Venice

On Sept 18^th a group of us will be on our way to another fabulous adventure, Golfaround Italy.  Our first stop is Venice one of the more romantic, more beautiful and more surprising cities than you could ever imagine. I am sure that first cruise down the Grand Canal will be one of life’s unforgettable experiences.

Venice is a fascinating medieval city, a city unlike any other. With canals where streets should be, water shimmers everywhere. Few cities can claim such a priceless art and history heritage, the fabulous palaces and churches reflect centuries of history in what was a wealthy trading center between Europe and the Orient. This unique city with its magical, spectacular scenery is not just beautiful; it is a real miracle of creative genius: a city built on mud, sand and the slime of a difficult, inhospitable landscape. The views can change sometimes as the mist rolls in to shroud the magical city creating an eerie watery light. Buildings disappear into the clouds. Fog-horns blare from deep within the haze. Venice thrives on mystery and awe.

Never was a thoroughfare so fittingly named as the Grand Canal, reflecting the glories of Venetian architecture lining its banks. At the end of Venice’s signature waterway, Palazzo Ducale and Basilica di San Marco add double exclamation points. But wait until you see what’s hiding in narrow backstreets: neighbourhood churches lined with priceless marbles, beautiful local neighbourhood shops, bars and restuarants. Enjoy picturesque views of small canals and interesting bridges. You can hear birds sing in little out of the way compos and smell the laundry hanging out to dry.

 The Basillica of Santa Maria della Salute guards the entrance to the Grand Canal, this 17th-century domed church was commissioned by Venice’s plague survivors as thanks for salvation and next door you will find the Dogana di Mare, the ol maritime customs house. We will also have the opportunity to explore the labyrinth of narrow passageways, alleys and meandering canals punctuated by delicate bridges.  We will go to the island of Burano in the Venetian lagoon known as one of the most colourful places in the world. Visitors to Burano are intrigued by the colored houses that are reflected into the green waters of the canals, by the leaning bell tower and the tranquility and calmness. Lacemaking is the main craftship attraction but we will also see lume glass working, a technique born in the nearby island of Murano.

For the foodies in the group we cannot forget the food of Venice. Venice, like every region of Italy, is known for its traditional food specialties.  A visit to Venice offers an opportunity to discover fascinating gastronomic traditions.  Obviously due to Venice’s location on the sea, there is a large abundance of fish dishes, simply seasoned with olive oil, vinegar, garlic, parsley, and herbs.  Although the lagoon is famous for the quality and variety of its fish, the inland river waters’ fresh fish are also cherished in recipes.

Venice is  an open air museum which we will be able to explore by foot or we may choose to watch the city go by from the comforts of a boat an ideal vantage point to appreciate the beautiful scenery Venice has to offer.