ITALY - Venice

We did an overnight motor-sail from Croatia, getting us into Venice lagoon in the early morning. Ahead of time we had emailed a reservation at 1 of the marinas and were given the coordinates for a waiting area. Once there, we radioed the marina and an escort dinghy came out to guide us through more channels to where we tied up to the wharf of Venezia Certosa Marina at 08:30.

Skirting the city, this was a basic and quiet marina costing 50 Euros per night ($75 CAD). It had all that we needed with nearby showers and toilets. It also had a full facility boat service yard, a hotel, and restaurant. But importantly, it gave us quick access to town by the very close wharf where the ubiquitous ferry boats (that act like buses) and take you to any part of Venice town.

After a quick shower, we jumped on the #4.2 boat bus that took us to the far end of Venice where we had to do the official check in to the country. We wanted to take our dinghy and even explore some inner canals but were told it would be illegal if not impractical which we realized later was wise advice by watching the chaotic marine traffic churning up the waterways. There were boat buses, ferries, boat taxis, boat barges, classic gondolas, and speed boats coming and going in all directions and speeds.

Approaching Venice

Gorgeous classic taxis

The 1-stop check in was again done quickly by the Police, leaving us free to spend the rest of the day to take in the sights of historic grand Venice.

But first we had a quick picnic lunch with wine on a bench under a tree. Yikes, half a day gone already and we hadn't even started to sightsee yet!

We walked for miles taking in the sights like we were in an enthralling maze. The streets were lined with shops everywhere for tourists and locals. We crossed over so many little arched bridges where boats and gondolas for hire were transitting.

Judy crossing over

Our path took us along the Grand Canal and over that renowned arched bridge that is distinct to Venice. We also strolled past the famous St. Mark's square with its amazing buildings such as the basilica.

Grand Canal Rinalto Bridge

Almost too many details (basilica)

Very Venice

After awhile, to give our feet a break, we hired a beautiful old classic gondola for a fascinating lazy paddle through the network of back canals. Our gondolier told us it had belonged to his grandfather, then his father, and now he continues the family tradition and paddles it through the canals with tourists.

Gondola for hire!

Paddling away

Gondoliers in Grand Canal

He explained that the buildings, most built years and years ago on wood piles, are sinking ever so slowly into the soft sodden soil. To exacerbate this problem, the water levels are rising and on the extremely high tides, many main floors of the old buildings and even sidewalks are flooded over. The tide range there is 2 meters (6 feet) and as he paddled along the back waterways we could see how the thresholds of some doorways had been bricked up and other undefended doors showed the obvious effects of water deterioration.

A deteriorating door

As well as rotting doors, we also saw the sad effects of settlement in some of the leaning towers throughout Venice.

Toppling tower

This is a very exclusive city where the historic wealth endures in the elaborate architecture and where waterways are the roads and alleys that adds to its uniqueness.

This is a romantic city and we experienced it on a romantic day, our 14th anniversary, celebrated by dining on the Canal front as gondolas reflected the late afternoon sun's golden hue.

Venezia Certosa Marina:
N45°25.766' E012°22.648' Aug 21 (waiting area)
N45°26.202' E012°22.408' Aug 21 (Marina wharf)