Another- albeit bleak and cold - day in Venice. But this did not dampen our resolve to see more of the sights and do a little shopping. We set off by River Bus this morning for a demonstration of glass blowing and sculpting at a Murano glass factory. It is believed that Murano glassmaking originated in 8th century Rome, with significant Asian and Muslim influences, as Venice was a major trading port. Murano's reputation as a center for glassmaking was born when ...

On the road again heading to the Basilica of Sant'Apollinare at Classe in the Provence of Ravenna (one of Italy's oldest active churches) then onto Venice. Every moment is an event- as we were getting ready to board the coach in the morning Allen saw the Pope's chopper fly over on his way to Assisi. He hadn't realised what he was seeing until the locals told him. The Basilica of Saint Apollinare in Classe is an important monument of Byzantine art. UNESCO cited...