Venice arrival, Doges Palace and St Marks Square

After a 2 hr train ride from Florence, we arrive in Venice and get our first glimpse of the Grand Canal from the train station. 

Then we make our way to the dock for the private water taxi ride to our apartment.

First sight of Rialto Bridge



Kissing as you go under the Rialto brings everlasting love.  After hearing this, Joe reminded everyone to kiss every time we went under any bridge.

We are met by the apartment represenative and walked to our apartment--the same one Tim and I stayed in last time we cruised out of Venice along with our cruising buddies.  Still no elevator.  Still 64 stair steps to reach apartment, but the location and views are worth it.  We are greeted with a chilled bottle of Prosecco wine and toast our stay in Venice.  Here are some photos of apartment taken during our 5 night stay there:

Brian trying on his jacket purchased in Florence earlier this morning

Bovolo staircase next door to apartment

Purchases from the Rialto Market

View from bedrooms

Fresh buffalo mozzarella cheese, basil and tomato with salt, pepper, and olive oil drizzled on top=caprese salad a daily requirement while in Italy along with gelato daily (ice cream)

As our apartment was on a main gondola route, Joe loved looking/hanging out the window and the first day when he heard the singers coming he would run to the window and say "you are not going to believe this, come look!!!"

Our second day in Venice was the last day of alarm clocks on vacation!  I had booked the Secret Itinerary Tour at the Doge's Palace this morning for Stacy & Henderson and Becky & Brian.  Tim and I took Joe on the regular tour to see the armory room which he enjoyed.  Very limited photos were allowed inside:

Then we had "skip the line" tickets for St Mark's Basilica

 

Original horses are inside the museum and reproductions outside.  When these were first cast, they were covered with gold and had ruby eyes.

Winged Lion--the symbol of Venice



Doge's Palace next door to St Mark's