On Day 2, decided to explore the islands near Venice. Got up leisurely and had a wonderful breakfast in Hotel Bologna. Their breakfast buffet was quite impressive: Fruits, breads, Croissants, toasts, lot of pastries, juices, coffee, hot chocolate, eggs, meats, cheese. Stuffed ourselves and left for Venice S.M station. From there took the vaporetti to Murano, the island famous for its glasswares. It is about 30 minutes in the vaporetti from Venice. On Mondays most of their factories are closed. But we did see some glass making in one of the small shops. It was amazing to see how they manipulate a glass rod with the blow torch into a beautiful apple.
Beautiful glass art in Murano
Strolled around the island for an hour getting in and out of all the glass shops. The glasswares were so beautiful and expensive. Got some glass candies (That is all we could afford!) for myself and some murano glass ear rings for sisters in law. Went inside a small mall and had lunch. I had some sandwich and husband some pasta. It was ok. Then had gelato in a small shop. Awesome gelatos, Pista and tuttifruiti. The pista was natural with no essence.. Yummy!!
Left Murano around noon for Burano, the lace island. Burano was more impressive and colorful than Murano. We saw so many lace shops. The dresses in lace were so beautiful. I almost bought a blouse until i saw the price tag (250 Euro). We were so thrilled with the colorful houses that we clicked so many snaps. Here is a sample.
Cute Houses in Burano
After soaking in the beauty of Burano, got back to the Venice S.M station in the vaporetti. Tried to give our 3 day vaporetti pass to someone for free since it was valid for another 4-5 hours. After many reluctant people, a couple finally said took it and were so surprised that it was free. Then got back to the hotel in Venice Mestre. Freshened up, emailed and left for Florence in EuroStar train. Spent the 2 and half hours in reading books and playing cards.
Watch out for the Florence, Pisa and Rome travelogue.
aargee said
Nice! And so true about the cost. But still we bought very small crystal boats ( the most famous symbol in venice , of a boat(gondola), rowed by a man and birds on it) They actually quoted 15 euros I guess and I bargained for 6 euros each and got 6-7 of them to give it to relatives. It was quite small, but felt like buying something
It feels nice to read it all again and go back to the place through your blog
I have never been to Florence, though hubby has. So will wait for the update
And would love to see what you feel about Pisa and Rome!
Murano Glass Jewellery said
I love Murano and have just arrived back from another flying visit on the 23rd and 24th. The island is so much quiter in September and the weather is still fantastic. For excellent glass at an affordable price I recommend Formia and for jewellery try to visit the Davide Penso shop. Everyone should visit Murano its so beautiful and peaceful.
Reva said
We didn’t do Burano.. now from what I hear I feel we should have.
nalla ezhuthi irukkeenga! and same pinch on offering the vaporetti pass.. we gave ours which had almost 6 hrs left to a couple standing in the line to get one!