Venice

La Bellissima, the beautiful one, so Venice is called by those who love her. Unique in its history, unique in its locale, unique in its beauty, Venice charms all who journey here.

Rick Steves and his books on European travel are invaluable.

From Port: Take the No. 1 or No. 82 vaporetto (water bus) to Piazza San Marco, the main square of Venice. This will afford you an informal and inexpensive tour of Venice. Ask a local to describe the sites.

Must Try: Cappuccino (but only before Noon), Bellini Cocktail.

Review: Caffé Florian is Venice's oldest café, serving Venetians since 1720. Choose a table in the Piazza and watch the world go by. Enjoy the music from the resident string quartet. $$

Piazza San Marco - Caffé Florian is on the left, toward the Canal.

From Port: Cross Rialto Bridge to San Polo side, walk to end of market stalls, turn left, then immediately right, and look for small wooden cantina sign on the left. Entrances on Calle Galiazza and Calle Do Mori.

Review: Sandwiches and cicchetti (bar snacks) go well with the wines. $

Tramezzini

From Port: A short walk north from the west end of Piazzi San Marco. Ask for directions to Hotel Cipriani. "Per favore; dové Hotel Cipriani."

Review: Perhaps the most famous bar in the world, due mainly to its association with Ernest Hemingway. His novel, Across the River and Into the Trees, has scenes set here. He had his own table in a corner.

The staff is rude and haughty and the prices are high. But you need to visit. Just duck in and have a look.  The Bellini Cocktail was invented here by Maestro Cipriani. They currently charge €14 for one. Eat and drink elsewhere.

Review: Try the cichetti (bar snacks) along with a drink or two while deciding on the menu.