Venice
Fortunately, we had a very uneventful drive from Cesenatico to Venice (we’re back in the land of semi-decent drivers), dropped the car off and caught the train from the mainland to the island of Venice.
On our first night, we had a free three course dinner at our hotel’s rooftop terrace. Wasn’t expecting much (no such thing as a free lunch right?) but … we were in for a wonderful surprise. Lovely setting with the most delicious food and the best service. The most upmarket meal we’ve had since Christmas dinner in Boquete.
After an equally delicious breakfast the next morning, we were off to catch a water bus on the grand canal to St Marks. After queuing for about 20 mins, we were packed like sardines onto the next boat that pulled in … so much for social distancing! The ride, with all the stops, where … yes, they managed to pack even more people on, took about 35 to 40 minutes.
We did contemplate going into St Marks (for a nano-second), but took one look at the queue and decided not to contribute to the Catholic Church’s wealth any further. Took a walk to the Bridge of Sighs and then decided to just wander around and make our way back to the hotel. To our dismay, we found we could walk back to our hotel in about 15 minutes.
We went back via Rialto bridge and various narrow alleyways away from the crowds. Found a place for lunch which turned out to be a good spot for people watching as it seemed to be a main pedestrian thoroughfare. Lots of people on holiday with their dogs – the Europeans take their dogs everywhere … even to the top of Jungfrau!
Venice by night:
4 Comments
audrey
I have tears in my eyes – have had so many wonderful times in Venice – such a unique place on the planet. I have such fond memories of Italy when Maddy, Ethan and I did our Montessori year in Bergamo. Venice was not far from us on the train line and both kids loved it, so we visited frequently, including a “mystery tour” that ended up in Venice to celebrate Ethan’s 8th birthday. Loads of tourists all the time, but we still managed to have a few off the beaten rack experiences every visit. Thank you, thank you for the wonderful photos. I hope you enjoyed your time there 🙂
Patricia Forner
Like Audrey, I have happy memories of our time in Venice, first time with Audrey and her brother when they were 10 and 12, and my husband George, second time with my brother and sister-in-law, and George and the third time with George, Audrey, David, and Maddy and Ethan. We stayed in a hotel that had huge bathrooms with enormous bathtubs and Maddy and Ethan proceeded to have a bubble bath that overflowed. Ethan wore a wonderful joker’s hat the entire time we walked around Venice, and both Maddy and Ethan loved feeding the pigeons in St. Mark’s square. Lot’s of good food and great osso bucco at Harry’s Bar where the drinks were truly magnificent as well! Glad you are having fun and hope that the Dalmatian coast will be a treat as well.
Deb, Pep n Tayla
I absolutely love Venice, it is the most magical and unique place – Looks like you had lovely weather and with reduced number of tourists hopefully not too smelly as it can get a bit whiffy in the summer apparently – We went in Autumn and it was glorious until it rained on our last night and everywhere flooded! Literally the canals rise, and cover all the walkways. I’d go back in a heartbeat – Great pics xx
Diane Cooper
I’ve been to Venice once – it was mid January and freezing cold, although it meant not too many tourists! I think I’d see it through different eyes now! It’s such an interesting place to visit. I bought a very expensive Murano crystal platter which I still have! Enjoy!