1-Venice

We arrived at the Marco Polo International Airport (about 8 hours from JFK Airport). There are various ways to get to Venice (islands), but we opted to walk a short distance to the Alilaguna ferry boats which took us to the various islands that make up Venice (13 Euros - tickets are available at information desk as well as the self-service machines). Piazza San Marco (St. Mark's Square) is the central/main attraction. At San Marco, you will find the San Marco Campanile (Bell Tower), St. Mark's Basilica, tons of pigeons, tons of souvenir shops, tobacco shops (Tabacchi - sells tobacco, souvenirs, stamps, etc.), Carnevale masquerade masks, murano glass products, canals and bridges with tons of gondolas. Venice is simply a beautiful, peaceful place that is car-free. Depending on the time of year that you go, Venice is prone to acqua alta (high waters-floods) which can reach to your knees or even your waist. We were lucky that it was sunny all day! Venice is like a maze and if you follow the street signs that are embedded on the building corners, then you will not get lost. Cross the Rialto Bridge and you'll find boutiques and designer brand shops all over. The Grand Canal also runs through the islands in Venice.

Validate Ticket Here

Venice has narrow streets and plenty of shops...The T are Tabaccherias (tobacco shops)....The Euro Paper Money

The public phones (we used these to make calls to the U.S.; Gondolas

Euro Coins: Amts: 2euros, 1euro, 50cent euro,20cent euro, 10cent euro, 5cent euro, 2cent euro, 1cent euro; ACTV Water Bus

Eurostar - High Velocity Train Street signs on buildings

Carnevale Masks Murano glass

His name is "Veneto," a clay filled balloon that molds into various shapes; A gondolier at work!

The elevated platforms that were used during the flood (acqua alta); Pigeons are common here...