How very true. We fell in love with Italy a few years ago. We haven’t visited the lakes yet, but they are on the list.
I guess Italy was magic I met my late wife at an Italian evening class.
Brilliant - can you still master the language?
Not so good now-it fades without use. I can get by but not what it was in 1999. I still have courses up to advanced sitting silently that I will use if I ever go back. I went to Sicily last year on a singles trip and was accused by some as being a snob because I spoke Italian-oh well
Funny that you should mention Sicily, because we have booked up to go there in July. I told you that we loved the place.
We have a cd’s on Italian and still haven’t gotten round to listening to them yet 
Just because you can speak Italian, how on Earth does that you a snob? Some people can be a real pita
You will love Sicily but be warned it can get pretty hot in July. And yes the mafia do exist but they put it about that nobody should mess with tourists,tourists bring in money .
Gasman
The lovely canal side restaurant is called “Pizzaria Ristorante Povoledo”
Is just on the right hand side once you have walked past the railway stations right in amongst the shops, extremely easy to miss.
Look for the Hotel Bell Epoque on the left next to Trattoria Bella Venezia and the Povoledo is just opposite. Do not be scared or reticent to go in as it looks dark and dingy from this side. As I said, they will walk you right through and out the other side where you are right on the canal side and can have a great lunch watching the boats go by. It makes for a lovely occasion. And don’t forget the Aperol Spritz’s !
Many thanks Stephan, we will definitely try that one and raise a glass to you
I’ll post another thread about Sicily nearer the time - many thanks
Stephan?
Older Git… 
Italy is beautiful.
I’ve created a map for you Gasman though the forum restrictions sadly limit its size so not sure how readable it is.
The blue line is the basic walking route though mostly you’ll just be following signs to “San Marco” (St Marks).
When you get to St Marks you can either hop on a vaporetto and take a trip down the canal back to Piazzale Roma or just walk back via your own route at your leisure.
http://www.over50sforum.com/picture.php?albumid=809&pictureid=8182
I can assure you though if you take this walking route you will have a lovely day and take in a great deal of the side streets and shops and stalls.
I couldn’t do that with my singing voice - Venice would just close!!!
I’m sure that I am going mad - sorry 
I went to Rome and Venice last autumn. I had a very small bag on a shoulder strap which I kept UNDER my coat. The water taxis can be confusing when you first arrive and there’s often a crush of people, and the woman who put her hand into my larger bag was upset not to find my purse and even more upset when I threatened to push her into the Grand Canal!
If you can manage it, you really should have a meal in St Marks Square. Also a Gondola Ride, preferably with a serenader.
I booked some trips with Viator which allow you to explore the city with a guide and can be well worth while.
Enjoy…
Thanks for the tips Lindyloo and we have used Viator a few times now. Good company and always deliver.
I was in Venice week before last Gasman… it was wonderful and actually it wasn’t as expensive as I was lead to believe lots of restaurants all in competition we found prices similar to at home… our hotel was the Hotel Principe on the Grand Canal so we walked mostly but we did buy the three day Vaporetto (Public water bus) passes for 40 Euros each which were well worth it, Water Taxis are very expensive.
As well as seeing the usual sights make sure you go to the Jewish quarter which is where the word ghetto originated we found that whole section very interesting.
Try the local drink speciality Aperol Spritz… blinkin gorgeous;-) Actually I know folks say don’t sit down in St Mark’s Square but we reckoned we should push the boat out I didn’t eat but my hubby had a Pizza and two beers I had two Aperol spritz the bill was 70 euros. We did sit there all afternoon though and I don’t regret a penny of it.
One last tip the cafes with live music cost more so choose a café close by you still hear the music but the cost is much lower. Have a great time… wish I were going again
Glad to hear that you had a good time Summer and many thanks for the tips
It’s our first time there, so lot’s of walking and boat rides for us. Not to mention copious lovely food and wine.
Looks like that’s a second vote for the Aperol Spritzes Gasman. Told you didn’t I 
I couldn’t contemplate sitting in a restaurant on the canal side in the warm sun and not having an Aperol Spritz to top it off. It just has to be done. And when you get the bug for them, you’ll be pleased to know Aperol has found its way to the UK in the past 2-3 years and can be easily bought in some supermarkets and most wine merchants, then all you need is a few bottles of nice prosecco and some soda water, job done. All set for summer then. Bring on the barbies !