Flashback Friday: Venice

Sometimes when I sit back and think about our travels through Europe it’s hard to believe I wasn’t dreaming.  I know that sounds super cheesy but it couldn’t be more true.  The experiences we had on our  month long hiatus was truly unforgettable.  It has been a while since I have shared a Flashback Friday post and this Venice stop is well over due.

Venice is one of those places you really have to see to believe.  Yes, it’s super touristy and mainstream but regardless of how touristy it is, it’s something that you need to experience once in your life (before it’s under water).

Venice in your future? Here are my top 5 things to see and do!

1.) Take a look around.  Walking through the tiny streets kept us busy most days.  With every turn there were new sights to see, shops to look in, and treats to try.  Go explore, get lost, and take millions of photos! Make sure you make your way up the bell tower- the wait can be long during the day so evening is usually a better option.  We happened to luck out when we went there was no line and the sun was just setting.  The view from the tower is breathtaking!  Make sure to have your camera/phone ready to snap some Instagram worthy photos!

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ven20 ven212.) Eat…obviously… you’re in Italy after all!  Venice is (as I’m sure you have heard) littered with over priced, touristy restaurants so it’s important to do your research. We never eat at a place before reading the reviews on Trip Advisor or a blog and let me tell you it is worth it.  We discovered Dol Moro’s Fresh Pasta, a hidden gem in the heart of Venice.  A tiny hole in the wall, nothing fancy, not even a seating area but has cheap ahhh-mazing pasta… fresh pasta, honestly my mouth is salivating at the thought of it.  A perfect place to grab lunch!

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3.)Enjoy a beach day.  In the middle of our three day stay we decided to take a break from the hustle and bustle of Venice and take the ferry over to Lido Beach.  A cute little beach town a ten minute boat ride away.  The sand was beautiful, the weather hot, and the water was super calm.  I highly suggest this if you’re staying in Venice for a longer period of time. It is a nice break from the site seeing.

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4.) Experience the gondola! It took me some time to convince Brandon that it was worth it- I don’t remember the price but I know it seemed ridiculous at the time but trust me it was sooo worth it.  You can’t go to Venice and not go on a gondola ride.  It was as magical as I imagined it would be. Worth every penny!

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5.)Watch the sunset from the Grand Canal bridge.  We did this by chance and it is one of the most picturesque moments I have ever experienced.  The photo I snapped actually looks like a postcard… nope! All me and my Iphone… go me!

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Have you ever been to Venice? Did I miss anything?!

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