Rick Steves' Best of Europe in 21 Days - Spring 2024
Postcards from Mike & Jen
Day 9 - Venice & St. Mark's
Buongiorno from Italy!
Venice Walking Tour & Carnival Masks
Today's adventures started with a guided tour of Venice and ended in St. Marks Square. Winding through the narrow streets, it would have been easy to get lost. We went to see a Venetian Mask Makers shop. With interpreter assistance from our local guide, and some group participation, he demonstrated the mask making process and illustrated one of the stories of the masks. It was very entertaining.
Doge's Palace Guided Tour
Before leaving home we booked tickets for the Doge's Palace Secret Itineraries Tour, Saint Mark's Basilica and the Campanile. In the Doge's Palace we saw the prison cells of Casanova and the view from inside the Bridge of Sighs.
Saint Mark's Basilica & Campinile
Saint Mark's Basilica was beautiful and offered a great view from the roof... provided you don't mind heights! The Campanile (bell tower) was even better for the view and wasn't as bad for heights since it was all enclosed.
Gondola & Dinner
Next, the 4 of us shared the optional and yet compulsory gondola ride. Just look at how cute Dawn and Gordy were in the sweetheart seat! Our gondolier, Antonio showed off his mad skills on the tight turns of the small canals and the traffic of the Grand Canal. The ride was somehow both surreal and soothing. Tonight we stopped for dinner at Trattoria Agli Artisti where the spritz, salads and pasta were all delicious.
