Breakfast today in our hotel, the Hotel Falier, was a simple Italian breakfast, then we gathered together & departed on foot to walk to the Rialto Bridge market where we met our local guide Cinzia underneath the historic clock.
Cinzia took us on a 2 hour walking tour of Venice, showing us first the delights of the colorful fish market, then some of the most famous areas of the city such as San Marco & Cannareggio. Amongst he buildings we saw were the Rialto Bridge, the house of Marco Polo, the Church of Saints Giovanni & Paolo, & of course the sights of Saint Mark's Square - the basilica, the Doge's Palace, the Campanile (bell tower), etc.
After our tour we made a visit to the showroom of one of Venice's top glass producers. After a fantastic demonstration of the maestro's glassblowing skills we learned about the colors & the different types of products still made in Venice - & of course were given the opportunity to make a purchase!
There was free time next, before we met for a late afternoon gondola ride.
This type of boat is ubiquitous with Venice & the 40 minute ride, passing through quiet back canals, along the Grand Canal, & past La Fenice opera house, didn't disappoint - a highlight for many no doubt.
Dinner this evening was close to our hotel again, then some of the group went to nearby Piazza Santa Margherita, the liveliest square in Venice & the focus of nightlife for local Venetians. A great end to a great day.
Tomorrow we depart for Florence, home of the Renaissance...
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