Under the sea

Arriving into Venice off the train, we were entirely amazed. It was like nowhere either of us had been before! 

After a quick snack, we hopped on the (egregiously priced) vaporetto (bus on water!) over into the heart of Venice - San Marco. 

We explored the floating city, which was absolutely amazing, and after a quick pizza and glass of wine, headed for bed - ready for our early start the next morning.

The next morning, we were up and out by 7:30 in an effort to beat the crowds - it paid off. We were able to explore Venice pretty much alone, with only the occasional local around until the first coach parties started to arrive around 9:30. 

It was magical exploring such a touristy city pretty much all on our own! After a quick brunch, we headed back out, pootling over to the Libreria Acqua Alta, a beautiful bookshop nestled amongst the streets and canals. 

As luck would have it, we were in Venice for Italy's Liberation Day, commemorating the end of Nazi German occupation. We ended up (purely by chance!) following/being followed by the parade through the streets. 

After a brief explore around the Ghetto Ebraico (a historic Jewish ghetto neighborhood), we made our way over to the Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo, a 15th-century palace with ornate spiral staircase.

It was beginning to get really packed by this point, so we ducked into the Teatro La Fenice - Venice's theatre and opera hall. The building burnt down in 1996, and has been carefully rebuilt in the image of its original 1800s style.

It's not as big in real life as it looks in the photos, but it is even more magical.

I then went for a run, exploring the island of Guidecca where we were staying.

And afterwards, we headed back into Venice proper, finishing the Italian-leg with a farewell meal and glass of wine on the square.