After many years of dreaming of Italy & it's beauty, I finally bought my ticket & crossed the pond to enjoy a 2 week adventure! I'm recapping my favorite locations, things to do, and of course fashion!
Venice
Venice is known for it's romantic canals, gondoliers, and beautiful architecture. It's no wonder American heiress & socialite, Peggy Guggenheim, made Venice her home in her later years.
What to Do: My biggest recommendation in Venice is just get lost in the canals. If you only stick to the Grand Canal, you've missed the authenticity that Venice can offer. There are so many back streets to wonder down. When you get tired, stop in for a beer at one of the local bars. There is usually very few seats & it makes your experience intimate & real. Like most American's you'll want to be sure to knock out a few "must do's" while there. Saint Mark's Square was beautiful, although very busy & touristy. Cruise ships are allowed to port in Venice, so it becomes flooded with people from 10-5ish. There are typically very long lines to get into Doge's Palace & St. Mark's Basilica. Unless you want to spend your whole day sweating with strangers in line, I recommend going to these locations about an hour before close. Although you may be a bit rushed, there are no lines and very few people inside. If you like art, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection is a must see. In addition to seeing learning more about Peggy and the artist she supported, you can step outside the front door and get beautiful views of the canal.
Getting Around: Buy an all day water taxi pass-period. I was shocked at how long the Grand Canal was. If you try to tackle the island by foot, you will not only barely scratch the surface, but you will be miserable backtracking to the few connecting bridges.
Where to Eat: By far my favorite meal in Venice was at La Zucca. We managed to walk-in, despite reservations being recommended. The food was amazing & the ambiance was so welcoming & cozy.
What to Wear: Venice is hot & humid during the day. Who knew?! You'll want to wear something breezy. The Sacramento Skirt provided this, as well as elegance and comfort! If you are wanting to visit any of the basilica's you'll want to be mindful of your legs & shoulders being exposed. They have the right to refuse your entry into the basilica if you're not properly dressed. Most offer a cover-up to purchase for 2 Euros. The easiest thing to do is carry a cardigan or jacket to slip on if needed. As always, wear comfortable footwear. I went with Jessica Simpson pointed flats and did great!
Next Stop: Florence!
Ciao!
XO- Hazel & Mae
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