I flew from London Gatwick to Venice Marco Polo Airport, where my Citalia water transfer was awaiting on arrival, which took me to the glorious five-star
Hotel Londra Palace, which has the most breathtaking views of the Venetian Lagoon.
As I entered Hotel Londra Palace, I knew I was in for a special stay as I walked under the sparkle of glamorous chandeliers. The hotel exudes vintage Venetian flair, preserving traditional elements, such as physical room keys, which made my stay feel truly regal. My hotel concierge Luca reserved a table for us at a nearby trattoria, the authentic Ristorante Al Giardinetto da Severino. The food was delicious, enjoyed in a mythical vine-covered courtyard.
My first day in Venice was all about exploring! I made sure to tick off the iconic landmarks, such as Rialto Bridge and St Mark’s Square, but Venice has so many hidden gems that beg to be discovered. One of my favourites is Libreria Acqua Alta, a unique bookshop with repurposed gondolas and resident cats that wait for affection.
I would also highly recommend seeing the 360° views of Venice from the spiral scala (ladder) staircase of Palazzo Contarini Del Bovolo, which most people don’t even know is there!