Fall in Venice

I have really been out of the blog post loop of late, and my goal this year is to try and ramp it up again. My reason for not writing as much has been a good one though....I've been busy! Bella Giornata Tours has been growing each year, as word-of-mouth reviews bring me repeat and new business. So, I'm going to try and play catch up a bit. I have great ideas for articles from having spent 7 weeks with clients in Italy this past fall, so it's just a matter of finding the time to write again.

My first blog post for 2018 will be about Venice! This is a region that so many Americans want to visit, and I was there recently with a group of six, the D'Andrea Family. We had a great two week trip together that started in Rome,went north through Tuscany and ended with two nights in Venice.....

​We arrived to Venice via train from Florence. The group all agreed the train ride was more comfortable than their airplane ride was to get to Italy in the first place! Upon arrival at the Venice train station, I had a classic wooden "taxi" boat waiting for us, and we were whisked off along the Grand Canal to their hotel.

We got everyone settled into the beautiful hotel, then set off for a delicious lunch. Finding one's way in Venice can be difficult, to say the least. It requires a combination of skill and an attitude of not caring if you get lost...because you're going to. Street names seem to change on a whim from one corner to the next.  So everyone followed the leader, and we had a fantastic meal to re-energize us for the evening ahead. Post-lunch, the group had time to explore on their own before we met back up for the evening gondola ride!

I had booked the gondola ride for the last available time slot as evening was setting in because Venice is simply stunning at night.

​So far, we've spent our short time in Venice eating and ticking the classic adventure of a gondola ride off our list. But now, we need a little education. Venice has a deep history and fascinating stories worth hearing. So after a good night's sleep in our most charming of hotels, we wake the next morning ready to learn a few things on our guided walking tour.

Everyone agrees the guided walk was so fascinating; a glimpse into everyday life, stories from the past,  as well as taking in the major site of St. Mark's Church. Everyone has the remainder of the day to wander and "get lost" on their own. When we meet back up again for our farewell dinner in one of the oldest quarters of the city, I hear all about their adventures and shoppng experiences. Venice was a great way to end the two week vacation....a combination of history, iconic adventure and relaxation!

Is this not THE best photo?! What a photogenic group, and so fun to boot! Thanks so much Rich, Donna, Doreen, John, Lisa and Anthony. Hope to see you again on another Italian adventure!