Michele and Jim's Travel Tales: Venice to Florence

Our last full day in Venice was a fairly quiet one that involved lots of walking as usual.

We decided to take a Grand Canal tour. The particular tour we chose did not eventuate- we spent over an hour walking along the waterfront looking for the particular tour we wanted ( operated by the government transport system). We finally gave in and headed back to the start where we purchased a more expensive one hour tour operated b a private company. As we boarded the boat we spotted the boat we wanted ( right where we started!) the Venetians aren't very good at advertising their tour locations.

The tour was pleasant enough with the Italian guy reading his notes as we passed particular points of interest eg ona yours righta is a promenade where, in summer, you can see venetians and tourists walking alonga eatinga icea creama". Fascinating stuff.

We popped in to St Mark's church which was lovely ( no photographs allowed).

We also popped in to Museo della Musica which had on display some beautiful old stringed instruments, most of which were about 300 years old. The process of creating a violin was very interesting a see.

The rest of the day was filled with the usual walking and eating. The restaurant trade does well here given that the only place to sit is at their tables. We finished our night by wandering until we found the restaurant we went to on the first night as we enjoyed it so much. Walking in several circles, we finally found it and parked there for a couple of hours.

A early start this morning as we headed off to the water bus stop at the end of our street.

We had a wonderful time in Venice- such a unique place. A photo opportunity around every corner!.

As in Rome, we felt very safe and at no time were concerned about our belongings. We maintain vigilance but are pleasantly surprised.

We are now on board the train to Florence.

Have just spent our first day in Florence. Hot again- 35. We checked in to our "hotel" which is a simple room on the third floor of an old building. It is located at the end of the Ponte Vecchio with a view of the river Arno but really quite basic. We are, however, in the centre of everything so can walk everywhere.

View from our window tonight above.

After a great lunch at a restaurant around the corner ( recommended by our host) we headed off the the Ufizzi museum. The line was way too long for a hot afternoon so we continued on to the Santa Croce church which was great. The highlight was seeing the tombs of world famous people such as Michelangelo, Galileo, Dante , Machiavelli, and lots of others we are not so familiar with. The frescos were painted by Giotto. We also stumbled upon a room which included part of the clothing worn by St Francis of Assisi.

Church of s.Croce

Galileo's Tomb

Michaelangelo's tomb

St Francis of Assisi robe

We then headed off to the famous Duomo where we spent time looking at the amazing achievement of the men who constructed and decorated this masterpiece.