The DH and I wanted to give our son a special gift for his college graduation which took place this May. We decided to give him a trip and told him we’d take him anywhere he wanted to go. We were pathetically grateful when he said he wanted to go to Italy because he’s very outdoorsy and athletic so we were praying he didn’t say he wanted to go ziplining in Antarctica. We planned a 12 day trip and it was a FABULOUS vacation! The DH and I had both been to Italy, but not together and before we were married . We’d both been to Venice, but neither of us had ridden in a gondola (crazy, right?!). Our son had never been to Europe, so he was excited to go.
The Grand Canal
We flew into Venice where we began the first leg of our trip. We spent three magical nights in this unique, gorgeous city built on the water. We walked for hours, exploring narrow alleys and streets. It was impossible to get lost in Venice–there were signs on every building pointing tourists to the famous Rialto bridge and St. Marks Square.
We took a walking tour of the city and a gondola ride (so cool!) through the narrow rios–rios are the water alleys between the buildings. A canal (like the Grand Canal) is a wide, main waterway. We also took a tour of the lagoon islands of Murano (famous for the glass blowing factories), Burano (famous for exquisite lace), and Torcello (home of an ancient church).
Greetings from Venice!
In the gondola!
Rialto Bridge
St. Marks Square
The food was outstanding, the weather perfect, the shopping magnificent, the sights incredible, and the gelato to-die-for. In next week’s blog I’ll tell you about the next part of our journey–Florence. Until then–ciao, ciao!
Molto Bene!
Have you ever been to Italy? Want to go? Where’s your dream vacation spot? Been anywhere fun/interesting this summer–or are you doing a “staycation?”
{ 19 comments… read them below or add one }
Beautiful photos, Jacquie! I’ve never been to Italy, but I would LOVE to go. My dream vacay would be Scotland and England, but Italy is near the top of the list, too.
I’ve never been to Scotland, but been to England several times. LOVE it! I hope you get to go!
Keep up with the lovely pics!
Sadly, we cannot even afford a staycation unless we stay at home. Preferably in bed. lol
Rome is one of the must do places for my family since we love all things Ancient Roman.
Then Rome is the place for you! Everywhere you look there’s an ancient something.
Jacquie, LOVE the photos! What a fabulous trip and y’all are a beautiful family. I’ve never been to Italy but would love to go — especially now after seeing these gorgeous photos! First stop –Venice. Be still my heart!
Oh, Jill, you’d love it! I could have just stared out at the Grand Canal for hours.
I was in Italy a few years ago. Four, maybe? But I did the same trip, Jacquie. Rome, Florence, Venice. It was beautiful, wonderful. I really loved it. Maybe it’s time to go back.
Let’s all go! Whine trip to Italia!
You said fat, so I am waiting for food reports.
Well, 12 days X 3 (okay 4) meals a day = about 50 meals (about 75 if you include gelato, LOL!). And they were all fabulous.
You do the math
I adore Italy! It’s my favorite foreign country to visit. Your photos brought back so many wonderful memories, Jacquie. I took my niece on a 12 day tour of Italy to celebrate her college graduation. We had such a wonderful time and Venice was one of the highlights.
Hey PJ! What a great time for the two of you! I think it was my favorite vacation ever! I want to go back! Like today, LOL!
Fabulous pictures! Love Italy. And have many happy memories in Venice. We stayed in a 14th century palazzo once with a balcony overlooking a canal. Love the glass and the lace. And the FOOD! Thanks for sharing your trip. Looking forward to the next part of your journey!
Isn’t it amazing how all those buildings are from the 14th century? We stayed on the Grand Canal as well and it was just AMAZING. Definitely the coolest place I’ve ever been.
There’s just a vibe! And the others islands are great as well!
The pictures are fabulous and you look like you all had a great time. Italy is definitely on my bucket list… I just want to stand in the Colliseum and breathe it all in. *sigh*
Hey Marsha! OMG, you would love it! And I can actually picture you there doing that!
I have never been to Italy, would love to go. Looks fabulous, and so fun to have that time with your son. Beautiful, Jacquie! Or should I say, bellissima? Is that right? I don’t know. I’m not going anywhere this summer. A Tale of Two Tuition Bills.
A Tale of Two Tuitions–LOL! I think that should be the title of your next book, Sherri.
Put Italy on your bucket list. Put it in Spot Number One.