VENICE – ITALY: Serious Survival Tips for Neophytite Visitors (Carol’s Worldwide Cruise Port Itineraries Book 1) (English Edition)

I have to smile every time I think of my first trip to Venice---pre-computer/Google era. My friend and I wanted to see that charming city built near a lagoon about 600 years ago and one of the most fascinating cities in the world. Every tourist to Venice conjures up visions of a romantic gondola ride in Venice, dining outdoors in a glorious sunset while being serenaded with "Come Back to Sorrento." We were no different and actually looked forward to getting lost in secret alleys and zig-zagging over the countless tiny bridges... and in the process, finding some priceless souvenirs. And, for sure... crossing off a long list of “must-see” sights and attractions. We HAD to do it all – no matter what it would cost! And so we began our long-planned first journey to Venice, Italy several years ago with just a couple of travel books as our resources! O Sole Mio, (It’s Now or Never) Venice, here we come! We flew into Venice preceding a Mediterranean cruise, and dim-wittedly asked an airport cab driver to "take us to our hotel, the Europa, in the middle of San Marco." He agreeably shook his head up and down--opened the cab door like a gentleman, and put our bags in the trunk-- and away we went. Although he jabbered constantly--he didn't speak a word of English (or pretended NOT to). We were dumped off at the end of the causeway and charged an exorbitant fee. Then we were on our own to get to our hotel by foot! We struggled with our bags to a water taxi station (more Euros) that seemed like miles away. After departing the water taxi boat we dragged our heavy jumbo-sized, fully-packed cruise-bound suitcases up and over the hundreds of canal steps of bridges towards our destination. The wheel fell of my suitcase carrier (that was before suitcases had their own wheels!). Terry's suitcase, on a "dog leash" (with wheels,) kept falling over. Frustrated and exhausted, we stopped and sat down on the steps....nearly in tears. Finally, some kind Americans appeared and helped us maneuver over the steps and found us our hotel. It was situated right at the water taxi's stop! From that day forward--I did my homework! If you are going to Piazza San Marco, take the Linea ARANCIO water taxi from the airport and enjoy the view down the Grand Canal to San Marco. In fact, because you can use the tickets at any time, purchase a round trip ticket back to the airport. I promise you, you will never forget this unique, amazing destination and will return--after reading about our experiences and how to navigate VENICE!