We went to Venice pretty well just to say we have been there and to mark a gondola ride off my list. I have heard mixed reviews on Venice. Some reviews were that they would never go again and others loved it. I needed to make my own opinion on it so I penciled it in between Paris and Rome. We had a short flight into Venice . We got our luggage and waited for the shuttle. The shuttle ride is something I will not forget. It felt like a roller coaster ride and had to hold on for dear life. We got dropped off at the stop where they can not go any further, Piazzale Roma . From here you can either take a water taxi or walk. We decided to walk since it was only a five minute walk. We got in a little late so we went straight to our hotel.

We stayed at a hotel on the Grand Canal. The train station is right across the canal. This is the reason I chose the hotel I did, so I didn’t have to worry about transportation to the station.

We woke up early to enjoy the day since our train was leaving at 4:00 pm. After we had breakfast, we were in for a hot day. Very hot! We followed the signs to the Piazza San Marco. I was surprised that the city didn’t smell with it being all sewage. The only area that stunk was the fish market. We checked the market out and nothing was interesting to eat. We left that area quick.

We probably stopped like ten times to take pictures on different bridges or pathways. We made it to the famous bridge, Rialto Bridge. You have a bunch of little market to choose from to shop. I would have never guessed that there were shops in there. I just thought it was a bridge. Of course, we had to take more selfies here. Who doesn’t? Off to the Square. It was about ten more minutes to get there. It probably could have taken less, but had to stop at all the cute little bridges too.

We made it to Piazza San Marco. We walked around and just did some site seeing. We didn’t do any tours because of our time.

We decided it was time to take our gondola ride. We took a 45 minute ride. It was nice to relax and sit back and go through all the little canals. We got to see the Bridge of Sighs, Marco Polo’s home, tons of bridges, and structures. Our gondolier serenaded us for a little while. I could have done without, unless I was on a romantic ride, but with two teenage girls, is a different story.

By the end of the ride, it was so hot, I was ready to get off. When we got back to the beginning, it started to become congested. We got off the ride and my daughter lets me know that my shorts were soaked. The seats are vinyl so that didn’t help. So make sure you wear the correct clothing when taking one of these rides.

After our ride, it was about time to head back so we could have time to eat, shop, and see a few more things along the way. We ate at this cute little restaurant. It was also a place to stay cool. My shorts still weren’t dry by the time we left there. We got to see the oldest church in Venice, Chiesa di San Giacomo di Rialto, and the Giant Hands of Venice on the way back. The way back was a little harder because the traffic of people were not all going to the same place. We ended up taking a wrong turn that took us straight to the canal, but couldn’t go left or right. It is important to watch the signs. We didn’t get too off track since it was close to our hotel, but try not to get lost.

We had just enough time to pick up our bags and head over to the train station. This is one time I wish I didn’t pack so much. Going over the bridge with a 50 pound suitcase and a carry on was dreadful. This was the worst of it all. Now, on our way to Rome.

I really enjoyed Venice for the short trip. Would I go back? Maybe. If I don’t ever get back to you, I’m okay with it too. Taking in a tour would have made it complete, but I got to see quite a bit on a short trip. I would recommend for anyone to go. Even take a tour over to Verona if you like Shakespeare . Leave a comment below if there is anything you feel like others should know or what I missed and why I should go back. I hope you enjoyed.