we stayed in Venice we visited Harry’s Bar for the legendary Bellini and took in the art at Ca’ Rezzonico museum. Our favorite spot for dinner was Trattoria Al Gazaettino. The food and the staff were both amazing! Well worth a visit if you are visiting Venice.

While we enjoyed our time in Venice, it wasn’t our favorite stop. On one of our days we decided to leave Venice to visit the colorful surrounding islands, which I will share soon! I do recommend seeing Venice if your travels take you there. It is worth seeing, but maybe just for a day or two! xo Bryn