VENICE

Venezia...

known as one of the most romantic cities in Europe...

and only a 6hr drive from Split!

Venice, Italy

A few summers back we spent an incredible season on the Adriatic exploring as many cities, towns, and islands as the minutes in a day and the gas in our tank would let us.  So naturally, we reached the very tip of the Adriatic Sea, the beautiful city of canals, Venice.  This floating city was a grandiose stop on our route to further inland Italy.  

Here's our list of 5 things you MUST do when in Venice:

1. Eat a margherita pizza. Order a liter of homemade red wine to go with it. Don't think about it. Don't read the menu. Just order. You won't regret it!

2. Follow the signs within the maze of alleys in Venice to get to St.Mark's Square long enough to realize that they will never get you there.  They will lead you in countless circles and lead you to every nook and cranny of Venice's pedestrian only walls, except to the grand square of San Marco!

3. Take a gondola ride.  Yes I know this is an obvious one, but honestly having a tall, handsome Italian in a striped black&white shirt row you down the canals of Venice and sing Italian operetta while the sun sets....it is not overrated. Just do it. At least once.

4. If you're visiting in the summer months, (otherwise known as long, hot and humid days with even more humid nights), try to overlook the smell wafting Venice's streets. It's not easy to be a floating city with small canals weaving in, out and around, with restaurant leftovers, fresh food markets and wandering cats all contained within your small city walls on a 40C day.  Don't let it bring down the amazingness of this city! If it truly bothers you, buy a scarf for 5Euros and cover your face in the particularly pungent areas! Think fabulous Italian style and get creative with it!

5. Make the trip to Murano Island - the glass island.  This is the heart of the art of glass-blowing and it will blow your mind!

I believe the best way to explore a new city is to wander its streets and get lost in it.  You always find a hidden gem in the most absurd places.  If you're more of a planner, with a pocket map in hand and a list of attractions/museums/sites/neighbourhoods to check out, having researched it for hours prior to arriving....throw it all out in Venice.  

Take some water, a bottle of wine, a pair of sunglasses and your camera and just walk.  Its not the best way to see Venice..its the only way.  So get lost and enjoy it!!

It is as the Italian's say...LA DOLCE VITA!!

Che bello! What beauty!

If the gondola is a bit much for you, at least take one of these water taxis from the Cathedral back to the gates.

Some have a 2-car garage, in Venice you have a slip for your boat and a tiny drawbridge. Amazing.

Follow these signs through the alleys of Venice - do it. I dare ya!

St.Mark's Cathedral & Square

Venice exudes Romance!