There is nothing more special than walking out of the train station with the Grand Canal laid out in front of you in all its glory. Except perhaps Alessandro arriving in his gorgeous wooden boat to personally collect you and deliver you to the accommodation via an enchanting tour of the back canals of Venice. What a special way to start a holiday in Venice :). Alessandro is the perfect example of what makes Airbnb great. Thanks again to him and his quirky original apartment placed magically right on a back canal of Santa Croce. As a side point, the little square out back is laden with bars and restaurants, makes you never want to leave this haven from the Rialto crowds.