Italy and Greece Day 3: Venice

July 4, 2024

After a couple of days getting here, we begin our first full day of sightseeing. Breakfast is at the hotel at 7a, then we board a ferry to the islands that make up Venice.

Venice is famous for its network of canals, iconic gondolas, and architectural masterpieces like St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace. Its historic significance as a major maritime power is reflected in its palazzos and marketplaces. Venice’s blend of art, history, and culture makes it a captivating destination for travelers to visit.

We start on the Island for Murano for a glass-blowing demonstration at Ferris & Lazzarini.

The art of glass-blowing at Ferris & Lazzarini
Venezia, Italy • 45°27’15.97″ N 12°21’25.68″ E
Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 250 mm • ISO 8000 • 1/60 sec at f/8.0
Glassware at Murano Trattoria Valmarana
Venezia, Italy • 45°27’23.38″ N 12°21’26.13″ E
Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 400 mm • ISO 200 • 1/500 sec at f/8.0

Then we get back on the ferry to head over to San Marco and the heart of Venice to see the Doge’s Palace.

Statues on the rooftop of the Basilica di San Marco
Venezia, Italy • 45°26’1.00″ N 12°20’23.80″ E
Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 400 mm • ISO 80 • 1/500 sec at f/8.0
Most of the Milford Travelers
Venezia, Italy • 45°26’3.31″ N 12°20’25.35″ E
Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 28 mm • ISO 400 • 1/500 sec at f/5.6
Capturing the sights of Venice from the Doge’s Palace
Venezia, Italy • 45°26’3.99″ N 12°20’26.15″ E
Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 28 mm • ISO 220 • 1/500 sec at f/5.6

And see the Antonio Canaletto they have on display … one of my favorite painters!!

The Pier towards Riva degli Schiavoni with the Column of Saint Mark by Canaletto (Venice, 1697-1768)
Venezia, Italy • 45°26’1.15″ N 12°20’25.36″ E
Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 28 mm • ISO 8000 • 1/160 sec at f/5.6

Next we take a gondola ride and experience the famous canals!

Gondola ride in the Grand Canal of Venice
Venezia, Italy • 45°26’11.80″ N 12°20’1.00″ E
Nikon Z8 • NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at 70 mm • ISO 140 • 1/500 sec at f/6.0

Back at the hotel for dinner I sit with Terry, Beth, and Patrick. This is the first time I’ve traveled with them and it’s great to get to know them early in the trip. Tomorrow we head to Verona and then to Florence!

4 Comments on “Italy and Greece Day 3: Venice

    • One of my favorites! In DC the National Gallery of Art had one that used to hang in a stairwell. Not sure if it is still there. Saw some in London as well. And great to see this one in Venice!!

  1. Thanks Michael
    I remember our gondola ride in sunny Venice many years ago.
    Our last stop in Italy.
    Next day early plane back to Boston were we had to brush snow off the car.
    Back to the world of reality.
    Did you experience any aqua alta in Venice?

    • No aqua alta while we were there but it was a gorgeous day to see the city! Maybe next time, Mike.

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