American World Traveler Fall 2016 Issue

60
Ultimate Venice
WT library image
Article & Photography by Ilona Kauremszky
Today as yesterday, Venice’s fortunes
float on the unending tide of
tourists who flood the world’s
most famous floating city. These travelers,
many from the imposing cruise ships, snap
countless photos of the unwavering Grand
Canal as it slinks like a lazy serpent with its
meandering S-shape oblivious to the waves
of 21st century sensibilities.
No cars, few elevators, and the endless
queues by the finest landmarks of La
Serenissima can be daunting. Mention
earlier Venetian residents to a fellow visitor
either fictional or real from villains to dukes
like Shylock from The Merchant of Venice
or the reclusive Doge of Venice, Leonardo
Donato, or the world’s greatest lover
Casanova, and you’re most likely to receive
a blank stare.
But murmur about millionaire marriages,
movie stars and worldwide festivals then
chances are good many will wax poetic on
the George and Amal Clooney nuptials, or
starlet Angelina Jolie’s action-thriller The
Tourist; or the arts festival darling, the
Venice Biennale.
On a trip to Venice this past spring, while a
flotilla of ships from the luxurious Uniworld
to the heavenly Crystal Cruises moored at
the smaller San Basilio pier and the
Marittima Cruise Basin I managed to spend
a couple of days touring the beloved landmarks
and legendary neighbourhoods in a
luxury escorted land tour that included a
personal traveling concierge, signature
accommodations in the city centre, local
epicurean delights, and authentic experiences
to see the real Italy.
Thankfully I managed to dodge the lineups,
used motoscafi (water taxis) and not
the proverbial vaporettos that are public
boats, and stayed at a luxury hotel with an
elevator while skirting the celebrity sightings.
Although I admit there were times
when I couldn’t believe I was standing or
touring areas frequented by former greats.
That is what is so breathtaking about
Venice. The magical allure of this archipelago
of islets that cups the Adriatic Sea captures
the imagination. It’s a city built for
endless walking so navigating through this
maze of narrow streets with its bevy of
bridges crossing the legendary canals often
times can turn into an unsolvable puzzle
that is so strangely satisfying. You amble
past bridges spanning over islands and
more islands until you are completely and
delightfully lost.
American World Traveler / Fall 2016