We shared a cab with my sister Kathy to Milan from Lago d’Iseo, and from there took the fast train to Venice where we caught our cruise ship the following day. We had about 1 day and 1 night in Venice and we wanted to make the most of it.

Venice is a beautiful city built on top of hardened wood foundations across 117 islands. Called the “city of bridges”, it’s unmistakable and famous waterways and narrow winding streets have drawn millions of people annually, and is a place everyone needs to visit at least once in their lifetime.

It was a little sad to know that the city is pretty much dedicated to tourists (more tourists are in Venice than locals). It certainly gives the vibe of a “touristy Italy” rather than an authentic experience that you would find in a lesser internationally known destination like Lake Iseo.

Despite that, it’s still quite an experience! We had a romantic Gondola ride through the waterways with a singing gondolier, and spent the evening walking through the cobbled streets trying food at the fresh food markets, and visiting the iconic Piazza San Marco.

The whole of Venice does give off a certain charm, even our hotel (on one of the waterways) had an old early-1900’s vibe; our room even had a touch of old elegance.

If you do travel to Italy, Venice is certainly worth a day or two on your itinerary. It’s olden charms, gondola rides through narrow waterways and bridges strewn across the city give the city a very unique look that you won’t find anywhere else.

After a day and a half in Venice, we took off in a water taxi to our ship, The Splendor of the Seas to our first destination!

DAY 2: Dubrovnik, Croatia