Venice

Departed Florence by train, arrived Venice approx 1pm, without incident. As you walk out of the station, you are greeted by the magnificent view of the main canal, with its many ferries and gondolas. After asking directions, we boarded a ferry which travelled along the main canal, to our hotel. After alighting we climbed many steps up then down, luggage in hand. Sandra remained with the luggage and I endeavoured to locate the hotel. It turned out that it was directly across the canal, so after a few more steps, we arrived.
The hotel was small, but very venetian in its decor. Only issue no lift and we were on the 3rd floor. After booking in, headed out to discover what was on offer. Located in the various lanes were the most shops that I have seen outside of Roma, focus upon local glass creations and leather. We had dinner close to our hotel, right on the waterfront, watching the world go by...beautiful.
Next day we headed off to book our passage to Nice, as system broken the first day. We were informed that all trains full on the 28th from Milan to Nice. Plan b....plane, all booked. Plan C..bus. After some frustration we had to discover where to book the bus, eventually having to travel back into Venice mainland to book. A story in itself. Result being travel to Milan by train, then a 5 hr bus ride to Nice. Only problem, is that the bus did not leave until 7pm. Once booked we headed off by ferry to St Marks Square, to enjoy the magnificent Cathedral and Palace. Enjoyed some lunch and drinks in the sunny square, people watching then travelled back to hotel to get luggage and move to our next hotel. Back on the ferry to the central area, then a 30 min Gondola ride. very enjoyable and scenic.
Dinner then back to next hotel, which was closer to the station as we had a very tight timetable.
The trip continues.......