Imagine waking up to a stunning view of the ocean, with Venice nestled in the background—truly, dreams can become reality. When we arrived at the campsite in the evening, we only caught a glimpse of Venice in the dark, its atmospheric lights twinkling in the distance.

Our campsite was conveniently located next to the cruise ship harbor, but it wasn’t the ideal spot for those seeking tranquility at night. With partygoers celebrating until 2 a.m., the peace was definitely disrupted. Still, I chose not to let it stress me out; sometimes, a short night is just part of the adventure. The days leading up to today were fantastic, filled with beautiful weather. I anticipated that this day—our venture into Venice—would be just as spectacular.

An early morning awaited us, promising golden sunlight illuminating the city’s beauty, which I was eager to capture with my trusty old Hasselblad 503CXi.

As the sun rose and bathed Venice in a golden morning glow, it was an experience that transcended words. I felt incredibly fortunate to witness the daily miracles that Mother Nature graciously provides. This golden morning signified the start of a spectacular day, and I eagerly embarked on a boat ride to the enchanting city of Venice. After more than 25 years, I was returning to this breathtaking destination, which many consider the most beautiful place in the world.

We couldn’t have asked for better transportation, as the boat to Venice stopped right at our campsite. Located at Camping Fusina, designed by the esteemed Venetian architect Carlo Scarpa, this destination offers the perfect blend of culture, nature, and relaxation. Its seamless connection to the historic center of Venice via a regular ferry service makes getting to the city’s treasures effortless. After savoring a delicious coffee at the campsite, we eagerly boarded the boat with our camera gear. There’s nothing quite like Italian coffee; however, I have to be careful not to indulge too much, or I might feel like I’m swimming to Venice with all that caffeine. For me, it truly is the only coffee that hits the mark.

As the sun warmed our faces, we were reminded of our journey getting closer to Venice. Arriving at the Grand Canal evoked memories from 25 years ago… It’s astonishing how quickly time flies!

 

Here we are, back on the mainland. It’s been 25 years since I last experienced the magic of Venice, and for my wife, it has been a cherished memory from her school days. I’ll refrain from sharing our ages because I want to keep our marriage thriving!

Venice was beautifully serene upon our arrival. We could sense the city awakening in the morning light, with hardly any tourists around the corner yet. This tranquility made it the perfect opportunity to explore, allowing us to fully appreciate and capture the stunning surroundings. In this case, a photograph truly conveys what words cannot.

As soon as we stepped onto land, my wife was eager to experience a gondola ride through the enchanting city canals. This truly is one of the best ways to have a personal guide while exploring Venice, making it an unforgettable experience. While gondola rides aren’t the cheapest option—costing around 200 euros for a one-hour tour—it’s worth every penny. With some effective negotiation skills and a bit of charm, we managed to secure a nice discount and decided to seize the opportunity. The ride turned out to be incredible, offering us stunning photographs from unique angles that we wouldn’t have captured otherwise. It was simply spectacular!

Our tour allowed us to explore not only the iconic house of Mozart but also a multitude of famous locations, including those featured in films like James Bond. Experiencing the enchanting canals of Venice was truly unforgettable. After an exhilarating day of discovering Venice both by boat and on foot, we concluded our adventure and made our way back to our cherished campsite. Our boat was ready, and as we set off, we carried the magic of Venice in our hearts and the city’s splendor behind us.

What an incredible day we’ve had! We witnessed a breathtaking sunset while exploring ancient buildings steeped in rich history.

Tomorrow, we embark on a journey to another part of Italy that I adore even more. But before we go, let’s savor a delightful pizza paired with refreshing limoncello to perfectly wrap up this amazing day!

Thank you