Having visited London a few times, this recent trip gave us the chance for a brief but unforgettable detour—a two-night, one-day stay—in Venice, Italy.
We hopped on a really cheap, 2-hour flight from London Gatwick airport. The airport is about 1 hour away from the Golders Green area by train and about an hour and a half and 120 dollars by Uber.
Our outgoing flight was with Wizz air, and the return was with EasyJet. Total price was $95 per person!
When we arrived in Venice around 2 AM (after a one-hour delay), we walked about 15 minutes through the airport to the docks, expecting to find plenty of people and boats…
…but the docks were completely empty. There were only two workers who spoke limited English and simply pointed to a sign indicating the next taxi would arrive at 5 AM.
We were lucky to find an incredibly kind family—the only other people around—who had pre-booked a water taxi for $150 and graciously let us share the ride.
Gliding through Venice’s waterways, surrounded by softly lit streets, was pure magic and one of the most memorable parts of our trip.
We went straight to Hotel Ariel de Silva, passing by the nearby Chabad, through the Jewish ghetto, and finally checked in. (Our hotel was prepaid but there is a €6 per night hotel tax, which needs to be paid in cash at check in, we left $20 USD as collateral until we could get €12 the following day. So we recommend having some Euro on you.) Hotel options for our days were limited, and we wanted a two-bedroom setup. Overall, the hotel was clean and decent—definitely giving us that authentic Venice vibe.
We settled in and let our sleepy kids get some rest.
Pro tip: Venice may not be ‘ideal’ if traveling with toddlers or seniors. There is lots of walking and many steps.
The next morning started with a picturesque walk through Venice to Chabad for davening, followed by an amazing brunch of awesome Italian pizza with incredible dough from Gam Gam – enjoyed in the Chabad sukkah. We stocked up on snacks at Gam Gam (dairy) and set off to explore!
Note: We were told there may be 2 other Kosher stores, but Chabad does not eat there – one allegedly may not check lettuce …We were unable to verify – so we avoided those stores.
Exploring Murano and Burano
We purchased a 24-hour unlimited water taxi pass and set off for Murano, the renowned glassmaking island. We hopped on the 4.2 water taxi and enjoyed the scenic 20-minute ride to our destination.
A helpful local directed us to a fantastic glass-blowing demonstration, which cost €14 per adult. (All aged kids were free) Our son was even selected to participate in the demo!
The hosts were really friendly, offering us complimentary seltzer while awaiting the show to start.
The show lasted over 20 minutes and was absolutely amazing. They crafted three different items, each cooler than the next.
We then walked the streets perusing the stores and bought some glassware and cufflinks.
PRO TIP: There are no kosher stores in Murano and Burano, thankfully we had our snacks from Gam Gam which we bought in the morning. Best to come with some food – just in case!
Next, we took the water taxi to Burano, known for its intricate lace-making and amazing colorful homes. The ride was a little over 30 minutes, giving us some time to rest our feet. (The boat was full so we sat on the floor most of the way).
We went pretty quickly through the island, took photos of the stunning houses, and soaked in the stunning views before hopping back on the water taxi.
Pro tip: Water taxis can get crowded, so be prepared to stand. If you’re at the front of the line, try to grab one of the ten outdoor seats for a breathtaking view!
We then returned to Venice and went to Gam Gam for dinner. Reservations are recommended as it’s a popular spot. Prices were excellent (they keep it low so tourists order Kosher…) and the food was outstanding!
While waiting for our food, we picked up some heavenly challah rolls across the street at Gam Gam Dairy to have for breakfast on the plane the next day.
Afterward, we took a final stroll through the city, soaking in the atmosphere before wrapping up the long day.
The next morning, we headed to the water taxi stop for our airport transfer. The boat came and left, full with other people. People waiting with us said said that it was their third ‘missed’ boat! Eventually, we called a private water taxi for $150 (shared with another family), making it just in time for our flight.
Pro tip: Keep a private water taxi contact on hand in case the main ferry is full. The airport-bound water ferries have smaller capacities due to needing to clear lower bridges.
Hotels:
There are several recommended hotels, the top two we heard about are the Palazzo Ca’ Sagredo Carnival Palace.
The Chabad website is a great resource as well!
We just wrapped up an exciting trip to Venice and we’d love to hear your thoughts on our recap! Comment below! What city should we explore next? Whether it’s a favorite destination or a hidden gem, your suggestions are invaluable to us! Please comment below! To reach our travel team, click HERE
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