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The Dream Trip - Part 2 - VENICE

Aug 01, 2025

Next on the list, we have... drum roll please………… VENICE!

A state-of-mind architectural dream — the floating city built on bridges, canals, and centuries of history. Famous for its romantic ambience, gondolas, and timeless charm, Venice is also home to luxury shopping, world-class museums, and unforgettable sunsets.

I had the pleasure of spending 24 hours in Venice, and here’s how I made the most of it:

Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale)

Doge’s Palace is one of the most iconic buildings in Venice —  an extraordinary example of Venetian Gothic architecture. Once the residence of the Doge (the ruler of Venice), this palace now holds:

  • Historic paintings and frescoes by artists like Titian and Tintoretto
  • Grand halls filled with art and political history
  • A museum that showcases Venice's power and influence
  • Prison cells, including the famous Bridge of Sighs
  • Armories with centuries-old weapons and armor

After walking through so much history, we took a break at Ducale Caffè, located within the palace premises — and according to my mom, it served one of the best hot chocolates ever!

Location: Piazza San Marco, 1, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy
Official Doge’s Palace Website
Book Tickets Here






Gondola Rides

Ah yes, a beautiful ride on the waters of Venice, going under the bridges all around, but it covers much more than that. Not only did we get a tour of the city, but we also got a tour guide.

We had pre-booked our tickets, but even if you don’t, you’ll find gondoliers all over the city offering competitive deals. Some even serenade you as you ride!

Before we got on the boat and began our life as sailors, the tour guide gave us knowledge about some of the history and landmarks of Venice we passed, like:

  • The Rialto Bridge
  • Various palazzi (noble homes)
  • Lesser-known canals that tourists often miss

The ride itself was very otherworldly — it was eye-opening to see Venice under the night sky, with the lights surrounding every building replacing the light of the stars. Some boats passing by even had people performing on the spot, making it seem like a scene out of a movie — each frame filled with joy, history, people, water, and a completely magical aura.

For pre-booked rides:
Book Gondola Rides via GetYourGuide
Venice Tourism – Gondola Info





Honourable Visits – Venice

The Shops

The shops in Venice are honestly a whole vibe. Whether you’re wandering through tiny alleyways or along the Grand Canal, you’ll come across some truly unique boutiques and artisan stores selling:

  • Murano glass – Hand-blown and colorful, these make for elegant souvenirs or gifts
  • Handmade masks – Straight out of a Venetian masquerade ball
  • Luxury brands – Think Prada, Gucci, and Bvlgari, especially around Mercerie Street and T Fondaco dei Tedeschi (a luxury department store with a rooftop terrace!)

Explore more shopping tips here:
Where to Shop in Venice – The Culture Trip
T Fondaco dei Tedeschi

Next stop… A city that feels like a walking museum!

The next place I visited is a place that is very historically renowned (this is where you pull out what you learned in the history class you probably fell asleep in).Okay, time for a quiz moment (yes, even on vacation):
Can you guess the next place I visited based on these 3 clues?

  1. It’s known as the birthplace of the Renaissance
  2. The piano was invented here
  3. The city has an extremely rich artistic heritage

If you guessed Florence — you get a gold star.
If not... honestly, your nap in history class was probably worth it.

The  Trip continues.... 



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