The 3 Coolest Things To Do in Venice Italy

We are back in Venice Italy again. There are so many things that you can do in Venice Italy and it all depends on how much time you have. This article is going to tell you about what I believe are the three coolest things to do in Venice.

Don’t Just See The Masks – Make a Mask

Walking the streets of Venice, you’ll see ornate Carnival masks hanging in shop windows. These iconic images of Venice hide centuries of history behind them. To this day, master artisans still craft Carnival masks by hand – painting and decorating them according to traditional techniques.

Poking around shopping in mask shops is fun to do. The variety and size and prices will grab your attention. And you could stop right there. But, did you know it’s possible to go behind-the-scenes at their workshops, observing how they take materials like wood and paper and transform them into objects of beauty. But you can also take it to the next level – instead of just buying a mask, you could take a mask-making class and make your own.

Everyone says this is a great thing to do with kids. But if you’re an adult and don’t have kids, you can still enjoy a hands-on mask-making class – decorating, instead of buying, an authentic Venetian souvenir!

HAPPY HOUR LIKE A VENETIAN

Cichetti are to Venice as tapas are to Spain. After a day’s work, Venetians gather in their favorite bacaro — a neighborhood bar serving drinks and bite-sized eats. Traditional cichetti (pronounced chi-ket-ee) include crostini, fried seafood, and other savory morsels served on a toothpick. Venetians like to enjoy their happy-hour nibbles with a glass of wine or an Aperol Spritz cocktail.

Locals abound in these establishments, sharing the latest in neighborhood gossip or a hearty laugh among friends. The bacaro bar is the exact opposite of a tourist trap – it’s a home away from home for Venetians.

With my contacts, you’ll have a guided tour with a local. You’ll go to their real favorites and experience different types of cichetti. With a local guide, you can experience this most Venetian way of ending the workday!

BOAT THE LAGOON

Venice is comprised of 118 islands – interconnected by canals and footbridges. When you get there, you will see why there’s so much walking. I mean nobody rides a bike here. And, while there’s PLENTY to see in the main city of Venice, some of the area’s most epic views are found in the Venice Lagoon.

With my on-site connections, you can charter a private boat for a day trip – getting picked up at the canal right by your hotel! Your captain will then take you on a tour of the Venetian Lagoon. The island of Burano is famous for lace-making and the brightly-colored homes. Murano is known for its handblown glass, and Mazzorbo is home to a working winery! How cool is that!

One island that tourists often miss is the Island of Torcello. Torcello has a storied past and is considered the parent island to Venice. A visit to Torcello would include a guided tour of the Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta and its mosaics and Byzantine architecture. The footprint of the baptistry is still visible. Atilla’s Throne is in front of the church, a large stone throne that is said to be used by Atilla The Hun. Everything I read says that he never made it this far, but a good story is a good story.

End your visit with a relaxing lunch at Villa 600 and a little shopping in their quaint shops along the canal. Along the way, you’ll savor a Venice removed from the tourist crowds. Torcello is so desirable to visit due to the lack of crowds, and the quiet, peaceful experience.

Who’s ready to venture to Venice? Just call me at 513-386-8081 to start planning your dream Italy escape!

Ciao, ciao