Murano and Burano

After a quick breakfast, we walked over to the water bus stop near San Marco to catch the boat to Murano, famous for blown glass, and Burano, famous for lacemaking.

Marchesa stayed behind since Il Padrino was still asleep, and shockingly, they made it to Murano just as we got there. They started out later than the rest of us, but maybe by only 20 minutes or so. They were approached at the ferry dock by a gentleman hawking free rides on a boat advertising a glass-blowing factory. While our boat took the slow route, theirs made a bee-line for Murano. Il Padrino thought it was likely a scam and that they were going to be taken out into the lagoon and killed. But much to his surprise, they made it! Of course, the free boat ride was to entice visitors to visit a glass-blowing factory, which our friends avoided. We were pretty sure the boat captain was paid to ferry people over regardless of them buying anything.

Laura, Katia and Giuliana on the island of Murano

We ate lunch at the Osteria al Duomo, a place we'd had lunch a few years ago. It's a big place, and the food was good.

Our group of hungry travelers at Osteria al Duomo. Luckily, beverage service was fast!

After lunch we visited a few shops and found some fun blown-glass souvenirs. Then we were off to the boat dock for the short ride to Burano, famous for lace-making. It's also famous for it's colorful buildings.

On Burano, a view of some of our group from one of the bridges

Colorful buildings on Burano

A storefront on Burano

We wandered down the sidewalks lined with colorful buildings, and checked out a few shops. I believe someone in the group purchased not one, but 2 tablecloths at a shop here, and will remember this island every time she sets her table with those beautiful linens. 

When we got back to San Marco, a few of us decided to go see the cathedral. It was closed to visitors by then, but we were able to go up the Campanile. The sign said it was also closed by  then, but they were still letting people in. 

The tall bell-tower is the Campanile

We had great views from up there.

The bell at the top of the tower

The view from the Campanile, of buildings around Piazza San Marco

From the top of the Campanile, looking toward the island of San Giorgio

This was our last day in Venice, so we had dinner out. We tried to go back to Ai Cugnai, but they were full. The owner said we had been lucky to get in on Easter Sunday. He recommended another place, and it was very good too - San Trovaso , not far from our apartment in Dorsoduro.

The entrance to San Trovaso in the Dorsoduro neighborhood of Venice

The dining room at San Trovaso

We had another great meal with wine and a few desserts for the table to share. The total bill was 284 euros.

Then back to our apartment to pack up. We leave in the morning, with many things in Venice unseen. I guess we'll have to come back! 

Carving on one of the 4 posts of our canopy bed. We gave up comfort for history and elegance!