Italy - Venice Travelogue

Day 1: Rome Day 2: Rome Day 3: Rome Day 4: Venice (Venezia) Route: Rome Termini to Stazione di Venezia Santa Lucia Destinations: Ponte di Rialto, Piazzetta San Marco In my opinion, Venice is a place well worth visiting. The train ride from Rome's central station to Venice takes about 4 hours. I purchased the train tickets two days before departure through a travel platform for approximately HKD 770. It’s recommended to book early, as I noticed tickets were around HKD 400 about three months prior on other platforms. Are train ticket prices really that volatile? Before boarding, I had heard stories about pickpockets on trains, with some even claiming that entire suitcases could go missing. Although I hadn’t experienced any theft during my days in Italy, it’s always better to be cautious. I recommend placing your suitcase on the overhead rack above your seat rather than in an area out of sight. When booking tickets, try to choose seats at either end of the train. This time, I specifically chose a seat at the rear left of the train. My suitcase barely fit into the overhead rack, but my travel companion couldn’t find space for theirs. While on the train to Venice, I slowly browsed Wikipedia and discovered that many parts of Venice were built centuries ago using a large number of wooden piles. These piles, after being soaked in seawater, became increasingly sturdy, and buildings were then constructed on top. Considering the lack of advanced machinery back then, such projects must have taken a long time to complete! In April, Venice’s weather wasn’t overly cold, offering a refreshing coolness. However, there were occasional rainy and windy moments during my visit. I recommend bringing a windproof and waterproof jacket. I had booked an Airbnb about a 20-minute walk from the train station in Venice well in advance. However, if you’re carrying a large suitcase, Venice’s environment isn’t very luggage-friendly. The Airbnb was beautiful, and the host, who lived in the same building, was very helpful in recommending various restaurants with great food. Like Rome, Venice has many photogenic spots, not just the famous landmarks. Even the alleys offer stunning compositions. On sunny days, photos turn out even better under the sunlight. Walking through Venice at night, with its dim lighting, creates a unique atmosphere. If you’re staying at an Airbnb with a kitchen, I suggest trying to cook your own meals. However, food in Venice isn’t cheap, and dining out might actually be more economical. A typical pasta dish costs around €14, though the portions aren’t large. On this trip, dining with friends, we spent an average of €27 per person per meal. I noticed that Italians really enjoy smoking. Day 5: Murano, Burano Being close to the sea, Venice can be quite windy, and April weather still has a slight chill. The Airbnb host advised that dining in Murano and Burano tends to be priced for tourists. It’s better to return to the main island for meals (though the main island is also tourist-heavy). The host recommended a few restaurants, which we tried and found reasonably priced and delicious. However, these two islands are great for photography, even if there aren’t many unique attractions to visit. Transportation to these islands requires taking a boat. You can purchase a one-day pass at designated docks, which costs €25 per person and can be paid for with a credit card. I recommend eating before heading out and checking the boat numbers carefully to avoid boarding the wrong one. You can also ask dock staff for assistance before boarding. The itinerary in Venice was relatively relaxed. We spent the remaining time wandering around the main island, discovering many great photo spots. **Must-Visit Attractions** 1. Churches and picturesque alleys for photography. **Must-Try Food** 1. Many small alleyway restaurants on the main island are excellent. Restaurants on the main streets with scenic views tend to be pricier. During our days in Venice, we dined at places recommended by the Airbnb host, which were within an acceptable price range. **Accommodation Recommendation** I suggest staying at an Airbnb. However, if you have a large suitcase, consider accommodations closer to the train station, as Venice’s streets aren’t very luggage-friendly. Avoid taking water taxis. **Photo Spots** Sunlight, especially in the morning and at sunset, makes for stunning photos. Check the sunrise and sunset times for the day. **Tips** Similar to Rome.