The luxury continues. Steve has us in the Molino Stucky hotel in Venice. As I write this I am overlooking the city from the 8th floor roof top bar. I just had to order a Bellini to fit in with all these young sexy things but while they saunter in European size bikinis (think small) I’m draped in my caftan (tent).
This is our second time to Venice and more of a stopping off spot between Florence and Dolomites. Once you've seen the sights once it's not really necessary to do them again. Even saying that I think you can see Venice in a day and after that it’s shopping through the maze of pedestrian streets and alleyways.
The city is full of beautiful buildings dating back 100s of years. Some the kids noted are tilting. Presumably from where the land is now sinking. The 'must sees' are: Saint Marks Basillica and Square. The Doge Palace and Rialto Bridge. Both Steve and I visited here about 20 years ago and the kids were not interested so this time we didn't go inside the Doge Palace, though I think it's worth it if it's your first time.
Rialto Bridge is currently covered in scaffolding - so kids didn't see much of that , but enjoyed the taxi boat ride, trying to make their way back via the tiny alleyways and the masks and Molino glass. The tooth fairy had to visit Erin while here and she received some Molino glass in lieu of Euros..
The hotel is a lot like Venice itself – a total maze. It’s an old Flour mill opposite the main city, that has been converted. I liked it, not just for the view but also it’s location away from the main island. It meant one had to use the ferries or water taxi just to get off and meant that we had a great trip via the Grand Canal as well as a myriad of smaller ones to get there from the train station.
We ate very well in Venice as we stayed away from the tourist traps and headed into the local area near to the hotel. If you head to Venice I would definitely recommend Stucky!
