A longish drive today from Innsbruck to Venice passing over the Europa bridge (190m high with a bungy jump!) and through the Brenner pass into Italy. The foothills of the Dolomites were stunning in colour with wooded hillsides and many villages, vineyards, apple orchards and castles along the way. The houses are the typical sandy-orange coloured villas you see in pictures- varied in size and state of repair.
Central Venice itself is made up of 117 islands accessed only by water transport – we ferried in by water taxi along the Grand Canal that bisects the city and oohed and aahed at the amazing architecture and sights. A visit to the Murano glass factory followed and then we wandered the central piazza area – San Marco – very hot so enjoyed gelato! We were then treated to a gondola ride through canals complete with accordion and tenor serenade – very impressive. Then a water ferry ride back to bus and hotel for a much needed rest and shower before dinner.
