Trip 1…Venice

Venice is a popular destination known for its gondolas, Bridge of Sighs, and rich culture. Playing Assassin's Creed in school piqued my interest and made me long to explore its famous landmarks. Gondolas traveling through the city's canals, carnival masks for masquerades, and stunning views across the water. How could anyone resist the magic of it all?

My love for all things Venetian grew when I stayed there for my 21st birthday, staying in a beautiful hotel overlooking the Grand Canal, and again a few years later when I stayed just a short boat trip away from the city. Deciding where to go for a day impromptu holiday day trip, I instantly chose Venice! I just had to go back!

Finding flights to spend more time in Venice in November was straightforward. The first flight in and the last flight out allowed about 4 to 5 hours to discover the city's hidden gems. Locating the fastest bus route was simple.

One ticket to Venice….

One long delay with a well-known budget airline…

The flight delays had halved our time, so strategic planning was now necessary.

STOP 1 - Campo Santo Stefano

When the bus arrived in Venice, I rushed to the Rialto Bridge to start my journey. Visiting this spot was important to connect with the heart of Venice. The lively atmosphere, residents, and aroma of nearby restaurants brought back memories from my childhood. Beautiful is not a word that does this city justice, with its charming buildings, sculptures and statues. I found a lovely stationery store with personalised notebooks, bookmarks, and lino prints that caught my eye. Inside, I was amazed by the variety of books! I decided to buy some books and bookmarks for my collection at home. Highly recommended! (Antica Legatoria Ofer - Ebru) 8/10

STOP 2 - Ponte dell’Accademia

This bridge is the second most popular in Venice, just after the Rialto. It offers beautiful views of the busy Grand Canal from both sides. Musicians playing nearby added to the charm of the scenery. On the way to the bridge, the aroma from a tiny florist is intoxicating, and the art in the galleria next to it is breathtaking. The low autumn sunlight made for great photos; sunbeams reflected off the boats and the colorful water. In fact, this area was so beautiful that I had to visit it again before heading to the bus for the airport.9/10

STOP 3 - Scala Contarini del Bovolo

I wanted to explore a stunningly beautiful building called the Bovolo. It kept consistently appearing in my searches for less popular and more intriguing places, so I felt urged to see it in person. Google Maps indicated that it was conveniently located near San Marco Square. I couldn’t help but wonder how I hadn’t noticed it from the vantage point of the nearby St. Mark's Bell Tower. Excitedly, I followed the directions down a quiet, quaint street, and there it was—the Bovolo, standing out majestically like the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Its unique spiral architecture was markedly different compared to other surrounding buildings and made it absolutely incredible—a true hidden gem waiting to be discovered! 10/10

STOP 4 - Basilica di San Marco, Palazzo Ducale, Ponte dei Sospiri

Time was passing too quickly, so I decided to make a brief stop at the iconic San Marco Square to once more see the famous buildings portrayed in brochures and depicted in movies. Having visited this enchanting place before, I can confidently confirm that it’s an absolute must-visit location for anyone traveling to Venice! The stunning artwork inside the basilica and the rich history of the Bridge of Sighs, along with the fascinating stories of the Venetian government, truly highlight what the city has endured to become so captivatingly beautiful. I could return to this magical city again and again and never tire of it! 8/10

Honorable mentions - Giardini Papadopoli, Ghetto Ebraico, Libreria Acqua Alta

Rushing to catch the bus, I grabbed a slice of pizza, only to have it stolen by a seagull which was then joined by his friends in screaming at me! I returned to the airport to fly back to the UK and begin planning my first solo holiday. The nerves and excitement hit me hard as I committed to this trip.

I highly recommend visiting Venice either as a solo traveler or with someone to share the beauty and romance with, but avoid the busy summer season. This way, you can enjoy the sights without the crowds. Discovering hidden treasures and recalling memories makes Venice a special place for me.

Goodbye for now, Venice! I hope to return and discover more magic! 8/10

E. x