Melissas Italy Trip

This trattoria is located on the bridge which leads into Campo San Polo. Its name comes from the old tradition of serving chips on cocktail sticks accompanied by a glass of wine. Now Alla Patatina is a pretty trattoria. It is small and welcoming. It is worth a visit because of the quality of its food. It serves typical Venetian dishes such as meatballs, fried vegetables in breadcrumbs, and also pasta dishes. This can all be washed down with a glass of local red or white wine.

quiet that reigns around the Villa will transport our guests in far times where the modern frenzy will be only a memory. Hotel Villa Orio il just in front one of the best golf courses in Venice. Before rushing to the center of Venice you may enjoy a golf game. Special entrance fees for our gests.

Venice, Italy (Venezia in Italian) is one of the most interesting and lovely places in the world. This sanctuary on a lagoon is virtually the same as it was 500 years ago, though it has certainly begun to decay since its heyday. Tourists slightly outnumber residents, but the city’s romantic charm remains.

Venice is made up of different parts. The most famous is the area comprising the 118 islands in the main districts of Cannaregio, Castello, Dorsoduro, Isola Della Giudecca, San Polo, San Croce, San Marco and Lido di Venezia where the main monuments and sights are located.

The Most Serene Republic of Venice dates back to 827, when a Byzantine dukedom moved its seat to what is now known as the Rialto, and for the following 970 years prospered on trade and under the rule of a Roman-style Senate headed by the Doge. In 1797 the city was conquered by Napoleon, a blow from which the city never recovered.

The summer may be the worst time to visit: It’s sometimes very hot, the canals sometimes stink (in the most literal sense), there are occasional infestations of flies and there are more tourists than usual. Spring and fall are probably best. Ride a Vaporetto (water bus) down the Grand Canal right before sunset. The Vaporettos are inexpensive, but the sites are priceless: amazing architecture, soft seaside sunlight, and a fascinating parade of Venetian watercraft. Or shop. Venice is packed full of little stores in every corner and crevice. The most common local specialties are Carnival masks, glass and marbled paper.

This regatta, which takes place on the first Sunday in September each year, dates back to the 13th century. The race features fast boats with two oars (gondolini), and a procession of historical boats containing people in costume also passes through the city. If you want a good view you should get there at dawn, because the fans of this race get there early and are passionate enough about the festivities to provide an additional attraction to tourists.

This osteria is usually full of Venetians and a few of the more intrepid tourists who have escaped from the more normal tourist areas.

In the middle of the piazza, beneath the Procuratie Vecchie, stands a shop whose name is synonymous in Venice with jewelry. Amongst the labels represented are Bvlgari, Corum, Jaeger le Coultre, and Patek Philippe. The customer service is excellent.

Located in the Procuratie Nuove, two minutes from Biblioteca Marciana Marciana, this is one of the oldest museums the city has to offer. Built at the bequest of Domenico Grimani in 1523. Museo Archeologico houses findings of Egyptian, Assyrian-Babylonian, Greek and Roman origin. This includes coin collections, Grimani statues dating from the 4th and 5th Centuries BCE, as well as pieces from the classic and Hellenistic periods, Latin epigraphs, vases and male busts from the imperial era. The museum is slightly off the tourist trail, which makes it all the more interesting.

The world-renowned Bottega Veneta has its headquarters in Vincenza. There are lots of gorgeous leather goods: take your pick from wallets, bags, suitcases and belts. The prices here are also more reasonable than in other parts of Italy.

This is one of Venice's best restaurants and for good reasons. Saying that the service is excellent is an understatement and the menu features only the freshest and best quality ingredients. The Risotto and the Cod are popular menu selections. The Harry's Bar maintains the same high calibre, and has excellent Martini. The space is somewhat small and cosy, so it is recommended that reservations are made in advance.

Located in the Procuratie Nuove, two minutes from Biblioteca Marciana Marciana, this is one of the oldest museums the city has to offer. Built at the bequest of Domenico Grimani in 1523. Museo Archeologico houses findings of Egyptian, Assyrian-Babylonian, Greek and Roman origin. This includes coin collections, Grimani statues dating from the 4th and 5th Centuries BCE, as well as pieces from the classic and Hellenistic periods, Latin epigraphs, vases and male busts from the imperial era. The museum is slightly off the tourist trail, which makes it all the more interesting.

On the Piazza San Marco stands a jewelry shop that sells the best possible timing equipment for the benefit of professionals. It's for people, who demand absolute precision. It no surprise to find Tag Heuer time pieces here amongst various other designer watches. Classic jewelry also available.

Sottomarina, a few minutes outside Venice by car, on the port of Chioggia, is a peaceful place renowned for its fresh fish. Famous for its open-plan kitchen, Garibaldi da Elda is frequented mainly by locals and some tourists during the summer. The food is typically Venetian; they don't serve any international dishes. The specialties are local. Try the 'risotto di go' (risotto made with a very bony fish) or the tagliatelle with pumpkin, prawns and leeks. The wine list is limited but very good.

First opened in the middle of the 13th century, this museum's collection was expanded up until the 16th Century. It houses the Assunta and the Madonna di Cà Pesaro, both by Titian, as well as the Madonna by Giovanni Bellini, which is found in the chapel. The funeral monument to Titian, Canova and Francesco Foscari, is also here, as is the tomb of Monteverdi. The exhibition space is quite large. Call for admission details.

This trattoria is located on the bridge which leads into Campo San Polo. Its name comes from the old tradition of serving chips on cocktail sticks accompanied by a glass of wine. Now Alla Patatina is a pretty trattoria. It is small and welcoming. It is worth a visit because of the quality of its food. It serves typical Venetian dishes such as meatballs, fried vegetables in breadcrumbs, and also pasta dishes. This can all be washed down with a glass of local red or white wine.

Almost nothing remains of the original 15th-century construction of the Chiesa di San Rocco, which was sanctioned by the Francescani dei Frari. Giovanni Scalfarotto rebuilt it in the middle of the 18th Century. The church houses art work by the likes of Pordenone, Ricci and Tintoretto. The chucrch mainly aims to help the destitute and guard the art pieces it houses. CHeck website for more details.

This boutique takes its name from the nearby theatre. Among the famous brands stocked are Thierry Mugler, Rena Lange, Cesare Paciotti, and Blumarine. It has an excellent reputation for quality in the city.

Walking under the Rialtos arcades you can reach this small typical Venetian osteria hidden in a side street of this busy area. A former member of a local rock band has recently opened it, as you can see from the musical instruments decorating the interior. You can drop there just for an aperitif with a great choice of bruschette, small cheese rissoles, meatballs and really good wines or stay for dinner. The menu changes with the seasons according to availability of fresh, flavorful ingredients of the nearby Rialto Food Market. In the good season is a real pleasure sitting at the few tables on the corner outside the restaurant. - Maria Frullini