May 26, 2024 - Classic Italy
Arriving in Venice - Gondola Ride

Just as we were getting comfortable with Florence, it was time to pack up and head for Venice.  In the morning we took a bus over to the train station where we would board a high speed train to Venice.  Unfortunately, the train was delayed and we ended up standing in the packed train station for a couple of hours.

Here, Tony our tour guide, explains the situation.
   
Finally, the train arrived and we were ready to board.  Once we got on, it was very nice.  Smooth, quite, comfortable, and very, very fast!
   

I think we were only on the train for a couple of hours.

Then, we arrive in Venice!

Things happened fast after that.
   
We came out of the train station to see this view.   That's San Simeone Piccolo across the Grand Canal.
   
We quickly learned that you get around Venice by boat.  We boarded teak-covered boats like this that took us on the Grand Canal, passing underneath the Rialto Bridge, to our hotel.  The entire experience -- the blue-green water, all the people and boats, the perfect weather -- was overwhelming.
   
We stayed at the Danieli, which was in a primo location.  It faced the water -- St Mark's Basin -- and was at most a couple of hundred feet from the the  Doge's Palace and the famous Piazza San Marco (St. Mark's Square).
   
We checked in, then went outside to ride the famous Venice gondolas.
   
To understand Venice you must look at a map, like this excellent one out of Rick Steves' Italy book.  Venice is basically an island, of islands.  The train station is on the northwest corner (sort of) and you can see how the Grand Canal takes you to the main tourist area of San Marco.
   
In no time, we were underway in the gondola!
   
Looking back at our hotel.
   
Out in St. Mark's Basin looking south across the water at San Giorgio Maggiore Church,  a 16th-century Benedictine church which sits on an island.
   
Now heading west towards the Basilica Santa Maria della Salute, a spectacular domed baroque church with unique octagonal design.
   
Turning to the north, we get our first look at the Doge's Palace.
   
Looks like we are heading for that narrow canal just to the right of the Doge's Palace.
   
Lynnette enjoying the view; what a neat experience!
   
 
   

At top is the famous Bridge of Sighs which connects the Doge's Palace (on the left) with a prison.

"Supposedly, a condemned man would be led over this [enclosed] bridge on his way to prison, take one last look at the glory of Venice, and sigh."  ... Rick Steves
   
A more complete look at the Bridge of Sighs and the prison on the right with all the barred windows.
   
The gondola traffic was quite heavy, but miraculously none collided, as far as we saw.
   
Continuing down the canal.
   
There must be a million bridges in Venice.
   
 
   
 
   
Dining alongside a canal, very nice.
   
 
   
All too soon, we were back at the hotel, and it was time to depart the gondola.  The ride was about 40 minutes and very enjoyable.  It was part of the Tauck tour so I don't know what it cost.  Whatever the cost is, it is a must-do if you are in Venice!
   
 
   
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