:) CITIES : VENICE, ITALY
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From our Global Explorer and Italy specialist Keri M: 
1) Accomodations We stayed at the Hotel Antico Doge. It's just a short walk from the action and a short walk from the vaporetto from the main train station. Directions are listed on the website. I loved our room - it was the one pictured on the website with canopy bed. However, I know there are other less appealing rooms at the inn. Ask for a nice one. A full breakfast was included. www.anticodoge.com Note: this is value season in Venice so you may even want to stay on or near St. Mark's square. This looks like a good bet, too: Hotel Violino d'Oro www.violinodoro.com. I found it on Frommer's and the rates are unreal! 2) Attractions 
Bascilia di San Marco - loved it!! A must see. Palazzo Ducale - The Palazzo attached to San Marco which was the residence of the major doges (wealthy dukes) of the city Ponte dei Sospiri - Bridge of Sighs - walkway to palace of justice or prision, where prisoners took last breath of fresh air before being locked up The Grand Canal and Rialto bridge - there is a open air market on the west side of the Rialto bridge, nice to check out Collezione Peggy Guggenheim - small intimate musuem, also worth a look. www.guggenheim-venice.it We also checked out Santa Maria della Salute (Church across the Grand canal from St. Marks) and the Lido. If you don't have time for these, don't bother. Actually, as mentioned, I wouldn't reccomend the Lido at all. Too cold for this. 3) Dining We ate at Trattoria alla Madonna - down a little alleyway from Ponte Rialto. Very rustic but good. Not overwhleming atmosphere - more hustle bustle type of place. www.ristoranteallamadonna.com Seems to be a Venetian institution 
We also had little tapas like meals at a few wine bars - which was great. I can't remember the name of them but here's one that gets high marks. I'm not sure we ate here though. www.anticomartini.com/vinovino (We also had a few forgettable meals in restaurants we stumbled upon - it's very touristy city - beware. Remember- I heard an American walking next to me exclaim "it looks just like Vegas"). 4) Drinks/Entertainment It was nice out when we went so we sat outside for drinks, but we walked into the Hotel Metropole down the lagoon, which looked like it would be cozy for drinks inside. metropole.hotelinvenice.com There are other, more exclusive hotels near San Marco including Gritti Palace and Hotel Danieli, too. The Florian and Quadri on San Mark's square are fancy cafes for hot chocolate or appertivo. As mentioned, many churches have concerts (of Vivaldi, etc.). You can by tickets through the hotel. |
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