Jonathan Hart — Firenze e Venezia

Our time in Italy has come to an end.  Although I have high expectations for France, I cannot help but conclude that there will be some things in Italy that we will not experience elsewhere.

Contrasted with the fascinating history of Rome is the tranquil and warm atmosphere of Florence, while Venice can only be described as a unique pocket of individual microcosmic beauty.

After our week in Rome, Florence provided a cleaner and more welcoming environment than that which we had experienced elsewhere so far.  Moving at a slower pace than before, we were able to spend time tasting local food and exploring the markets.  Our ‘eating group’ benefitted from several delicious meals over our three-day stay, fortunately at not too much of a premium over what we have become accustomed to paying.

During our days we had an excursion to Pisa and saw the famous Leaning Tower, as well as its church and baptistery; we also were able to spend time looking at Il Duomo both inside and out, along with mastermind Brunelleschi’s famous dome.  On our final night, Mr Buckingham led us on a night tour along the river and up a hill to see Florence from above.

On Thursday morning we travelled from Florence to Venice by train, and during our day there the famous city was everything I had hoped it would be.  I had never seen anything quite like it, and probably never will again, and the fact that not only is it built on water but also that it is full of such beautiful architecture (and Venetian glass souvenirs!) has truly made it a highlight of the tour.

We first split into six groups and had an orienteering challenge (of sorts) to see which group could arrive at the top of the Rialto Bridge before the others.  For some, this activity was reminiscent of a (shortened) leg of the Amazing Race, and we expected to arrive at the top and be told that we “are the last team to arrive…[and that we have] been eliminated from the Race.”  For others, the challenge was not a race at all, but an excuse to spend as much time in each shop along the way as possible.

In the end, we all got there, and after thirty minutes of photos and shop-exploring, we left for St Mark’s Square, where we explored the museum and basilica before seeing who could find the most expensive item in the nearby shops.  Many items in the tens of thousands were discovered.

In the afternoon, we were able to see Venice by a boat trip along the Grand Canal, before splitting off to do our own shopping and exploring.  The day was concluded with our departure on the overnight train to France.