Floating Self-Catering in Venice

If you have not been to Venice, then you really should.  If you like the idea, but are put off by the expense, then how about seeing Venice by hiring your very own floating self-catering appartment?

Although a floating self-catering appartment might sound an expensive way to see this magical Italian city, it’s not as expensive as you might think, especially if you travel as a group.  Plus you get to see Venice from the best place imaginable – the water.

In case you have not guessed, a floating self-catering appartment is a boat.  Those nice people from FiveTravel who put together the Amalfi coastline by Alfa Romeo video have created another little film. This time, thoough, the video is not about a car, but about how a boat can double as a self-catering appartment for those wanting to see Venice.

There is also a little bonus mentioned by presenter Julia Bradbury which might interest cash strapped backpackers.  Indeed, the budget conscious may well find Ms Bradbury’s novel way of making a little money in Venice of interest.  All you have to do is stay still for a few hours.  Fidgety types need not apply!  Those who are not bashful, on the other hand, might be able to make a little extra!

For those who fancy the idea of seeing Venice by Gondola, but are put off by the price, Julia has another neat little tip: Gondola lessons.

On to the video.

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Hostelbookers Sparkling Summer Sale

Italy’s very own summer sales are great.  You can pick up all sorts of things at knock-down prices.  Hostelbookers, the website which specialises in budget accommodation is also holding a summer sale which includes a wide selection of interesting places to stay around Italy.  I know, they wrote to tell me about it.

Now, I’m spreading the word.  If you are thinking about a last minute break, or considering coming to Italy for a longer stay, you’ll find discounts of up to 50% in around 90 hostels and low cost hotels located all over Italy, from Arezzo to Assisi, Taormina to Trieste, Venice to Verona, and, of course, that eternal city, Rome.

Read on for details of interesting links where you will be able to learn more about summer savings.

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Glorious Venetian Gondolas

Venice.  One of the most remarkable cities in Italy, if not the world.

It’s a shame the poor city seems to be sinking into the mud of the lagoon in which it is to be found.  Luckily, the MOSE project seems, finally, to be making headway.  It was 37% completed more than a year ago, and should be ready by 2012.

Ideas for saving this jewel in the crown of Italy have been legion, but many have not got off the ground as a result of lack of practicability, funding, or the dilly dallying of Italian bureaucracy.  Even the MOSE project has caused widespread environmental concerns, and may prove to be ineffective, especially if the rises in sea level predicted to be caused by global warming actually come about.

Still, let’s hope that this fabulous city is saved.  Venice must be one of the greatest tourist income generators Italy has, if it is not the greatest single Italian tourism asset.

The income which Italy would lose as a result of Venice disappearing is unimaginable.  And the stunning images of Venice, like the one captured in this week’s Images of Italy feature,  would become but memories.  Such a pity. Read more

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