Up and out early to get visiting churches and museums. Managed the local bus into town and first up is to get the Firenze card for access to 72 sites over 72 hours for 72 euros. Santa Maria Novella is the first church, an amazing start. then off to find the next one and walk into the main square and find the Santa Maria de Fiore, with queues of 2 hours to enter the church we decide on the Baptistry di San Giovanni and the museum Santa Maria de Fiore. Then headed...

Packed up and off to Florence. Navigated the streets of Venice and found the bridge to get to the train station. Organised an earlier train and arrived to accommodation around 3. Lovely train journey through the Brenner Pass in Austria. After settling in got a few supplies from the supermarket and dined in. Planning a big day of Museums the following day

Up early, not as early and so many people already at the square, 40 minute wait for a visit to the Basilica. Opted for a guided tour and after 2 hours of visiting we braved the busy street again Dinner in, before our 35 minute goldola ride, cocktails in a small bar, whiskey shots to top of the night, final packing before our departure to Florence.

Up early to beat the crowds, headed to St Marks square, went up the tower, then into the Doges palace. Amazing views to art work, decor and rooms in the place. After a few hours walking around the palace, had pizza for lunch followed by wine and cake alongside the grand canal. Time for a siesta before another venture to get lost in the streets. Had dinner at a wine bar which allowed for tastings which was great idea. Lovely dinner again, with a take away bottle ...

After a great sleep, up and out to explore the sights of Venice, wandered through the maze of streets, arrived at a Basilica for a visit. Amazing big buildings with elaborate art and decor. Managed to make our way by walking back to the train station, where we brought a tour ticket of the 3 islands, Murano, Burano and Torcello. Lovely 5.5 hours visiting the 3 islands. We watched a glass blowing demonstration where the artisan made a glass horse in 85 seconds, pr...