Europe 2010

Day 13		Friday 2nd July

We went to Verona to show Alex and Lia the sights and to investigate the Opera season in the Arena. The Autostrada was very busy and we had the usual difficulty finding parking, eventually parking on a street over the river from the main town.  They were amazed by the Arena and went inside for a tour. We found the Tourist Information office and collected a town map and a leaflet about the Opera. Lunch was eaten in a trattoria in Piazza Bra in front of the Arena. We then continued along towards the Duomo via Piazza Erbe and Juliet’s Balcony. We investigated the Pasticeria by the Duomo, having a much needed cold drink. Then we headed back to the car, drove back along an even more crowded Autostrada, slowing at one point where some smoke was billowing across the road from the railway below. We stopped on the main road from Vicenza to Palazzo Rosso for a beautiful ice cream in Longare. A laze by and in the pool cooled everyone down as it had been a very hot day in Verona. 

Miles Travelled today – 75					Total Trip Miles – 1685

Day 14 		Saturday 3rd July

After a busy day on Friday, we had mostly a day of rest. Lazing by the pool, swimming, and a trip to the supermarket.

Miles travelled today – 29					Total Trip Miles – 1715

Day 15		Sunday 4th July

Today we drove into Vicenza, parked in the underground car park and took the train to Venice. We were ther by 11.00, just in time for a coffee. We walked from the railway station to Piazza San Marco, crossing the Grand Canal at the Station, exploring that area and recrossing at the Rialto Bridge. The area around the Rialto Bridge was crowded as ever. We stopped to view the Contarini Staircase and then continued to San Marco. We joined the queue for the ascent of the Campanile. The views from the top were very good, including a cruise ship. Afterwards, we walked along past the Arsenale and found a café for lunch. Then we walked back to the Doges’ Palace and went in. Next a short visit to the Basilica to view the mosaics. We took a water bus (Vaporetto) back to the railway station and caught the 18.11 train back to Vicenza. Dinner was eaten at the Pizzeria in Lumignano – very good. 

Miles travelled to – 19					Total Trip Miles – 1734.