Friday 25^th

We had to spend another night on Como (what a pain) as the road didn’t open until late Thursday afternoon. On Thursday our German neighbour returned from the hospital having been given the all clear – excellent news. They brought over some home brew schnapps which was very fiery!  Friday morning we packed up and left for Venice.  First stop was a supermarket where Tina got a bit flustered with the range of choice and not fully understanding the labelling.  Me – no problem if it looks ok and the price is good – bung it in the trolley. Wine at €2 was very good.

We arrived at the autostrada to chaos – made the M25 look like an expressway. Temperature was hot – 29 deg C. We tootled along and reached Camping Serenissima late afternoon. The site is in Venice and only 20 mins by bus to the centre. Brilliant location, quiet and shady.

Sat 26^th

Venice here we come – tickets bought for bus , we strolled out to the stop in the warm sun. Sardine like crowding on the bus, no seats. We arrived at a large bus terminus with what seemed like the whole of Italy! Crikey it’s popular. 

back street canal

We had booked a free guided tour online of “hidden Venice”.  This was a great decision as we had a very interesting 4 hour walk around the much less trodden parts of this amazing place. We did however stop for coffee and ice cream. Our guide confirmed that if we wanted to avoid queues March or October are the times to visit. 

view across to St Mark's

My favourite spot was by the old custom house – Punta Della Dognana. The views of across to St Mark’s and the other way to Isla Di san Giorgia Maggioore with all the chaotic boat traffic was fantastic. 

panoramic view from customs house

We then took the €2 traghetti gondola ride back across ( the posh gondolas cost €80 / 30 mins) – we can honestly say we have been on a Venetian gondola! It was a short and very wobbly journey.  8 hours later we were back at camp for tea with aching feet.

venetian masks