September 8, 2012
The next morning at breakfast Valentina shared lots of information about how to get to Venice, where to go in Venice and what to do in Venice. She had some money-saving tips too. We found her to be very engaging, helpful, cooperative and willing to do whatever we needed to make our stay a good one.
Off to Venice, first by car to the port at Fusina, then by boat into the Canale di Fusina, docking at Zattere in the Dorsoduro section. As we pulled into the Canale we were dismayed to see four large cruise ships and one ENORMOUS cruise ship at port. Well, what did we expect. Of course there will be lots of tourists in Venice. Silly us, we hoped that everyone went home in September.
Once ashore we followed Valentina's recommended route, walking along the Canale di Guidecca to the point of the island and then back along the Grand Canal, past the Santa Maria di Salute church, the Palazzo Genovese and the Peggy Gugenheim Museum of Modern Art to the bridge and across to the San Marco section. We agreed not to go into any art museums and churches today, but just to soak up the atmosphere of Venice.
Through the San Marco section, we wove through the narrow passages, up and over the small canals, past medieval buildings lapped by the ever-rising waters of the Adriatic Sea. We arrived at the Piazza di San Marco along with millions, well, thousands at least, of those rosy Germans. We considered the Archeological museum, strolled past the huge Basilica di San Marco, and looked at the loooong line to get into the Palazzo Ducale.
More ups and downs over canals, enjoying the beautifully outfitted gondolas and their gondoliers. More ins and outs through narrow passages and on to the famous Ponte di Rialto. Then we wove through tourist shops offering beautiful and unique masks, tourist T shirts, handbags, scarves, postcards, and all sorts of tourist items. It was quite warm, so we decided to stop for a beverage from one of the street vendors.
On our way back to the boat we passed through the fancy shopping area with many famous Italian designers represented. Gucci, Ferragamo, Nina Ricci, Armani, Fendi, Prada, Schiaparelli, Versace. They were all there, with emaciated mannequins modeling their offerings. Just get out your euros and go on a spree.
By the time we got back to the boat dock it was almost 4:30 and we were both wiped out. We caught the boat back to Fusina and were glad to get back to our nice room for a rest.
The next morning at breakfast Valentina shared lots of information about how to get to Venice, where to go in Venice and what to do in Venice. She had some money-saving tips too. We found her to be very engaging, helpful, cooperative and willing to do whatever we needed to make our stay a good one.Off to Venice, first by car to the port at Fusina, then by boat into the Canale di Fusina, docking at Zattere in the Dorsoduro section. As we pulled into the Canale we were dismayed to see four large cruise ships and one ENORMOUS cruise ship at port. Well, what did we expect. Of course there will be lots of tourists in Venice. Silly us, we hoped that everyone went home in September.
On our way back to the boat we passed through the fancy shopping area with many famous Italian designers represented. Gucci, Ferragamo, Nina Ricci, Armani, Fendi, Prada, Schiaparelli, Versace. They were all there, with emaciated mannequins modeling their offerings. Just get out your euros and go on a spree.
By the time we got back to the boat dock it was almost 4:30 and we were both wiped out. We caught the boat back to Fusina and were glad to get back to our nice room for a rest.
I loved Venice. But there weren't 4 cruise ships in when we were there. Just seeing your pictures makes me want to go again. I'm so thankful my good friends Saundra & Mike invited me to join them on a vacation there in 2004. I made the mistake of going in one of those fancy shops and bought a beautiful bracelet. The Euro conversion just about did me in. The Murano glass really caught my eye and I came back with pieces for all my sisters and friends! Italy was a killer on my budget. I've had to learn from you two. "No souvenirs! Suitcase too heavy!
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