Day 9 - Gondola Be A Good One

OK Guys. We woke up early today to conquer Venice! The forecast had been changing constantly so we weren’t sure if we would stay dry today! We cannot complain, we have lucked out with the weather this entire trip. There were a few drops on and off today but we stayed mostly dry.

The express train was an early departure at 7:20 am, with our arrival in Venice at about 9:40 am. We searched for the stand where we could catch the hop on hop off boat. We didn’t realize the boat tour could also take us around some of the islands around Venice. We didn’t plan on that for our timeline. We decided to head straight to St. Mark’s Square- the hub of the main part of Venice. The ride was about thirty minutes and provided some great sites.

On The Hop-On_Hop-Off Boat 

Canal Shots

It seemed quite busy - May 1st is Labour Day here today. We started weaving ourselves through the maze of narrow streets. It is difficult to remember your way around because the buildings are all so similar and the streets are not a grid system. You cross many of the small canals and watch the gondolas pass by. The streets are beautiful and everything you would expect to see from a classic Venetian picture. Our first stop was a cute bistro for a cocktail and snack.

We trekked towards the Rialto bridge- which ended up being an even busier hub. The surroundings were incredible. We decided we couldn’t pass up a chance to eat lunch below the Rialto bridge. Our view was amazing, good food and great company.

Lunch Below The Rialto Bridge - Yummy!!

We popped in and out of stores full of beautiful Murano glass and Venice souvenirs. After my navigating took us in a circle, Lori took over and she found our way out of the giant maze. A quick bathroom stop and regroup and we chose to walk back to the train station. On our way fate led us to the grand canal where we needed to take a gondola taxi!!! Lori’s third visit to Venice and her first gondola ride! Success!! Christine was convinced we would tip over but no worries, we all know how to swim!

Gondola Experience

The route back to the train station led us to quieter streets with more locals and less tourists - it was nice to see a part of Venice not packed with tourists.

Interacting With One Of The  Locals - Hello Precious!!!

At the station we checked if there was availability on an early train- no luck! We grabbed some food at the station and got ready for our nap on the train ride home! The two hour ride back was nice for resting our feet. One last trek for the day- in the rain this time- then home!

On the way home we grabbed some fries from a chip shop- served in a cone. We walked in from a long day and cracked the $1.92 euro bottle of Rose! A pleasant surprise as it is delicious. Well, trying to make it to bed early seems to be impossible but with such great company it fuels us through our long adventure filled days.

Tomorrow is our last day- a visit to see David and some shopping are on the agenda. It is crazy to think our week is coming to an end!

Second last sleep! Goodnight.

PS -  23,298 steps today.


Julie
High - Finding her Venice treasures.
Low - Hop on Hop off Boat Tour

Amanda
High - Enjoying our relaxing, own schedule.
Low - Hop on Hop off Boat Tour

Christine
High - the three minute guide across the canal.
Low - almost falling into the canal on the gondola ride.

Lori
High - The gondola ride!
Low - The Hop on Hop off boat tour