Lost In Venice: A Dream Come True In The City Of Masks
Venice is not just a city, it’s an illusion, a labyrinth of canals and bridges where time folds in on itself. When my husband gifted me a weekend in La Serenissima for Christmas, I knew this wouldn’t just be a trip; it would be a journey into another world. And the timing? Perfection. We arrived at the height of Carnival, when Venice transforms into a living theatre, a spectacle of mystery and grandeur.
WAKING UP WITH VENICE
If you want Venice to yourself, you have to steal it before the world wakes up. Before dawn, we stepped outside into the quiet. Piazza San Marco was empty, the Basilica’s mosaics glowing softly in the dim morning light. The Bridge of Sighs stood motionless, as if it still carried the ghosts of whispered farewells. Then, just as the sky began to blush with the first light of day, Carnival’s magic unfolded. Costumed figures emerged along the pier, their silk gowns catching the morning mist, their ornate masks turning them into living works of art. As a photographer, this was the dream Venice, before the crowds, where every corner, every reflection in the canal, was a masterpiece waiting to be captured.
Venice is a city meant to be explored by instinct. No GPS, no maps, just a willingness to get lost. Wandering the narrow streets, we stumbled upon tiny footbridges arching over jade coloured waters and a gondolier polishing the lacquer of his boat. Every turn revealed a scene more cinematic than the last.
WHERE WE STAYED: A PERFECTLY LOCATED SANCTUARY
Nestled between quiet alleyways, Ninfea Luxury Suites became our haven. Unlike the old-world grandeur of Venice’s historic hotels, this was modern elegance intertwined with Venetian charm. The rooms were impressively spacious, a rare luxury in Venice, offering a tranquil escape after a day of exploring. Best of all, its location was unbeatable, every major landmark was within walking distance, with the furthest only a 15-minute stroll away.
Arriving at the hotel was an experience in itself. We skipped the crowded vaporetto and opted for a private water taxi for 60€, an unforgettable decision. As we sped through the Grand Canal, the city unfurled before us like an oil painting faded frescoes, balconies draped in ivy, gondoliers preparing for the day.
THE ART OF SLOW TRAVEL
Venice demands to be savored, and we did just that. Dinner at Taverna La Fenice was like stepping into another era, dim candlelight, soft strains of opera floating through the air, and plates of truffle ravioli that melted on the tongue. This was where Maria Callas once dined between performances, and it felt as if her presence still lingered in the walls.
Café Florian and the Accademia area are must visits, offering glimpses into Venice’s artistic and cultural heritage. However, to witness the Rialto Bridge in all its splendor, nothing beats a Spritz at the Venice Venice Hotel terrace. With no crowds and an uninterrupted view. The only challenge? Dodging the pigeons, who seemed to have claimed the terrace as their own, swooping down at any unattended snack.
Venice isn’t just a place, it’s a dream you walk through, a city that refuses to let you go. As we left, with cameras full and hearts fuller, I knew this wasn’t goodbye. It was a promise. Because once Venice claims you, it never really lets you leave.
