We checked right into our hotel on the Grand Canal and mapped out our strategy:
The train station was right across this bridge ... we are standing right outside our hotel with the trusty iPad in hand. We learned more then we thought we would on this trip thanks to Rick Steves and the iPad!
Each morning the breakfast was served right next to the Grand Canal!
Loved the tiny alleyways and buildings!
This time I found Venice to be much cleaner and more beautiful than the first time I visited circa 1998 ... maybe my expectations were lower?? Maybe its because I'm with my husband this time ... and I love him to pieces :)
Getting ready to cross the Rialto Bridge - this is only one of five bridges that crosses the Grand Canal and the Rialto was the first. It connected the political side of the city (Palazzo Ducale) with the economic center (Rialto):
A view of the Grand Canal from the Rialto Bridge:
St. Mark's Basilica and clock tower:
Enjoying some vino in St. Mark's Square:
Part of the front facade was being renovated - still a magnificent sight though!
While we were there the Venetians were celebrating Festa Del Redentore. This festival dates back to 1577 and it celebrates the city's deliverance from a terrible plague:
It looked like complete Italian debauchery if you ask me! We had a great time watching the dancers out on the boats!
Every canal you looked down there was a little surprise :)
Me in front of a gondolier stand:
On our way to the Rialto Bridge we saw the Scala Contarini del Bovolo - it was an external marble staircase of a palace back in 1499.
Heading back to the room to call it a night :)
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