Time to say goodbye to Venice. Again we were torn between hating to leave, but equally despising the number of tourist groups that totally dominate the St Marc's area. When we stepped outside our hotel, it was literally like trying to cross the road in Hong Kong. You had to 'eye a break in the traffic' move swiftly and target a spot to get to. I am not sure what was scarier - getting collected by a camera wielding, overweight tourist, or actually get carried alon...

Dinner on Saturday night would have to have been the best of the trip so far! How good is 'googling':) This wonderful woman who writes for the Telegraph UK, has lived in Venice for 25 years and knows her food, recommended a place in a 'never could be found without GPS' part of the city. Thank goodness Johno had downloaded his 'city maps' app. It's usefulness may be questionable when it comes to the 'must sees' they recommend, but the location maps are brilliant! ...

Early start, as our check out time on the boat was 9am. Amazingly smooth disembarkation - bags awaiting for us on the wharf, then straight on to a water taxi to take us back to Hotel Paganelli. It was wonderful to stand on the ferry and soak in the beauty of Venice once again. We knew we would be far too early to check in to the hotel, but knew they would welcome us back enthusiastically as we were 'repeat' customers. John and I bounded in the door with a big 'we...

Decided to catch the ferry/taxi as recommended by our hotel man, to the cruise terminal. 30 minutes, a couple of stops - easy! Sadly, not so easy. Seems that there were 3 cruise ships leaving today. Average number of passengers 3000, the majority of which stayed in Venice last night. Therefore you can get a mental image, of how many people , with luggage the size of small trucks, were attempting to catch the taxi to the cruise terminal. It was far from being a pl...

Shower certainly felt good after the train journey, and awoke fresh ready to explore the city. Hotel paganelli is in a great spot. Out of the tranquility of the foyer, into the madness that is the Grand Canal. For those of you who have visited Venice, you will understand what I mean when I say it is amazing and confronting at the same time. So many people in such a small area, but you can get lost in the narrow streets (literally) and feel a world away from the c...