If you want to stay in Venice consider a hotel away from the hordes of people near St. Mark’s Square.

I brought my group of ladies to a small boutique hotel steps from the Rialto market and bridge. This hotel, L’Orologio, which means clock in Italian, was full of charm and amenities. The staff was very attentive and the breakfast each morning was very extensive in its offerings. The cappuccino was perfect. So much so that one morning I had two! The hotel faces a major canal and outside the front entrance one can easily cross the canal by gondola for 2 euros per person and explore the Cannagregio district of Venice!

So, to recap your hotel stay:

· Stay at a hotel in the San Polo district of Venice. An excellent choice of hotels would be: L’Orogolio and Palazzo Giovanelli and Grand Canal
· There is also another great hotel between the Rialto bridge and well behind St. Mark’s Square and it is called Ai Reali – a wonderful hotel as I have inspected it when on a previous visit to Venice.
· If you want to stay in another district of Venice, an excellent choice would be the Ca’Segredo in the Cannagregio district. This district has the one and only casino in Venice.

While in Venice I strongly suggest you visit the islands of Murano for the glass blowing and Burano for the lace making.

Glass blowing and lace making are both specialized techniques and to see these artists in action is astonishing. It is well worth the visit. Burano especially because if it very colorful homes.

· Please note that you can get off the ferry just before Burano and step into another world when you visit the tiny island of Mazzorbo, which has a well-known vineyard and a Michelin starred restaurant called Venissa.
· Please note: When shopping on the island of Burano please be aware of knock-off products. Shop in stores where you will be able to purchase the true product. Example: La Perla sells authentic lace products!

· Other towns within easy reach of Venice are: Padua and Treviso.

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