A few dreamy days in Venice…
As travel agents, we often get invited to events where we meet brands and experts from around the world. This is where we were super excited to win a 2-night stay in Venice at the beautiful Palazzo Venart, a charming boutique hotel/ palace with just 17 rooms. The property is an incredible blend of modern luxury and old-world Venetian charm. It was the perfect excuse to explore Venice, the Floating City or the City of Falling Angels—a name coined by the famous author John Berendt.
After a late flight, we arrived a bit tired and hungry, but the moment we walked into the hotel, we felt completely taken care of. The staff was beyond friendly, making us feel like we were part of the family from the get-go. We decided to grab a quick bite at a nearby osteria, which had a cozy, rustic vibe and served simple, homestyle Venetian food.
Discovering Palazzo Venart: A Hidden Gem in Venice
Palazzo Venart really is a gem. The hotel has been carefully renovated to keep the old-world charm of Venice while offering all the comforts of modern luxury. The property was once home to Venetian Doges (aka local lords), so the rooms definitely feel fit for royalty! Plus, they have a signature scent that they give to guests as a keepsake, which is such a nice touch.
Day 1: Exploring Venice’s Must-Sees
The next morning, we couldn’t wait to start exploring Venice. After a delicious breakfast of pastries and coffee at Glam, the Michelin-starred restaurant inside Palazzo Venart, we made our way to St. Mark’s Square. The square was packed with people, but it didn’t take away from the beauty of St. Mark’s Basilica. The golden mosaics on the basilica shimmered in the sunlight, and we couldn’t stop admiring all the tiny details—it was like stepping into a fairy tale!
Next, we climbed up the Campanile bell tower, which gave us some of the best views of Venice. From up top, we could see all the canals, bridges, and rooftops stretching out below—absolutely stunning! It’s easy to see why Venice was once the center of the world.
After coming down, we wandered through Venice’s narrow streets, getting a little lost in the maze. We came across a shop selling colorful Venetian masks, a quaint café with outdoor seating, and a bunch of street artists showing off their talents. We stopped for lunch at a local trattoria where we had some amazing seafood pasta and house wine (which the waiter gave us for free because he loved Bollywood movies—how cool is that?).
Going around the Canals…
In the afternoon, we hopped on a Vaporetto (water bus) to cruise down the Grand Canal. The ride was such a highlight! We glided past grand palaces, charming bridges, and even caught a glimpse of the iconic Rialto Bridge—definitely a must-see and perfect for photos. After getting off, we walked around Rialto, did some souvenir shopping, and just enjoyed the vibe of the area.
As the sun set, we found a nice spot along the canal to watch the sky turn shades of pink and orange. For dinner, we indulged in cicchetti—Venetian-style tapas—at a local bacaro. From crispy fried fish to savory polenta, it was the perfect way to wrap up our first day.
Day 2: Visiting Murano and Burano
On our second day, we took a boat ride to Murano, famous for its beautiful glassmaking. The island is so peaceful and colorful, with pretty buildings lining the canals. We visited a glass factory where we got to see artisans making delicate glass pieces right in front of us!
After that, we hopped back on the boat and headed to Burano, a vibrant island known for its brightly colored houses and lace-making tradition. It felt like walking through a rainbow! We even met a fourth-generation lace maker, who personalized a handkerchief for us with our initials—how cool is that? For lunch, we stopped at a local trattoria and tried the island’s famous risotto with fresh fish. So delicious!
After a leisurely stroll along the canals, we took the boat back to Venice, where we ended the day with some refreshing aperitifs at a cozy bar.
Day 3: Venice’s Hidden Gems
On our final day, we decided to explore some of the quieter, less touristy spots in Venice. We started with the Basilica Santa Maria della Salute, which is located at the end of the Grand Canal. It’s a stunning church with artwork by Titian and Tintoretto, plus a cool sculpture called The Queen of Heaven Expelling the Plague. Definitely worth a visit if you’re into art and history.
In the afternoon, we wandered along more canals, grabbing some gelato on the way. We tried flavors like pistachio and stracciatella—so creamy and refreshing!
As our trip was coming to a close, we made our way back to St. Mark’s Square one last time. We sat at a café tucked away in one of the quieter streets, listening to live music while enjoying a relaxed dinner. It was the perfect end to an amazing trip.
Goodbye, Venice – Until Next Time!
Our 3 days in Venice were filled with beautiful sights, delicious food, and unforgettable memories. From the luxury of Palazzo Venart to the charm of Murano and Burano, Venice is truly a city that captures your heart. We left with so many wonderful memories and can’t wait to return one day. After all, Venice is one of those places that stays with you forever.