Venice Day 1

12th Dec 2009

Finally, the time has come for us to head to Europe...our maiden voyage. Much time and energy has been poured in to plan for this trip and let us not forget the financial resources too. We have planned for this trip 2 years back and am glad that it could be realised. Praise God for His blessings that enable us to be able to do this.

View before crossing the bridge to Santa Lucia, Venice islands

We booked a flight with Singapore Airlines that departed from Singapore on 2355hr on the 11th Dec and reached Malpensa Airport, Milan at about 0600hr 12th Dec. Guess what? We are on the same plane as Adrian Pang (Mediacorp Artiste) and he's a gentlemen both on screen and in person (Not to mention that he looked better off screen too). Its the first time ever I've requested to take a photo from a Singapore artiste. I saw Fiona Xie before and it didn't crossed my mind to take a photograph with her...hmmmm.

Adrian Pang - Mediacorp Artiste

From Malpensa, we are to head to Venice right away but we have to take a train to Milan Central station first. The train costs us €11 per person from Malpensa Airport to Milano Cadorna station whereby you will need to take the Metro or Metroplitana (as the locals called it) to Stazione Centrale or Central station. The Metro costs a flat €1 per person. We then transfer to the Eurostar at Centrale and off we go to Venezia Santa Lucia, Venice!!! Take note that the train would stop at Venezia Mestre but that is the mainland Venice. You have been reminded.

Boarding the Malpensa Express from Malpensa Airport, Milan

Seats in the Malpensa Express

We booked a room in Ca del Nobile which is situated in San Marco, one of the islands on Venice and it is very near to the famed San Marco Square. It cost us €100 per night and breakfast is included. The furnishing is good enough and I wouldn't complain much. It also comes with free wi-fi so that's a bonus! You can check the hotel rates at their website by click here. You may contact Nicola, the sales director or you may contact Anna, the friendly and helpful reception lady. Two thumbs up!

Ca' del Nobile

After checking in, its time to check out the place! We headed straight towards Piazza San Marco as I have booked a museum pass that allowed me to visit a few museums at one go. There are plenty of online agents offering the museum pass but I find it cheapest from here. The website provides you all the info about the pass that you will be needing. One other website that I found particularly useful is WhyGoItaly. We spent the first day at the Museo NAzionale and the Doge's palace. It is truly a beautiful place!

San Marco Campanile

San Marco Campanile from the Grand Canal

San Marco

Frescoes at the entrance to the Museo Nazionale

My lovely wife

Basilica Cattedrale Patriachale di San Marco
or Patriarchal Cathedral Basilica of Saint Mark

Nights shot of the Patriarchal Cathedral Basilica of Saint Mark

Nights shot of Piazza San Marco

Hope you enjoyed the write up and the photos!

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