Communications to Sara E Giovanni prior to our trip was excellent right up until the morning of our departure. Venice is certainly a city where getting lost is most definitely going to happen but the direction to the flat that they sent through were so clear and detailed that I defy anyone to get lost initially!
The steps would definitely a challenge if you have any mobility issues. We were there with an unusual heatwave of 40+ degrees which was unexpected. However the stairwell is inside and there are chairs to take a rest. That said this should NOT stop you staying here as the views from the flat are amazing. Beautifully clean, very basic in pure Venetian style and the lounge is full of helpful tips and hints for your stay. We read Sara E Giovanni personal guide when we arrived and pretty much took their advice which was spot on. The apartment in our opinion couldn’t have been better situated for a 3 day trip.
On the cork board above the dining table is the name of somewhere to eat if you arrive late (ie after 8pm). It’s one minute from the apartment and is incredibly tiny and very Italian with no menu translations. This place is a must in our opinion. A real taste of Italy. The hostess spoke minimal English but we asked her to kindly plate up a sharing plate of whatever foods she liked for us to share. The platter was AMAZING, very fish based, authentically Italian and cheap compared to everywhere else.
The bed was a very large double thankfully in the heat and incredibly comfortable. There are two fans in the room which helped but if you struggle with excessive heat then please search out somewhere with air conditioning though you can hardly find this anywhere in Venice.
Our itinerary if it helps was as follows
Day 1: took Sara advice and literally walked and got lost. This is definitely the best was to experience Venice. All you need to do is ask for directions back to Rialto and then your 3 mins away from apartment
Day 2: Left early and caught ferry to Burano Island which is sooo pretty and colourful, we skipped Murano as it’s a tourist trap and we weren’t too interested in the glass blowing. We walked over the bridge from Burano to Missorbo and had an amazing fish lunch on the waterside by Mossorbo water ferry stop.
Day 3: departed mid morning but booked the terrace top view from DFS department store at the base of Rialto bridge as per Sara advice and WHAT A WAY TO END YOUR TRIP. This store is slightly hidden and could easily be missed. The inside of the store if beautiful. Just google DFS Venice roof top and you can easily book a 15 minute viewing session with the best 360 degree view over Venice. AMAZING and free!
All in all, Sara E Giovanni couldn’t have been better hosts and the apartment had everything you could possibly need for a break in the heart of Venice. If we ever are lucky enough to return we would not look anywhere else but would come straight back here again.
Thanks Sara E Giovanni x