So grateful to my cousin for recommending Cristina’s apartment. It is incredibly located, given that you are literally looking into the lagoon; very easy to get to from the main vaporetto, literally next door to a brand new Conrad market; and walking distance to everything. It is a studio and perfect for one or two, who will spend the time wanting the cobblestone paths of the city.
I was grateful that the bathroom has all one needs - no bath, but a good shower, including hair dryer 🙏 and the kitchenette is fully stocked. Make sure to look in the upper left corner for the complimentary ground espresso for the stove top espresso maker and cookies! Anything you might need is next door at the market.
A short walk to the right, in exiting the apartment, you will find cafes and my personal favorite: Gelati Nico!
Our evening treat became Sprizz Select (two points here - Venetian’s spell Spritz as Sprizz and Select is quite like Aperol, but not as sweet. Quite bitter and I have absolutely adopted it!) and two scoops of Gelato (for me - Baci - chocolate hazelnut and pistachio).
Finding the best Sprizz Select became something of a quest! It is a beverage you can join everyone else and drink it from noon onwards and there were a couple of days we tested that! Hands and away… and this is with some attention to detail, the iconic Caffè Florian. Born in Venice in 1720. It is the oldest Café in the world situated under the arches of the Procuratie Nuove in Saint Mark’s Square.* (taken from their website)
You will pay more here, than anywhere else, save perhaps the iconic masterpieces of The Gritti or The Danielli, but it is worth it. I have no idea what their magic mix is, but it feels as though they open fresh little bottles of Prosecco and sparkling water so it is carbonated, and light!oat places seem to switch out the Prosecco with white wine and add too much water.
The traveler notes you read about not asking for a Cappuccino after noon (because it has milk in it - considered bad for digestion) hold true. Ask for a macchiato with cream on the side, instead or you can get away with an Americano as I did. Check out caffeflorian (dot) com for details.
There is so much to see - all by foot - in such a condensed area - taking a tour seems to be a good idea. You will get the overview and then can go back at your own pace. My cousin kindly took the time and still in five days we did not see everything. Not to mention the great festivals in process like the Art Bienalle that was in motion - we did enjoy wonderful cocktail party in the alley of one gallery! Visit labiennale (dot) org the next Biennale focuses on Architecture… may have to go to that!
So many more tips and insights to share… but they are so fun to discover on your own! I wish I could share some of the photos and could see those from other guests. It is all but impossible not to click every two feet!
Once again, thank you Cristina!
Safe travels everyone! Enjoy!