This summer we flew to Venice prior to a cruise. We stayed in a lovely suite with a balcony and canal view at Hotel Papadopoli, which was close to one of the water-bus vaporetto stops. Vaporetti connect the islands of Venice and are essential to exploring the city’s attractions. We headed to St. Mark’s square for a tour of St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace. Famished from our overnight flight, we picked up delicious focaccia at an osteria. Before I could have my second bite, an enormous seagull swept down and grabbed it out of my hand! Evidently, I wasn’t meant to have those delicious calories…

The basilica was our first glimpse at the incredible mosaic work found in churches and cathedrals of this region. Our guide noted that the thousands of intricately designed mosaics on the expansive church floor had to be ripped up and reinstalled due to damage caused by a 2019 flood.

The adjacent Doge’s Palace is a vivid display of gothic Venetian splendor. As you traverse its grand corridors, you encounter a staggering display of historical weaponry including gleaming swords and ornate suits of armor. Doge’s Palace is also the home of Tintoretto’s Il Paradiso, a vaster-than-life oil on canvas that ranks among the largest in history with nearly 500 figures including angels, saints, and heavenly radiance. It is a breathtaking encounter, where art, faith, and power converge. As we crossed from Doge’s Palace to the Piombi, a former prison within the palace, we enjoyed the view from the famous Bridge of Sighs whose arched, white-limestone was the final viewpoint for prisoners who sighed at their last glimpse of beautiful Venice.

The next day we ventured by boat to the charming towns of Murano and Burano, known worldwide for glass sculptures and lace, respectively. The highlight was a glass-making demonstration in Murano using a 2,000-degree oven. (Did I mention the very handsome Italian craftsman?!) Imagine my delight when David decided we should purchase a fantastic glass sculpture of a shark jumping out of the water from their gallery!

Our Venice visit concluded with an incredible 45th anniversary dinner at what may be one of the best outdoor corner tables we will ever have at Club del Doge. We gazed out over the Grand Canal at the gondolas and other vessels navigating the main artery of the city. If you have not visited Venice, add this one-of-a-kind city to your bucket list!

Have you recently enjoyed an interesting adventure while strolling outside of Destin?  Send me an email…
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