I’ve always dreamed of going to Italy, and I’m pretty sure it’s because of my obsession with Italian food. To this day, Italian cuisine remains my absolute favorite. My trip to Italy was actually booked on a whim—one of those spontaneous adventures. I saw an advertisement on a Tuesday, and by Friday, I was on my way to Italy! I booked my trip through PM 2AM Student Trips, a German bus company that offers travel packages for students and young travellers.
Since I didn’t plan ahead, I had no one to join me on this trip, so I went solo. I boarded the bus in Cologne, which was close to Essen, where I lived at the time. But while waiting for the bus, I met two girls who turned out to be South African, just like me. They were both from Johannesburg, and we hit it off instantly. We ended up spending the entire trip together, visiting Venice, Pisa, Florence, and Milan in just three days. I’ll share more about those cities later, but first things first—our first stop in Italy was Venice!
We arrived in Venice on Saturday, 14 May 2016, and as we got close to the city, our bus tour guides informed us that we needed to purchase a ticket to enter Venice. Luckily, buying a ticket was straightforward. Once we arrived in Venice, we picked up a public transport ticket that allowed us to travel around the city for the entire day. My travel companions wanted to buy a tour boat ticket, but they accidentally bought the wrong one. Personally, I was relieved because I had no interest in a tour boat. I had my heart set on visiting Burano Island, and I had learned that the tour boats didn’t sail there. It was a happy accident!
When we finally arrived at St. Mark’s Square, we joined the sea of tourists and pigeons, taking some photos. However, we decided to skip the church due to the long lines and instead took some pictures at the Bridge of Sighs. Afterward, we treated ourselves to the best gelato I’ve ever had! The weather was perfect, and we wandered through the streets admiring the intricate Venetian masks sold at various stalls.
It was surreal to be in Venice, and I was over the moon, finally living out my dream. But, as I soaked in the beauty of the city, I noticed some pollution and saw tourists throwing trash into the canals. I even spotted a local man picking up litter and throwing it into an overflowing bin. It was disheartening to see that not everyone respected the city as much as they should.
Thankfully, our spirits were lifted when we stumbled upon a gelato shop. I indulged in two scoops of the best gelato I’ve ever tasted. After devouring our sweet treats, we began discussing our next steps. We were ready for more adventure in this magical city!
Exploring San Giorgio Maggiore and Burano Island in Venice
Since my travel companions didn’t have any specific places they wanted to visit in Venice, I suggested we head to San Giorgio Maggiore and Burano Island. San Giorgio Maggiore is home to a stunning church and offers a much more peaceful atmosphere compared to the bustling crowds of Venice Central. It’s also the perfect spot for capturing breathtaking photos of the Bell Tower and the stunning turquoise waters surrounding the island.
My friend Brenda, with her incredible patience, took some beautiful photos of me (if I do say so myself!). She captured the essence of the island perfectly, and I’m so grateful for all the great shots she took. After exploring San Giorgio Maggiore and taking plenty of photos, we headed off to our next destination—Burano Island, one of the most colorful and picturesque spots in Venice.
Whilst on the boat to Burano I noticed how smartly Italian people dress. I got to sit at the window seat as Brenda and Tammy didn’t want to see the water below whilst on the boat. I adore boat trips and the many boat trips added to my joy. If you ever go to Burano try to sit at a window seat. If the weather is sunny then open the window hold on tight to your phone or camera and take photos. Try to get a shot of Burano Island as you are approaching it. Don’t forget to take a photo close up just before you have to get off the boat. Most people only take photos once they are on the island itself but, I don’t mind sharing my photo tips. Taking photos from a different angle will make your photo stand out. Once at Burano we all took many photos. I bought a pretty ring which was sadly broken in South Africa. I’m going to have to go back one day to replace it. I bought a magnet for my mom. And we had fish and chips in a plate made out of bread. I didn’t really like the bread but, ate almost all of it. As our time was limited and my big lunch would have to cover my supper meal. After spending quite a bit of time in Burano we travelled back to Venice Central.
Negotiating a Gondola Ride in Venice: Travel Tips for Couples and Groups
While in Venice, we decided to take a gondola tour. Each of us paid €11, which was much cheaper than the usual rates. We were able to negotiate the price, especially since it was later in the day when demand was lower. Though still a bit pricey, the gondola ride was totally worth it for the unforgettable experience.
During our ride, we witnessed an interesting moment when a man tried to share a gondola with us. His wife, however, was upset about the price and refused to go, leading to a public argument. It was a bit awkward, but it made me realize an important travel lesson: if you’re traveling as a couple or with friends, it’s crucial to discuss your budget and set expectations ahead of time. Make sure to plan for special experiences like a gondola ride so you can enjoy the moment without any tension.
In this case, the woman’s frustration over a few Euros caused an embarrassing scene, highlighting how important it is to be on the same page when traveling with others. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with a group, having a clear budget and communicating your plans can help avoid unnecessary stress and disagreements.
After negotiating a great price for our gondola ride, we set off through the back canals of Venice. It was the perfect way to see the city from a different perspective. I captured a video and took plenty of photos, but I also made sure to take a moment to just sit back and soak in the experience without worrying about documenting everything. The ride allowed me to fully appreciate the beauty of Venice’s canals and the luxury hotels lining the water, which I’ve now added to my bucket list for when I eventually strike it rich!
Although a gondola ride is often considered a tourist trap, it was one of those unforgettable moments of travel that I’ll always cherish. Sometimes, it’s worth falling into the “tourist trap” to experience something truly iconic, and I don’t regret it for a second.
After our scenic ride, we headed back to our bus and made our way to our hotel in Bologna. I shared a room with Brenda and Tammy, arriving at around 11 pm. Although I would have loved to explore Bologna, I was exhausted from all the walking around in Venice, long bus rides, and general travel fatigue. So, we decided to skip the nighttime exploration.
The hotel wasn’t fancy, but it was clean, warm, and comfortable—just what we needed for a restful night. After a good night’s sleep, we were ready to set off for Pisa and Florence the next day, but more on that in another post!
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Wishing you happy travels!
Nikkidiscovers 