After our days in Trieste, we took a train to Venice, actually our departing airport. Because we’ve been to this beautiful city before (but I hadn’t posted about it), our one-night stay would be in Mestre – the mainland side of the city. Besides, the airport is on the mainland and Mestre hotels are much cheaper.
As the train was approaching the train station (Venezia Mestre), I noticed our hotel is directly across the street. Then I learn that a train goes to the islands (Venezia Santa Lucia Station) every 10 minutes for 2 euros. Plus, the airport shuttle is a very short walk from our hotel (Best Western Plus Hotel Bologna). Cheaper, close to rail and the airport bus are all good things!
With the weather being wonderful, we had to go to Venice to just wander. Part of the fun of this glorious setting is trying to get lost – because you can’t! The historical city is wonderful – after all, Venice is Venice.
Our trip has ended, and what a trip it was. All the stops in the Rick Steves’ Eastern Europe tour were worthwhile and memorable. Then add-on stops to my birthplace and a touch of Venice was like extra ice cream and toppings on an already magnificent sundae.
Picking our favorite stop is not an easy task because the locations were so different. The three major cities were different from each other, then toss in the extremes of a natural wonder of a Plitvice (a Croatian National Park) to the horrors of Auschwitz, and a relaxing seaside locate as Rovinj, it was quite the tour.
Three important references for readers.
- I will probably do more posts about this trip with some tidbits. Time will tell.
- I didn’t realize that I posted very little about our Italy-Croatia cruise of how knows how many years ago. Maybe I’ll go back in time. Thoughts?
- Click here for all the posts about this tour.
- Although it’s also in the previous collection, click here for my review of Rick Steves’ Europe tours.
To see more of the island wonderland known as Venice, watch the 2+-minute video below. Thanks for coming along for my journey.
Wonderful end to a fantastic trip, Frank!
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Dale,
Venice is such a unique place – and I’m confident you would love it!
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My dear Frank… I’ll let you know.. Coz I will make it there one day!
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I’m sure you will!
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Without a doubt, Signore!
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It sounds (and looks) like a wonderful trip, Frank. It seems like your extras were worthwhile, too.
Younger daughter and I went to Venice as part of her Italy trip. It is so beautiful.
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Merril,
A wonderful trip indeed … and you know how special Venice is!
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I do!
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Sweet Venice was a delightful surprise; I had not expected to fall so deeply in love with her. Your trip photos took me back to some very special places for which I am very appreciative. And future digital trips would be most welcome. Just saying. Happy last Sunday of the year.
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Monika,
So glad this simple post rekindled the memories of this magical island treasure. It’s definitely an easy place to love.
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It seemed you saved the best for last! Thanks for sharing this trip with us! I will certainly travel with you and your wife again. Cheers for adventures in 2019!
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Jo,
I’m not sure Venice was the best stop on the trip – after all, it was short stay and we had been there before. Nonetheless, it is a special place! Not that it was the best stop, but go back one post for a unique stop. Meanwhile, we have good plans for 2019!
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Venice is a place I have not visited Frank, and you have whetted my appetite 🙂 who knows what 2019 may bring.. Hope you have enjoyed a fabulous Christmas Frank.. Many thanks for your support over 2018.. Wishing you and your family a wonderful 2019 and beyond..
Take care and see you in the New Year 🙂
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Sue,
I wouldn’t be surprised if you could get some inexpensive airfare to Venice. If so, GO! Note: The crowds can be big in the summer. We had a good Christmas … and hope you did as well. Happy New Year to you. My New Years’ post will go up around your dinner time tomorrow.
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❤ 🙂 will be watching for it ❤
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🙂
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Beautiful Venice! I was wondering if you had noticed any differences in her since your previous trip. You know. we are hearing how the waters are rising and the land is disappearing………….
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Pauline,
I can’t say we noticed differences since our last visit – but that’s not to say there weren’t any. I can say it’s still a beautiful place.
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Great trip, Frank. Yes, tell us about the Italy-Croatia cruise.
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John,
Absolutely a fantastic trip … and thanks for your input about the cruise. I thought I had posted about it, but it turns out that was before I started reporting about ports.
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I see the Bengals are having a good day.
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Still plenty of time to let it get away from them.
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And it did. Sorry.
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You definitely had what I’d categorize as “an experience” in this wonderful travel season. Venice is Venice…very true words that say it all. Who wouldn’t love to wander in that city? 🙂
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Debra,
When we visited Venice via cruise ship how many years ago (6-7?), Rick Steves’ guidebook had the best line – Try to get lost! … You can’t! Sure the sights are great, but being away from the tourists is also special!
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This stop is a great end to your European Tour. I loved the photos–they brought back some memories. I visited Venice when I was a kid–sophomore in college–and did not fully appreciate all it has to offer. I need to return as an adult! Thanks for the visit.
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Patti,
Rekindling a memory always makes me smile. Venice is such a unique place, and wandering aimlessly is a treat! … well, at least for me.
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Nice post. TY, Frank!
Okay, the upcoming concerts….. yay!
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I want to go to Venice and spend three days trying to get lost.
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Tim,
That is a wonderful goal!
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That’s a very special city. Unique in so many ways.
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George,
Special and unique are definitely two suitable adjectives for this marvelous city. Ever been there?
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We’ve been there twice, the last time 18 years ago. There’s really nothing like it.
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Good for you. Definitely no place like it!
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