25th Anniversary, Italy, Sept.2009

We arrived on the first Sunday in September, Regatta Storica, note to anyone, "The Grand Canal" is closed from at least lunch to 8 p.m. We had to walk to San Marco's Square which was fine with us. But, I was glad we didn't stay in Venice, as many people had to drag their luggage across the cobble streets to their hotels (no water taxis either). The walk took about an hour, and very interesting as the streets have no rhyme or reason, but "the best way to see Venice is to get lost" I think Rick Steves said this. We paid the €90 for the memorable Gondola ride, best part of Venice for me anyways. We ate dinner across from train in Mestre, in a very small bar "Loni" had a Gyros type of sandwich and "peroni" which both satisfied our hunger and thirst.

For me, this was "window shopping" only.

This was the cleanest hotel in the Mestre area. A short walk to the train, and friendly, helpful staff. The room was clean and comfortable.

bronze horses

SUNDAY only open 2-5
Visit Loggia, walk out onto roof
Church is free, museum 3 euros each (bronze horses.

Open 9:30 - 4:30
$6.00 Euros to ride or walk to the top, beautiful views from there.

Open 9:45-5:00

Was under renovations Sept.2009

This was closed when we got there, it was after 5:00.

Display of boats, couldn't see much due to the crowds. http://www.festivalpig.com/Venice-Regatt…

Disappointed, with all the hoop-la it's talked about, but probably didn't give it a chance.
10:30am - 10:55pm

Just walked by
10-7 T-Sa
Mask store.

10-3, 6-midnight T-Sun

Rialto Bridge