The vast majority of cruise ships arriving in Venice are berthed at the Venice Cruise Terminal which is located near the causeway that links the historic city with the mainland. For most cruise passengers visiting Venice,  particularly those for whom it will be a first visit, the Piazza San Marco (St. Mark’s Square) will be a priority.

 

Reaching Piazza San Marco is achievable in a number of ways.  By far the speediest, as with most movement in and around Venice, is by water. To this end there is a Vaparetto Pier adjacent the Cruise Terminal…

…tickets for which can be purchased at the nearby booth…

For passengers that are both able to walk and who may wish to see a little of  ‘hidden’ Venice, there is a relatively easy and more than interesting walking route to St Mark’s Square. This route,  via the Rialto Bridge, in the very centre of the city,  is well signposted, relatively easy to cover and will offer a fascinating insight into a Venice that is hidden from the average cruise passenger.

Departing the port gates the initial objective is to reach Piazzale Roma- the bus station and principal arrival point in Venice. For those wishing to save this 15 minute walk there is a ‘people mover’ monorail train station immediately outside the port gates: the fare to Piazzale Roma is 1 Euro…

 

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Once at the Piazzale Roma it is necessary to make a first crossing of The Grand Canal.  There is a very modern bridge to do this…

 

Or why not follow Pete Pollard’s (find him on Facebook @ Cruise People Group) excellent Youtube video for the People Mover ride…

Once across continue with the Canal on your right hand side, past the Santa Lucia Railway Station and onto the Scalzi Bridge

 

to make your second crossing and from where the signs are picked up indicating ‘Rialto’…

 

A look to your right while crossing the Scalzi Bridge will reveal the route taken and the Santa Lucia Railway Station,  to the left of this photograph…

Once across the bridge the route is well signposted to the Rialto Bridge…

 

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The route winds through streets and alley ways, has many twists and turns,  and some interesting vistas break without warning…

 

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Prior to reaching the Rialto Bridge this route passes adjacent to the fresh food and fish markets: marvel at the colours and hustle and bustle on offer…

 

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…and offers further views across the Grand Canal to historical buildings such as the Giorgio Franchetti alla Ca’ d’oro.  One of the older palaces in the city, it is better known as Ca’ d’Oro (“golden house”) due to the gilt and polychrome external decorations which once adorned its walls…

 

 

Just  100 metres before reaching the Rialto Bridge a  small piazza is crossed which is the home to the oldest church in Venice, the San Giacomo di Rialto.  Supposedly consecrated in the year 421. Having  survived a fire in the early 16th century it is most notable for the large 15th century clock above the entrance, a useful item in the Venetian business district.

 

 

Rialto is truly the heart of the City of Venice and well worth branching down the odd side street to capture the reality of the city itself, eventually arriving at the Rialto Bridge.   The visitor will find the atmosphere on and around the Rialto Bridge truly  amazing with its plethora of cafes, restaurants and shops.

 

…that, though touristy, is as much part of Venice,s rich tapestry as is St. Mark’s Square. This will be  the final crossing of the Grand Canal before reaching St Mark’s Square which is but a short distance away. There still remains however  many charming alleyways and streets to explore with a variety of colourful shops, cafes and restaurants…

 

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…until eventually Piazza San Marco is reached and eyes can be cast at the Basilica San Marco…

 

 

 

The Campanile…

 

and  back at the Torre dell’ Orologio…

 

…and the Grand Canal waterfront with its Gondola stations…

 

 

Not to be missed is a coffee in one of the many Piazza San Marco cafes, the majority of which have musical accompaniment…

 

 

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There are  many  moans on various cruise sites regarding the cost of the coffee in Piazza San Marco. But hey, you are on holiday and paying a premium to sit there, savouring the atmosphere while indulging in a spot of ‘people watching’ is all part of Venice.

The return route is once again optional. The passenger can once again retrace the route  which is again well sign-posted, Piazza Roma…

 

…or take the optional vaparetto which leaves from the Piazza San Marco at very regular intervals.

 

That basically concludes this guide, the intention of which was to offer something a little different to visiting cruise passengers. A more in depth guide to the individual popular sights and places of interest in Venice will be published in the not too distant future.

Have a nice day in Venice.