Yes, we took a trip to Venice last year around the same time of year and we decided to attend the same event this year, which meant another Thanksgiving in Venice! This time, however, we didn’t stay quite so close to Venice which had its pluses and minuses. Last year, we stayed in Mestre, which is just across the lagoon from Venice, and an easy tram ride from our flat to Venice. Mestre still has the tourist taxes that you pay in cash when you check in to any establishment, whether it’s a hotel or an Airbnb.
We stayed in Marcon this time at a lovely farmhouse situated just outside the business part of the city. We were close to a Carrefour for groceries. Since we were further out from Venice, we didn’t have the tourist tax that is paid within the city, but we didn’t have the tram. Not that getting into Venice was difficult. Instead, we drove to the local train station, which had free and easy parking, purchased a ticket on the platform (5 of us cost about 20 euro round trip), and the ride was about 20 minutes into Venice. The station is also a little further into Venice than when you take the tram to the station. The train did cost a little more than the tram, but (and this is a big but), tourist tax is 3 euros per person, per night. For five people and five nights, we would’ve spent 75 euros and then had to pay for the tram. We spent three days in Venice, which was 60 euros, so we still ended up paying less.
Doge’s Castle on the Piazetta
Our first day, we wanted to cover what we missed during the previous year’s trip. We toured the Palazzo Ducale (Doge’s Palace). Built in the 14th and 15th century, it’s a huge Gothic building and boasts everything from amazing rooms with phenomenal artwork and sculpture, including Tintoretto, to the prison cells and the interior of the Bridge of Sighs. It’s definitely not to be missed!
Included in the ticket for Doge’s Palace were several other nearby museums (Museo Correr, Museo Archeologico Nazionale and Monumental Rooms of the Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana.) We tried out Museo Correr, which was amazing if only our feet weren’t protesting from the walking. We did cut that one a little short and started to walk back in the direction of the train station until we found a place to sit and eat. The view from the Rialto at night was lovely, though I wish my picture was better!
Next up!! Murano and Burano!
Sources:
http://palazzoducale.visitmuve.it/en/the-museum/doges-palace/the-palace/
L.L. Diamond 
Wasn’t aware of the tourist tax but probably a good idea for maintenance…at least I hope that is what they use the money for! Great pictures! By the way, just finished Rain and Retribution and really enjoyed it. Have you ever considered doing a sequel for it? There is so much I wanted to know more of especially if Jane ever comes round and she and Elizabeth reconcile in some way. Then what happens with the rest of the Bennet sisters…though we do have an idea regarding Lydia. Also there is Richard and Miss Grey!
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I honestly don’t know what the tourist tax is for, but I do know that it’s high! I’m so glad you enjoyed Rain and Retribution. I’ve never considered writing a sequel, though I did write a short where Jane and E cross paths called The Bitter Pill, which is at AHA. I think I put a little epilogue of sorts in the comments there too because everyone wanted to know what happened. 🙂 It was so long already, I was afraid of making it the Never-ending story 😉 I get some weird ideas into my head sometimes. Thanks, Carole!
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