ITALY - Europe by Eurail 2015: Touring Europe by Train - page 356

to the right terminate at Station 1, Piazzale Roma, where you're required to disem-
bark and purchase another ticket to get back on course!
Line 1 moves along the Grand Canal until emerging into open water from the
canal at Piazza San Marco (St. Mark's), the center and most frequented part
of Venice. The Grand Canal is Venice's principal traffic artery. It is lined with
churches, museums, palaces—even a fish market—so keep your guidebook open
so you can recognize these landmarks as you glide by.
Go ashore at St. Mark's and revel in the staggering sights before you. St. Mark's
Bell Tower dominates the scene, but it won't be long before you'll find yourself
standing in front of the cathedral. If time permits, take the elevator to the top of the
bell tower for a spectacular view of vibrant Venice.
With so much to see, be mindful of the time or you will miss the train back to Mil-
an. You can't hail a taxi at the last minute, since there are none, so allow at least 45
minutes for the return trip from St. Mark's to Santa Lucia Station by water bus. Or
start ambling through Venice by following the signs, ALLA FERROVIA (to the rail sta-
tion). They are posted everywhere and easy to follow. Allow two hours to reach the
station on foot, although a reasonable pace should get you there about 30 minutes
sooner.
En route, you will cross the Rialto Bridge —the best place to view the Grand
Canal and a good place to shop, too. There are 24 shops right on the bridge and
a variety of vendors selling their wares along both sides of the canal. Farther on,
you will cross the Ponte Degli Scalzi (Station Bridge) and arrive at the rail station
where you started.
We're sure you will return to Venice, but heed the plight of tourists burdened with
too many bags on the water buses—come back with a minimum amount of lug-
gage or stow it in the lockers at the Santa Lucia or Mestre Station.