Bauer Palladio Hotel & Spa

take the no. 1 vaporetto for a cruise up, down, and around the Canal Grande. If you happen to be in Venice on a fine and sunny day, try to get a seat in front or at the far back of a vaporetto (uncovered), where you will get a clear and unobstructed view of the islands made of buildings. Although deteriorating, the buildings are spectacular in their own right. The bright colours, the flowers in the windows, the palatial-like windows, and doors than open right onto the water ... amazing. You won't believe that this city is built on water, until you see it for yourself.My two Canadienne friends and I had taken the overnight train from Vienna to Venice on 4 September 2001. At 08:00hrs, I looked out the window from my couchette and saw Venice in the distance. It seemed that the train was traveling on water toward a magical city. We were surrounded by water, which was both terrifying and enchanting. I had never felt that way before, and I doubt that any other city would evoke that same feelings in me again.