Venice in March
 

We--an older couple--are spending a week in Venice in mid-March. We're taking the train from Milan to Venice and staying in an apartment.

What I want are your absolute FAVORITE things! The BEST restaurant, the most marvelous shop, the coolest excursion, whatever.

We were in Venice for a few days five years ago so we are at least familiar with the lay of the land. This visit is my husband's 75th birthday present. He wants to eat spaghetti alle sepia. We've scheduled a day in Padua and a visit to the Scrovegni chapel.

All else is wide open!

Thanks!

Ellen

Read the last chapter of "The Vinegar of Spilamberto" by Doris Muscatine (2005) -- an exciting portrayal of what Venice offers.

Other books that would make your trip fantastic:

No Vulgar Hotel by Judith Martin (2007)

City of Fallen Angels by John Berendt (2005)

Harry's Bar, The Life and Times of the Legendary Venice Landmark by Arrigo Cipriani (1996)

A Thousand Days in Venice, an Unexpected Romance by Marlena De Blasi (2002)

Padua--nice choice. Squeeze in Verona too

Buon viaggio and tanti augri to your husband.

My other two important stops for a daytrip to Padua: the Basilica of St Anthony and the Baptistery at the Duomo.

Where is your apartment located in Venice?

With all that time, I'd definitely take a day to visit Burano and Torcello--you could visit Murano along the way if you like.

Taking the #1 vaporetto on the Grand Canal

... and my favourite book to date is Jan Morris' "The World of Venice". Evocative. I pick it up every month or so to reread a chapter.

Thanks one and all for the great reading suggestions.

Ellenem, I am hoping (fingers crossed)that we have reserved an apartment in Santa Croce, near the Grand Canal. We were initially looking in the Dorsodouro, but our favorites were not available and this one was most appealing to my husband.

Ellen