Wow, the Bella Italia tour has begun with a bang!!

Just as I was saying farewell to one group, a new one arrived into Venice.  The Bella Italia tour group met in the lobby of Hotel Ala for a meet and greet on Sunday.  I have some returning tour members and it was wonderful to say hello to Fred and Cynthia from New Jersey again.  There was also Joe returning from Philadelphia with his wife Cheryl.  Jeff and Marlene hail from New York while Kevin and Janet are here from Canada.  It did not take long for everyone to get to know each other.  We then headed out for a little walking tour to visit a few sights before our dinner at Vino Volo.  We sat in a lovely courtyard and enjoyed a round of Bellinis, a drink created in Venice at Harry's Bar.  They are made with Prosecco and white peach juice.  A perfect drink for a welcome toast to Venice.  Dinner was also very delicious and a great way for everyone to visit and start getting to know each other. 

On Monday we did wake to a bit of rain, but we headed out anyway and were lucky enough to have the rain let up enough for us to make our visit to St. Mark's and make the steep climb up to the Terrace Museum.  We were able to take in that amazing view of St. Mark's Square and the lagoon before the heavens opened up and the rain poured.  Luckily that was the perfect time for everyone to visit inside the museum and see the Bronze Horses, one of the many treasures of this church.  These horses are from the 2nd century AD and have traveled all over the world.  They never cease to amaze me. 

Next, we walked over to the Rialto Bridge hoping to visit the Tedacio terrace, but due to the weather, it was closed.  We then crossed the bridge and walked around the commercial are of Venice.  Even though the markets were closed on Monday, it was interesting to visit the 17th century Fish Market building.  It is definitely the prettiest fish market building that I have ever seen.  We then found a great little pizza place and sat down and enjoyed a nice lunch. 

Afterwards there was free time for everyone to enjoy Venice to the max.  Jeff and Marlene opted for a tour to the islands of Murano and Burano.  Several of the others visited some of the fine museums in Venice and were able to take that Gondola ride.  We met for our official "Welcome dinner" at Da Raffaelle.  I love this restaurant!  The food is always fresh and delicious and the service is unmatched anywhere in Venice.  By the time the Limoncello arrived, the Bella Italia tour was on its way to an amazing start. 

Yesterday, we said farewell to Venezia and boarded a water taxi to pick up the van and continue our trek through Italy.  We headed to Firenze or Florence, the capital of Tuscany, always a favorite.  We made a quick stop at Piazzalle Michelangelo located high above the city of Florence.  Seeing the city from this point always is a "wow" moment for most first time visitors.  We then made the crazy drive into Florence and checked into the Hotel Pendini located right in the middle of everything.  We walked through the Renaissance streets and piazzas of one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.  Florence's Duomo (the cathedral of Santa Maria dei Fiori) is truly one of the most majestic in all of Italy.  Its huge red dome seems to be always visible no matter where you are in the city. 

After time to take in much of the art and architecture in Florence we made our way to the Museo Accademia to visit one of the world's most famous sculptures, Michelangelo's "David".  Even though we had just seen the replica that stands in the original location where David stood for almost 350 years in Piazza Signoria, seeing the "real thing" was fantastico!  David never fails to amaze his visitors.  Michelangelo was truly a master artist and there will be several of his masterpieces seen during the tour. 

Afterwards, there was some free time before we enjoyed our first Tuscan dinner together at Il Latini.  This Florentine landmark restaurant has been serving up Tuscan favorites family style for years.  All of the appetizers, pastas, soups, meats, vegetables and desserts were enjoyed by all.  The wine and Limoncello were pretty yummy as well.  It was a nice way to also celebrate the 30th anniversary of Jeff and Marlene.  What a super place for a celebration!  Salute!!

Today, was also a fantastic day for all as we began the day with a visit to the Central Market led by Chef Walter from the Chefactory Cooking School.  Walter was full of information as he led everyone around the market tasting Basalmico, cheese, truffles, olive oils and more.  He explained all about the process of producing many of these worldwide famous Italian products and how they are regulated and protected.  It was very interesting.  It also helps one realize why so many of these products are quite expensive. 

After all this fun in the market it was time for the cooking class.  I left the group wearing their new aprons, looking spiffy and ready to cook.  After the class everyone had time to shop and I know a few were heading back to the San Lorenzo market to do just that.  I cannot wait to hear all about the class, as I know it is always a favorite adventure on my tours.

I was lucky enough to be able to join some former tour members, Donna and Patti, who were visiting Florence from the St. Louis area.  This is one the nicest things about Italy With Friends tours.  Meeting wonderful people from all over the world and perhaps meeting up with them again in Italy or in the US to enjoy a glass of wine together. 

Tomorrow we say farewell to Florence and move deeper into the magical Tuscan countryside.  I will see you in a few days with more adventures of the Bella Italia tour.  Ciao, Suzan