Venice is simply seductive

Whilst Venice is romantic, when you’ve travelled Europe frequently, it’s always Paris that is often crowned the most romantic when making such a list of European cities.  Venice is for me better described for its sensuality; it’s simply more seductive.

Modernity hasn’t hit the city as much as other places that are so regularly visited in Europe. The journey always begins the same way for travellers to Venice with the transition from terra firma to the endless waterways via water taxi or gondola as you enter this ancient city. From there it’s a mixed and matched amphibious exploration.

With very little that can be done to increase the size of Venice’s infinite travertine lined paths that navigate the city, flanked by narrow waterways that open to larger ones that have served the city for centuries, my advice is to ‘just go with it’.

‘Just go with it’, the feeling that Venice has a plan for you, if you are brave enough to give into her charms, is exhilarating and adds to her seduction. If you give over to her pace, there is no forcing and much less effort required, as each laneway leading to each piazza will reveal to you what you perhaps didn’t know you needed to see.

I found this also helps to creates a feeling of being at home among the unavoidable throng of tourists who seek similar experiences. 

 A veritable lucky dip of experiences as you meander the streets following the echoes that ring out along watery canals, as if you’re following a lost child and want to help, you’re drawn to places and sights that in and of themselves may be obvious but are nonetheless memorable.

There is an art to being happily lost in an unfamiliar city, a unique viewpoint to adapt to as if you are walking through an old movie set always remembering that Venice is not a city, it’s a world. A world that takes time to explore, each visits revealing something new, something magical to behold.

Of course, if you want to both wander, get lost and then be found in Venice we have some suggestions that our advisors would recommend:

·      Toast the end of your day in Venice with a tour of the best bacari wine bars. Join the locals for a traditional ombra de vin and allow an expert food and wine connoisseur to accompany you on this tour through the city at night.

·      Delve into the darker, more mysterious side of Venice, with a guided tour of the city at night. As dusk descends, you’ll begin to discover more about the ghosts and legends that haunt the famous bridges, hidden alleyways and ubiquitous palazzi along the Grand Canal and around St Mark’s Square

·      Explore Venice’s oasis of secret gardens and parks. Venture off the beaten track with a fascinating walk with an expert guide. Learn how many of the city’s famous squares were once green spaces and enjoy a glimpse over the high walls to view some of the elaborate palace parks which flourish in this floating city.