We've dedicated Sundays to exploring, just like we did in England. Our first destination was to Venice, and we took the dogs with us. Funny story - we couldn't seem to program the
Venice is an amazing city, with architecture unrivaled anywhere. Built almost entirely on canals, the passageways are crowded with boats and gondolas with striped-shirt gondoliers. Each home is distinctive, with elaborate finishing details and colors that leave the landscape looking like a sea of pastels and sun-washed white against the water. When the sun goes down, the buildings warm to shades of golden and amber and bronze.It's no wonder Venice is a favorite destination for artists of all kinds.Along the water near St. Marks Square, stalls of tourist paraphernalia dot the sidewalks. Perfect for cheap tee shirts, but not representative of the city's charm. Turn left down one of the narrow alleys, venture over a few canal bridges, and you'll find tiny shops of jewelery made of colorful Murano glass, hand-painted Venetian masks and fabulous Italian clothes and leather goods.
Because so many cruise ships now pull into harbor in Venice, expect tourists from all over the world. Also be prepared and be cautious - restaurants may include cover charges and exorbitant extra plate charges. Go deeper into the side streets and you might just find a gem of a spot to soak up the city's atmosphere.
