Day 28 - Venice

DAY 28 - 

This is our only full day in Venice, so we got moving reasonably early and wandered along the Grand Canal to go on a gondola. The water seemed a little bit choppy near the entrance so we wandered around some of the main lane ways as the water was calmer, until we found a suitable gondola service. We found one for the four of us at a reasonable price and for 30mins which would be fine as it was quite chilly this morning. (Top temperature for Venice was going to be 9° apparently).


Mozart lived here

Travelling along, the gondolier provided some history for specific buildings, one of them being the apartment that Mozart lived in when he visited Venice and passing the opera house. I was rapt as only a few gondolas travel this canal so the chances of being rowed passed these were pretty small. It was a very relaxing way to start off the day and couldn't help but ponder about life here in Venice when gondolas were the only way to travel the canals. It had become foggy as we came out onto the Grand Canal which really made us appreciate a gondolier's line of work. Gondolas look difficult to steer anyway with one oar but add turning the gondola down other canals, contending with other boats and gondolas, ducking for the little bridges and then some fog too, really made us appreciate our gondolier.

Rialto bridge under construction

From departing our gondola ride, we walked to the famous Rialto bridge, the oldest bridge that spans the Grand Canal (finished 1591). Part of the bridge is undergoing major maintenance on it, which makes sense that they would do this in their off peak season. Across the bridge, however, little boutique shops and market style shops still operate as they have done since it was built.

Friendly cat at Murano

A boat cruise to three islands off Venice was booked for the afternoon. Our first stop was Murano which is well known for its beautiful glass. We had a snapshot into how the glass blowing is done (this workshop was very short which was a pity) but what they can make out of glass is truly amazing. 

Beautiful reflections at Torcello

Historic building at Torcello

Next was the small heritage island of Torcello for its historic buildings. Apparently, this island was the first centre of civilisation in the estuary. Then onto Burano island which is well known for its very colourful buildings and lacemaking. We were meant to see how this was done too but as this island was third on the list when it should have been second, they had finished for the day - again a bit disappointing however the buildings were very colourful and vibrant.  The day was finished cruising back with yet another sensational sunset - a beautiful end to our stay in Venice.

Coloured houses of Burano

 

Leaning bell tower of Burano
(photo taken through boat window)