Venice, Veneto stopover worthwhile
Lots to see and do in city and nearby wine country
Q: We disembark from our spring cruise in Venice and have a week to enjoy the city before our return flight. Our plans are to combine a few days exploring the city and then escape the crowds and travel out to the quieter Veneto countryside. We are looking for suggestions on reasonably priced accommodation in both locations. Also transportation options? A: The most popular choice for visitors wanting to enjoy the best location in Venice for the most reasonable rates are the small family-run hotels close to San Marco Square. Two good choices are Hotel Riva and Angeli d’Oro where rates start at $150 Cdn per night.
Guests at either location can enjoy easy access to the vast network of bridges and pathways plus canal transportation. Both properties have classic Venetian atmosphere with antique furniture, tapestries, baroque mirrors and Murano glass chandeliers. The Hotel Riva is closed for renovations but is taking reservations for 2013.
Travelling outside the city to visit the Veneto countryside is a great choice. Many cruise passengers just pass through Venice between the airport and cruise port as they have visited Venice on previous visits. A quick check on the wine regions of Italy will show that the Veneto wine region is among Italy’s best and is highly regarded as a tourist destination by wine connoisseurs. It is also famed for its Palladian villas and frescoed churches.
With only a few days to explore the area, it is a good idea to choose one location for your accommodation and then make day trips from there.
Renting a car for a few days gives the most flexibility to your route, but most travellers agree that driving in Italy is not for the faint-hearted. This is especially important if you plan to do some wine tastings.
There is a good rail service from Venice to a number of smaller regional towns. Once you have decided on a location, you can check out the range of ticket options at the main Santa Lucia rail station.
Another transportation choice is using the regular bus service for short distances throughout the region. The rail or bus options can be combined with taxi rides for destinations not on the main routes. Check transportation options with your hosts when booking accommodation.
The renovated Venetian farmhouse of Col Delle Rane, 40 kilometres north of Venice, is the perfect location for a few days of relaxation and country living. The rooms provide all the modern amenities while maintaining the charm of the original buildings. Readers tell me that the exceptional breakfast selection provides a day’s worth of everything that is on the list of good-for-you foods.
The green, rolling hills and vineyards surrounding the farm provide the perfect setting for enjoying the pleasure of being out of the busy city. Rates are lower than in Venice and are available at www.coldellerane.it. A choice of daily activities at Col Delle Rane includes visits to wineries and local historical attractions, hiking and cycling on quiet roads and pathways, or just relaxing beside the swimming pool. All great options for enjoying a stay in the Italian countryside.