Around the world in 40 days but no Gallipoli

[Flying mermaid]

Of course we had to visit Cafe Florian - hot chocolate was one of the nicest I have ever had and the macron was melt in the mouth. Mr FM seemed to enjoy his sundae. Decorations inside are worth seeing.

 

[Flying mermaid]

and of course a visit to a wine bar for cicchetti. Osteria Con Cucina is the second one.

 

[Flying mermaid]

We took two tours with a private guide Antonella from Discovering Venice - really good way to do it. Before the visit to the wine bars she took us around the markets at Rialto Bridge.

 

[Flying mermaid]

Gondolas and Oars being made - still a craft.

 

[Flying mermaid]

On the first day we had four hours with Antonella and learned heaps about Venice old and new. We also did the tourist stuff like Doge's Palace and St Marks (which was not the cathedral originally but the private chapel for the palace. The system of government in the old Republic was quite fascinating.

 

[Flying mermaid]

Some of the Bridge of Sighs (including Antonella) and the prison.

 

[Flying mermaid]

St Marks is a fabulous Byzantine structure - many of the columns came from Byzantium after it fell.

 

[Flying mermaid]

You couldn't come to Venice without a gondola ride. Our guy is pictured and some other general pictures - one of an emergency boat compete with sirens.

 

[Flying mermaid]

Guggenheim Museum was definitely worth it. We also went to S Maria Frari which was amazing and Scuola nearby - both worth a visit.

 

[Flying mermaid]

Our last day in Venice was spent going to Murano, Burano and Torcello. Very easy to with an all day Vaporetto pass. You can get a free taxi to Murano with a visit to a factory and hard sell in the showroom. Upstairs is the good stuff, downstairs the cheaper end. We love glass, so were happy to buy some little decanter and glass sets. We are having them shipped home, so might have to add a photo in some months time!

 

[Flying mermaid]

I would get off at Mazzorbo and walk the rest of the way to Burano - nice vineyards and a park and not so many tourists

 

[TheRealTMA]

Guggenheim Museum was definitely worth it. We also went to S Maria Frari which was amazing and Scuola nearby - both worth a visit.

Great photos FM.

 

[Magpie10]

Thanks flying mermaid your photos are exceptional especially those early morning ones, thank you for sharing...V

 

[Mattg]

I'm developing a serious case of wanderlust reading your report. :!:

Great photos. They certainly bring back some good memories.

 

[mimishat]

Gorgeous photos FM thanks for sharing! Although I am insanely jealous And breakfast looked divine.

 

[Flying mermaid]

Gorgeous photos FM thanks for sharing! Although I am insanely jealous And breakfast looked divine.

It was and all the pastries made on site - I am going to have to spend three months losing all the weight I am sure I am putting on! I will try and finish the Venice photos tonight. We are in Florence now - I thought it was a little boring after Venice until we turned a corner and saw the Duomo - wow!

 

[Pushka]

We are going to Florence in early August! Look forward to your report there.

 

[Flying mermaid]

The main town in Burano was very crowded with tourists. Large numbers of shops selling lace and embroidered goods and masks. Burano dwellers obviously take their births seriously

The church tower really was leaning to one side!

We had lunch on Burano at Riva Rosa - OK meal but very unfriendly service from our waitress.

 

[Flying mermaid]

From Burano it was a very short Vaporetto ride to Torcello. Not anywhere near as crowded and a pretty walk through greenery. A number of restaurants that looked peaceful and inexpensive.

The big attraction on Torcello is the very old church with beautiful mosaics.

We had to stand all the way back on the Vaporettos and by the time we had walked back to the hotel, I refused to move again - I sent Mr FM out for some pizza and we were both asleep by 9pm.

 

[Pushka]

Looks like fabulous weather FM. Hope it keeps up.