Second Day in Europe…Venezia!
Glassblowing Blew My Mind, and My Pocketbook!
First, a pro-advisor tip: Always bring an umbrella. I carried a simple, 42-inch umbrella just for myself. It protected me from the rain and provided shade from the sun. I needed it constantly throughout my day in beautiful Venezia.
We began with a glass-blowing demonstration at Vetreria Ducale, witnessing the artistry of true Murano glassblowers. This was the highlight of my day. The tradition, passed down through generations with years of apprenticeship before becoming a Master, is captivating. The intricate color variations are achieved by adding elements like copper and iron, even incorporating 24-carat gold. I fell in love with several pieces and can’t wait to display them in my dining room. They will be among my most treasured keepsakes.
The World of Color in Burano
After the demonstration, we visited the island of Burano for lunch and to see the brightly colored houses. While charming, I could have skipped this stop and gone straight to Venice for more free time. Finding a lunch spot was challenging since most places opened their kitchens at noon, not 11 AM as we expected.
Bella Venezia!
Next, we took a boat to Venice. I was thrilled to see the canals and gondolas. Our tour guide explained how the bridges and stone platforms connect the 118 islands of Venice. Under the “streets,” there’s about 60cm of oxygen separating the water from the pathways above.
We spent time in St. Mark’s Square, and the architecture was awe-inspiring. The Basilica’s façade depicted Bible stories ornately, and the amount of Carrara marble was staggering.
The Rialto Bridge, the oldest spanning the Grand Canal, was another highlight. No visit to Venice is complete without a gondola ride. I noticed exposed brick on some buildings and learned it was due to flooding. The water erosion marks went as high as the fourth floor. Most ground levels remain unoccupied due to flooding. It’s estimated Venice might be underwater in 200 years, like a modern Atlantis. Our final stop was the top of the tower in St. Mark’s Square, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Venice.
The off-and-on rain made the day a bit miserable, but my umbrella helped, though strong winds blew the rain onto me despite my preparation. I would love to return to Venice to dive deeper into its history, architecture, and art. While we saw many tourist sites, it would have been nice to explore inside more deeply. There’s so much more to learn, and with 200 years or so left, I will certainly return for more than just a day.
For all your Concierge Advisory needs, Disney or otherwise, contact me at kelliott@curatedtravelcollection.com. Happy travels!
