By Karen Quinn-Panzer
Travel Matters
Karen Quinn-Panzer
We recently spent three exciting days in Venice. This city of canals is a unique destination in Italy, and having traveled to 67 countries, one of my favorite cities in the world. From the Doge’s Palace, the veritable symbol of Venice from 1340, to the romance of Gondola rides to Cichetti wine bars, Venice is truly magical.
The Doge’s Palace is recognized as a Gothic masterpiece. For history buffs, 120 doges – magistrates – governed the city of Venice from this building for nearly 1,000 years. It features great masterpieces of Titian and Tintoretto artwork and has been beautifully restored. To enjoy it fully you should get a guided skip-the-line tour, or a Venetian museum pass at minimum. The tour ends with a walk on the infamous Bridge of Sighs. There is also a “Secret Itineraries of the Doge’s Palace” tour available for those who have been before.
Gondola rides are uniquely Venetian, and can be taken all over the city’s canals for a great authentic experience. Cichetti is the name for Venice’s version of tapas, bite-sized appetizers that are served in many wine bars all over the city. Bar All’Arco is one of the most famous near the Rialto fish market.
This was our third trip here, so we went off the beaten path a bit. We attended a concert with orchestra and opera singers garbed in baroque costume in a 17th century theater, featuring Rossini and Verdi operatic arias, including the Barber of Seville. We visited the Accademia with its amazing 14th to 18th century art, by vaporetto, the water taxi which makes travel through Venice so easy. And we “got lost” intentionally in the alleyways behind our hotel on the left bank of Rialto Bridge, a neighborhood we had not experienced before. We stayed at the H10 Palazzo Canova, a modernized four-star hotel in a former palace with a rooftop bar – with five-star views.
We also did a few “must-dos” when in Venice. Most notably, we had cocktails at Cafe Florian, outdoors in San Marco square with the beautifully restored St Mark’s cathedral in full view. The orchestra played classical and jazz tunes. Aperol spritzes (and other drinks) are served on a silver tray with potato chips and a bowl of olives.
We had lunch on the canal in the Cannaregio district with a wonderful burrata salad and bruschetta. We strolled through the alleyways of Venice shopping for handmade Venetian masks (incomparable to any other mask in the worlds) and Venetian leather bags.
Other favorites include a boat trip to Murano and Burano islands. The islands are home to Murano glass sculptures and Burano lace and populated by pastel-colored houses. The Peggy Guggenheim Museum in the Dorsaduro area, only two vaporetto stops from San Marco, is a veritable treasure trove of modern art, a private collection in a villa open to the public, and highly recommended. Different festivities are available depending on when you go. Arrividerci Venezia.
Karen Quinn-Panzer is the owner and vacation specialist at Dream Vacations Quinn Panzer Travel in Milford.