I’m so happy to share a million few pictures with you from our trip to Italy. For those of you who come here for decor inspiration, don’t worry. I won’t make this an entire week of Italy, but this will be part of a series to continue over the next couple of weeks. Today is all about Venice and the other cities ( Burano/Murano, Florence, Rome, Tuscany) will come later. I’ll also write a post with travel/packing tips that might be helpful.
Venice, without a doubt was one of my favorite cities! It was truly unique, like nowhere I’ve ever been before. The city is built on low mud banks in waters of the Adriatic. Homes are often flooded and for that reason, most living quarters begin on the second floor.
Residents of all ages mostly walk, but often rely on boats and water taxis when traveling to other parts of the city that are further away. Each morning, boats arrive bringing in goods to restock stores and restaurants.
The long corridors are marked as streets throughout the city. They say the best way to see Venice is to get lost. And that we did on several occasions.
There isn’t much land in Venice, so the residents take great care in planting beautiful window boxes and many of the balconies are adorned in flowers.
Our apartment was booked through Trip Advisor. I can’t tell you how nice it was to spend three days in a “home” rather than a hotel room. We were able to cook in the apartment and do laundry which made packing light doable. The added bonus was that the apartment had two balconies with plenty of seating and breathtaking views.
Outdoor cafes are everywhere making it very tempting to stop for a snack, cappuccino, or prosecco depending on the time of day.
We spent several hours with a private tour guide found through Italy Hotline. Spending time with someone who lives there was priceless! Nadia took us to places we never would have seen or known about. She even kept the teenagers interested :).
If you are still reading, thanks for sticking around. If you’ve been to Venice, I’d love to hear from you in the comment section. Have a great day!
You might also like:
Murano & Burano
Florence
How to Pack for Ten Days in Italy in One Carry On Suitcase
Our Apartment in Rome
Love this post and your pics – makes me so excited to go. The apt you stayed in looks wonderful! Looking forward to more of Italy!
Oh man, what an amazing looking trip! Italy is definitely on my bucket list!! 🙂
The apartment looked so cozy. I don't know how people traveled before Trip Advisor, love that site. It looks like you guys had an amazing time!
Such a good idea to stay in an apartment. I love your photos so far! I had the opportunity to go to Italy and France on a middle school trip, but have to say that Venice was one city that truly took my heart away as well. Did you get to see anyone create blown glass? That was one of my favorite memories besides the gondola ride 🙂
I agree Tiffany! There's something special about Venice. And yes, we saw glass in Murano which was quite amazing.
Love that you stayed in a beautiful apartment! We do quite a bit of travel with our 3 kids and this has become our new favorite type of lodging for the very reasons you mentioned. Venice is one of my personal favorite cities and since I have not been there for years, your beautiful photos make me yearn to go back!
This was thanks to my in-laws. They have been to Italy more than once and have learned a lot. We are so thankful to have this time with family in such an amazing place! And yes, we too are already planning to go back.
Rene, it all looks so beautiful!! What a special time for you and your family – memories that will last forever. Venice is one of my favorites as is Florence. Would love to go back and visit!
Loved reading your recap!! I also love Venice. There is no place in the world like it! The Murano glass is amazing, too. I have always wanted to take a Murano glass chandelier home!! That's so amazing you stayed in an apartment. What a great way to do it! It was gorgeous, too. 🙂
Wow, what a dream trip, Rene'! I'm a little embarrassed to admit I've never traveled abroad – and these photos are giving me the travel bug!
Your trip looks magnificent Rene! I have never been. My husband has before we were married and we hope to go one day in the not too distant future. So fun you were able to enjoy this as a family and share in the experience, special times and special memories you will have. Looks like an amazing apartment you stayed in and the view of the garden is gorgeous. I so love the window boxes. Thanks for sharing your photos and I look forward to more! Cute photo of you and your hubby!
Thank you Allison! I hope you do make it to Italy. You will fall in love like the rest of us.
Looks like an awesome family trip, Rene! Your pictures are fantastic!
I was there in 2000. I did Morano, too, when I was there. A lot of amazing memories came flooding back with each of your photos. I'm looking forward to seeing pictures from the rest of your trip. Florence was my favorite of all. Rome was pretty darn amazing, too. And Naples. And Capri. And, and, and. Lol. Definitely an amazing place to see.
Ha! I know what you mean. P.S. It is very hard to take a bad picture there.
We were in Venice in 2003 and loved it too. We're finally headed back to Italy this fall and we're excited!
It sounds like those who go to Italy, go more than once. Mr. and I are already planning our next trip.
Oh my goodness! I LOVE all your pictures. It looks like such an incredible trip. I'm so glad you shared them with us and gave us the scoop on where you stayed and toured. I backpacked Europe for a month with a friend when I was in college. It was amazing and Italy was a favorite. I've been to Rome, Florence and Venice. My husband and I are planning a trip for our anniversary there next year. Thanks for sharing such beautiful pictures. I'm sure as a designer you had the time of your life there.
I've never been to Italy. Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful photo's! The scenery from your balcony window is amazing! I'm so glad you had a wonderful time, and I look forward to seeing more!
Lovely photos, Rene! It looks like you had a wonderful time. I spent 4 days in Venice on my very first trip to Italy. It is an amazing city! I love that you can get lost, without truly getting lost! Hope you enjoyed a Spritz while you were there. Drinking them is one of my favorite Venice memories. I keep my bar stocked with Aperol for that very reason 🙂
Did you plan this trip yourselves or did you use a travel agent?
My mother in law did all of the planning through Trip Advisor. She and her husband had been to Italy a couple of times already which helped. She also uses Tours By Locals which is a nice way to see the city.
Oh my…..do these photos take me back to a special time. I love Venice so much, what an incredible gift to be able to go there in your lifetime. I hope my kids get to experience it someday! It sounds like you had a wonderful time!!!!!!! PS beautiful family 🙂