These 5 Venturesome Venice Stops are some favorites from a recent trip. For the record, no words I write could adequately describe Venice. Many others have done this better than me. It is like being on a stunning, mystical movie set.
There are surprises and delights at every turn. Beauty awaits in every corner and I never want to leave.
Most of my visits have intentionally been during Carnevale. In February the city’s revelers parade in exquisite costumes posing, often purposefully within ancient backdrops. consequently, this is an extra special time to be there.
If you choose to visit Venice during Carnavale, don’t stress about scheduling activities for every minute of your trip. Basically, the best event happens all through the day and early evening and, surprisingly, it is free.
Just ensure your phone/camera is charged and walk around St. Marks Square. You will find an endless parade of people posing in gorgeous masked Venetian costumes, often in pairs. Following this up with an Aperol Spritz in a nearby cafe or a Bellini at Harry’s Bar is a must.
You won’t find popular tourist highlights in this post. By all means, visit the Doges Palace, St. Marks Basilica, and the Peggy Guggenheim Collection. Definitely, all are incredible experiences.
However, I like to combine the major tourist attractions with offbeat experiences at a destination. Each time I repeat a visit to a destination, I dig deeper to find lesser-known places to explore. So adding a few of the below to your list will surely enhance your itinerary and make a more memorable Venetian experience.
1-San Lazaaro Island
So we signed up for a tour of the Armenian Monastery on the Island of San Lazarro because we heard the monks make rose jam.
We found the jam only after viewing jaw-dropping priceless objects in the monastery, originally founded as a leper colony in the 12th century.
Among the 150,000 books, 4000 manuscripts, and priceless objects are a document signed by Peter the Great, a page of the first Quran, the oldest copper sword in the world, and the best preserved Egyptian mummy in Europe, among many others.
The multi-lingual Monks translate books into many languages and fund schools. Most impressive are their studies and clear separation of religions and sciences. Our wonderful, funny, brilliant guide, Levon is the Monastary’s IT guy – tasked with digitizing the extensive library. This place is a gem and off the beaten tourist path. You have to call and make a reservation for their daily tours at 3:30 PM. Make sure you leave time to get the waterbus over to the island.
2-Vivaldi Four Season Concert at Church of the Pietà – Saint Mary of the Visitation
A beautiful Four Seasons concert in the church where Vivaldi was a priest and where he wrote some of the music. There are several churches and venues around Venice that present this concert. However, witnessing it in the church where Vivaldi was a priest and where he wrote some of the music feels like a more authentic experience.
The presentation is minimal and it works. The lighting was changed to represent each season as the misc progressed. This was just enough production value. The music is so beautiful, nothing else is needed.
3-Fortuny Palazzo
The fabulous Fortuny Palazzo is an incredible stop in Venice.
In the early 1900s, Mariano Fortuny y Madrazo restored the building and set up shop in this palazzo dating back to the 1400s
This is where he invented groundbreaking lighting systems for theater, designed iconic dresses and theatre costumes, and wove innovative fabrics. As you explore the palazzo you can feel the creative energy of the hive of almost 100 workers employed at the height of production here.
4- Squero di San Trovaso
This is one of the last remaining gondola boatyards in Venice. Watch the workers tending to the gondolas from across the canal.
The best part is you are standing in front of Osteria al Squero where the Cicchetti is divine and where a Cynar spritz hit the spot.
Top it off with a stop at Gelato Squero a few doors down. Also, the owner is lovely and the gelato is incredible.
5- Merchant of Venice
Like perfume? Housed in an ancient chemist’s shop, this is the company’s stunning flagship store where the goods are bottled in Murano glass. Consequently, it is a must-see.
The brand has its conceptual origins in the ancient Art of Perfumery originated in Venice and from its centuries-old trade with the Orient. Definitely spend some time sampling their luscious-smelling goods and reveling in the atmosphere of this extraordinary shop. Finally, I dare you to resist bringing home a bottle.
Unquestionably, you will encounter exquisite costumes, delicious food, and stunning scenery. Consequently, Venice will always have my heart. So here are additional stunning images of Carvevale.
Like this 5 Venturesome Venice Stops post? Also, check out some of these other travel tips:
ADMIRING ANTWERP’S AGELESS GEMS
BOUNCING AROUND BEAUTIFUL BRUGES
EATING & EXPLORING BEAUTIFUL BOLOGNA
6 GORGEOUS GLASGOW STOPS
