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A Wonderful 18 Nights in Venice and Sicily
Hi everyone. Posting some thoughts and photos on my trip to Venice and Sicily from last August and early September. This was my 5th trip to Italy and 3rd time to Venice but my first visit to Sicily. In total, I spent 6 night in Venice, including a day trip to Padua to meet up with my brother and two of his daughters, one of whom has been doing graduate work in Italy for the past year and will be interning at a winery in Alto Adige very soon, and then 12 nights in Sicily.
Overall, I visited Venice, Padua, Siracusa, Noto, Catania, Villa Romana del Casale, Caltagirone, Taormina and Palermo. I had planned all the time to also hit Agrigento (only a two hour train ride from Palermo) but by the time I got to that part of my trip, it was day 16 and I decided last minute that I more needed to sleep in than to visit Greek temples. :) My top impressions from this trip: 1. It had been 18 years since my last visit to Venice and this one was by far my favorite. There are some personal reason behind some of that but this time, Venice just seemed even more beautiful than I remembered it. I also made it a point to rent an AirBnB in San Polo which allowed me to see more of the “real Venice” away from the tourist throngs in San Marco and Dorsoduro. 2. Padua is charming. The Basilica is beautiful and the Scrovegni Chapel is truly stunning. I could have spent an hour there easily but one gets only 15 minutes. No more, no less. 3. Delicious food can be found in Venice if you get out of the tourist areas. And I discovered the wines of Miani at Bancogiro, an upscale wine bar behind the Rialto market. Miani wines are stunning! 4. The Basilica San Marco is one of the most spectacular buildings on earth. ‘Nuff said. 5. Sicily is not easy travel due to the heat of August/September along with distances between sites. But it was visually, aurally and gastronomically stimulating at all times! 6 The mosaics in Palermo’s Capella Palatina, La Mortadana and in the Monreale Cathedral rival (and maybe even top) those in Istanbul and Ravenna. 7. Catania is very underrated as a travel destination and I loved it. Standing on the roof of Sant’Agata della Badia and hearing Etna explode in the distance behind the clouds was truly memorable. 8. Hiking Mt. Etna for a couple of hours was very enjoyable. 9. I was a bit underwhelmed with the mosaics at the Villa Romana del Casale but an still very glad I went. 10. I loved when I’d interact with Italians who did not speak English because it gave me 100% opportunity to practice my Italian. I’m not fluent but I’m pretty good and too often I’d meet Italians who’d reply back to me in English so that they could practice their English. 11. Palermo has an extraordinary number of beautify churches, filled not only with mosaics but many with beautiful Baroque architecture. 12. Wandering the Balaro market in Palermo was great fun. Italy is truly an incredible country that’s would take years to fully explore. The food, the wine, the history, the art and architecture and the passions of its people are things all travelers need to experience at least once and preferably, multiple times. I know I will be back in the not too distant future for trip 6. Here are some photos that I hope you enjoy. https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...0ea02375d.jpeg Basilica di San Marco, one of the most beautiful buildings on Earth! https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...3c485ae48.jpeg Beautiful mosaic of the transportation of St. Mark’s body from Alexandria (Egypt, not Minnesota!) to Venice. https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...6552ed23d.jpeg St. Mark’s Square https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...9fce61d49.jpeg Campanile https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...a680bf47a.jpeg The entrance to the Grand Canal from the top of the Campanille. https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...9ae5ebc04.jpeg Veal with Tuna Sauce. (Note: I generally oppose eating veal for ethical reasons but it’s a famous dish of northern Italy. And it was delicious. https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...e278469bf.jpeg Stunning Murano glass chandelier inside the Ca’ Rezzonico. https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...14ebc1f82.jpeg Rialto Bridge https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...e6de7cad0.jpeg Padua’s Palzzo delle Ragione. Inside on the ground floor are all shorts of fun food shops. https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...8750d104d.jpeg Basilica Sant’Ambrogio. . Padua. https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...4632e846d.jpeg Tomb of St. Anthony inside his basilica in Padua https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...4b59ef312.jpeg Meeting up with my brother (seated) and two of his girls in Padua. https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...664392705.jpeg The breathtaking Cappella degli Scrovegni in Padua. The walls are filled with incredible frescoes by Giotto. https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...bf8059ee4.jpeg Jesus warns Mary Magdalene to not touch him after his Resurrection. Capella degli Scrovegni. https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...dbf24e7df.jpeg Sunset over San Polo from my rooftop terrace in Venice. https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...86ff1a839.jpeg San Giorgio Maggiore from the vaporetto. https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...24671854f.jpeg Grand Canal https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...7f37496e4.jpeg Cool palazzo with what sure looks like gold leaf decorations. https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...bfee856e3.jpeg Incredible Miani wine with tuna tartare. Bancogiro in Venice. https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...1e0ea3ab9.jpeg King Scallops, octopus and assorted seafood in a shop window the Cannoneggio sestiere in Venice. . |
BTW, I’ll post some of my favorite Sicily photos shortly.
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Nice report, thank you! My fingers are crossed that I’ll be in Venice at the end of October. I just googled the Miani wine and - wow- it’s very expensive! But maybe I was looking at the price here in the US. Did you find it expensive?
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Hi Minnbeef, thank you for your sharing your trip with us. After seeing your pictures of Venice, I wished I included a stop there. I am currently in Lake Como.
Your pictures are beautiful, Italy is truly an amazing country! |
Thank you for posting! I love Venice, and I think I love it more every time I go back! Your pictures want me to book a plane ticket right now!
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Sighing for Italy. Thanks MinnBeef. Nice pix.
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Originally Posted by tracilee
(Post 17289934)
Nice report, thank you! My fingers are crossed that I’ll be in Venice at the end of October. I just googled the Miani wine and - wow- it’s very expensive! But maybe I was looking at the price here in the US. Did you find it expensive?
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Originally Posted by cafegoddess
(Post 17289948)
Hi Minnbeef, thank you for your sharing your trip with us. After seeing your pictures of Venice, I wished I included a stop there. I am currently in Lake Como.
Your pictures are beautiful, Italy is truly an amazing country! |
Originally Posted by ToujoursVoyager
(Post 17289963)
Thank you for posting! I love Venice, and I think I love it more every time I go back! Your pictures want me to book a plane ticket right now!
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Originally Posted by TDudette
(Post 17289981)
Sighing for Italy. Thanks MinnBeef. Nice pix.
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Adding in some of my favorite Sicily photos.
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...4a668bd4c.jpeg Ravioli with Baby Shrimp and Jumbo Prawns in a Pumpkin Sauce. Siracusa. https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...813756d98.jpeg Beautiful Siracusa Duomo. https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...41054e985.jpeg Joining the Siracusans on their evening passeggiata https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...a7df0bcb6.jpeg Fresh swordfish for sale at the Ortigia market. Siracusa https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...72b7452e6.jpeg Looking out over the gorgeous baroque city of Noto. https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...b95f38ffc.jpeg Noto Cathedral https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...058aef502.jpeg La Pescheteria (fish market). Catania. https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...1375c6666.jpeg Sea urchins for sale at La Pescheteria. https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...af2988c63.jpeg The famous “Umbrella Street” of Catania. https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...0077d33a1.jpeg Prickly pear fruit is in season in Sicily https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...8698cbfca.jpeg Sicilian puppets for sale in Catania. https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...2349c01d9.jpeg Mount Etna erupts over the vineyards right before we begin our hike. https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...812b9bb71.jpeg Hiking Mt, Etna https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...b8d2569d8.jpeg Skyline of the interior town of Piazza Armerina https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...6809a3cea.jpeg One of the many detailed floor mosaics at the Villa Romana del Casale https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...5f8eaa2cd.jpeg The famed ceramic tiled steps of Caltagirone https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...9c7127552.jpeg Tile detail. https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...691a4687d.jpeg Looking out over Catania’s Piazza del Duomo https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...872f7d137.jpeg You can’t hear it but trust me, Mt. Etna is loudly erupting behind those clouds. Catania https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...3aa354597.jpeg St. Agatha stands guard over her city from the top of the Duomo on a steamy night in the gritty but delightful city of Catania. https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...89a958450.jpeg Piazza Bellini, featuring Catania’s grand opera house https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...0b338697d.jpeg The water is naturally freezing cold at the bottom of the Alcantara Gorge https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...8dc6388d1.jpeg Looking out over the harbor of Taormina https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...0048535a2.jpeg The sun breaks through for a moment just before sunset over Taormina’s 2000 year old Teatro Greco https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...70162a445.jpeg Beach day at Isola Bella. Taormina https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...b7bef41c3.jpeg One half of the Quattro Canti (Four Corners). Arguable the symbol of Palermo https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...fbc45f88a.jpeg The over the top baroque splendor of Santa Catarina church. Palermo https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...b967940d8.jpeg If you’ve seen The Godfather Part III, you’ll recognize Palermo’s Teatro Massimo opera house. https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...e0df8176b.jpeg Palermo Cathedral https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...34d2bb119.jpeg The sentiment runs strong in Palermo and understandably so. https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...a2f6dd2c2.jpeg Stunning mosaics inside Palermo’s La Mortorana chuch. https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...625cda494.jpeg Death of the Virgin. La Mortorana https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...f019b3c2e.jpeg 17th century Italian rickshaw inside Palermo’s Palazzo Normanni https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...c258c62b2.jpeg Your jaw will drop the moment you enter inside Palermo’s Capella Pallatina https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...38724c56e.jpeg Sta. Peter and Paul stand in judgment in front of Nero. Capella Pallatina https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...111dc552a.jpeg A Sicilian Spritz, made with limoncello instead of aperol. Super refreshing on a hot and humid afternoon in Palermo. https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...e7341c9ba.jpeg Archway in Palermo https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...6186ca3db.jpeg Looking over the Palermo skyline from the roof of the Cathedral https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...ef6e46518.jpeg Ballaro market in Palermo https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...dc598f6bd.jpeg I paid $3.50 for these vacuum-packed sun dried tomatoes at the Ballaro market that would have cost me $12 here at home https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...98a14613d.jpeg The beautiful alter and mosaic of Christ Pantocrator inside the Cathedral of Monreale https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...66a4fa31f.jpeg Farewell Palermo and Sicily! |
I have been to Venice a few times in recent years (pre-pandemic) after not having been in about a decade. Despite people saying Venice is no good for food, that hasn't been my experience at all. There's a terrific food scene there now, but yes, you need to do some research and sometimes go a little off the beaten path. I had a great lunch at Bancogiro (which is central) in 2019, so thanks for reminding me!
Loved Sicily and hope to return some day--looking forward to your photos. ETA: You posted your Sicily photos while I was typing. Gorgeous! Thanks. |
Originally Posted by Leely2
(Post 17290119)
I have been to Venice a few times in recent years (pre-pandemic) after not having been in about a decade. Despite people saying Venice is no good for food, that hasn't been my experience at all. There's a terrific food scene there now, but yes, you need to do some research and sometimes go a little off the beaten path. I had a great lunch at Bancogiro (which is central) in 2019, so thanks for reminding me!
Loved Sicily and hope to return some day--looking forward to your photos. ETA: You posted your Sicily photos while I was typing. Gorgeous! Thanks. |
Thanks for the report and the fabulous pics! We'll be in Venice at the end of this week!
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Originally Posted by annw
(Post 17290159)
Thanks for the report and the fabulous pics! We'll be in Venice at the end of this week!
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Thanks MinnBeef, I will be on the lookout for the wine!
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Thanks for posting MinnBeef... I am planning a trip to Sicily. and your pics have enforced this. I just need to wait until we Australians are allowed out of the country.
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MinnBeef, many thanks for the stunning pictures and TR. Venice is undoubtedly a gem, we have made multiple visits over the last 40 years and the spell still enchants…
Sicily is on the agenda for late spring next year, have been to parts of the east, but this time want to tour longer and in greater detail. Your pictures just whet my appetite…😊 |
I fear I’m never going to get to Sicily, so thanks for sharing - this might have to do!
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Great photos MinnBeef! I am glad you enjoyed your trip.
I just left Catania yesterday for Rome. Last week, Etna blew a giant mass of volcanic sand/rock thousands of meters into the air. The ground was covered in it, walking on it sounds like walking on corn flakes. I have seen Etna many times but never this. I agree Catania is underrated and Palermo was so full of garbage this time.. I hope they can get it together. if you can ever go back to Padova, get a ‘double turn” ticket for the Scrovegni chapel. They only do it at night. You can be inside for 40 minutes. I did it once and it was two groups of people for fifteen minutes but I was the only double turn. So for ten glorious minutes I was COMPLETELY ALONE in the chapel. It was so amazing.. still gives me chills to think about it. I’ll check out that wine next time I am in Venezia. |
Originally Posted by millie2112
(Post 17290222)
Thanks for posting MinnBeef... I am planning a trip to Sicily. and your pics have enforced this. I just need to wait until we Australians are allowed out of the country.
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Originally Posted by geetika
(Post 17290227)
MinnBeef, many thanks for the stunning pictures and TR. Venice is undoubtedly a gem, we have made multiple visits over the last 40 years and the spell still enchants…
Sicily is on the agenda for late spring next year, have been to parts of the east, but this time want to tour longer and in greater detail. Your pictures just whet my appetite…😊 |
Originally Posted by Adelaidean
(Post 17290230)
I fear I’m never going to get to Sicily, so thanks for sharing - this might have to do!
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Originally Posted by rialtogrl
(Post 17290234)
Great photos MinnBeef! I am glad you enjoyed your trip.
I just left Catania yesterday for Rome. Last week, Etna blew a giant mass of volcanic sand/rock thousands of meters into the air. The ground was covered in it, walking on it sounds like walking on corn flakes. I have seen Etna many times but never this. I agree Catania is underrated and Palermo was so full of garbage this time.. I hope they can get it together. if you can ever go back to Padova, get a ‘double turn” ticket for the Scrovegni chapel. They only do it at night. You can be inside for 40 minutes. I did it once and it was two groups of people for fifteen minutes but I was the only double turn. So for ten glorious minutes I was COMPLETELY ALONE in the chapel. It was so amazing.. still gives me chills to think about it. I’ll check out that wine next time I am in Venezia. Thanks for the tip on the Capella degli Scovegni. That must have been incredible having the whole place to yourself. I’m jealous! |
Your wonderful pictures make me miss Venice (last visit was 2012) and Sicily (visited in 2017) more than ever. We stayed a block away from the "Four Corners" in Palermo and liked the neighborhood a lot. Thanks for posting.
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Originally Posted by john183
(Post 17290483)
Your wonderful pictures make me miss Venice (last visit was 2012) and Sicily (visited in 2017) more than ever. We stayed a block away from the "Four Corners" in Palermo and liked the neighborhood a lot. Thanks for posting.
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A few more favorite photos that I managed to originally overlook:
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...bdee1cb2d.jpeg Archangel Michael slays the dragon. Basilica di San Marco https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...93b54016d.jpeg Isola di San Giorgio Maggiore from the top of the Campanille https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...f5b6dcf88.jpeg Bridge of Sighs https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...dc3407926.jpeg Recovery of St.Mark’s Body from Alexandria. Accademia Gallery. Venice https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...fca029898.jpeg The Magi Worshipping the Baby Jesus while Halley’s Comet passes over. Fresco by Giotto. Capella degli Scrovegni https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...d37487249.jpeg Piazzetta di San Marco from the water https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...6096590ef.jpeg A gourmet’s delight. Truffle products store. Canareggio sestiere. Venice https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...4f4ee505e.jpeg Siracua’s Piazza del Duomo https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...646108aba.jpeg I got this fresh oyster and a glass of fizz for just 2.5 euro at the Ortigia market https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...10d962ed9.jpeg Noto https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...6bdc6b40f.jpeg Palazzo Municipale. Noto https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...e6f3cd4ba.jpeg Hiking in a lava cave. Mt. Etna https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...cb7a3b81a.jpeg Sunset over Piazza del Duomo. Catania. https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...c3b8ace8a.jpeg Mosaic of Jesus crowning the Sicilian king, Roger II. La Mortorana church. Palermo https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...6b04717f6.jpeg Melanzane for sale in the Balaro market. (My Grandma from Naples called these “mullanjohn”. (Sp?????) https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...5d9eee396.jpeg The story of Noah and the Ark. L-R: Building the ark, Loading the animals, The Flood, Ark comes to rest on Mt. Ararat, The rainbow covenant with God. Monreale cathedral |
Originally Posted by MinnBeef
(Post 17290478)
Wow that would have been pretty incredible to have been in Catania when that happened? Was it scary or more cool?
Thanks for the tip on the Capella degli Scovegni. That must have been incredible having the whole place to yourself. I’m jealous! |
MinnBeef, your report and photos brought back especially cherished memories of our family trip to Sicily—thank you!
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Originally Posted by bon_voyage
(Post 17290752)
MinnBeef, your report and photos brought back especially cherished memories of our family trip to Sicily—thank you!
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Oh my gosh, Minn, these photos are beautiful! I have been thinking more and more about a trip to Sicily but had not done much “visual” research, and now it is firmly on my list. Sooooo much to see and experience.
BTW, though all of the mosaics photos are wonderful, for some reason when I saw the one of the hikers in the cave it really caught my attention. I don’t know if it was the quality of the light, the composition, the way one of the figures was blurred, or what - but I really liked it. It seemed timeless. thank you! |
Originally Posted by Iwan2go
(Post 17290978)
Oh my gosh, Minn, these photos are beautiful! I have been thinking more and more about a trip to Sicily but had not done much “visual” research, and now it is firmly on my list. Sooooo much to see and experience.
BTW, though all of the mosaics photos are wonderful, for some reason when I saw the one of the hikers in the cave it really caught my attention. I don’t know if it was the quality of the light, the composition, the way one of the figures was blurred, or what - but I really liked it. It seemed timeless. thank you! |
Thank you, nice report!!
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Hey MinnBeef, I love, love, love your photos! I’m so glad you got back to Venice. Our trip there last year was definitely our favorite as well. I agree with you about the mosaics in Monreale. Unreal! We’ve never been to Catania, but adding to our list. Thanks for posting!
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Hey MinnBeef,
Thank you for such lovely pictures. It's like a mini trip to Venice which is very tempting and pushing me to book my tickets for Venice and have fun around. |
Wonderful report, MinnBeef, and gorgeous photos. They brought back so many memories! Sicily is my favorite place in the world and it looks like you saw many of the highlights. I have been there 5 times so far and have never seen Etna in action! It has always been asleep during my visits so you were very fortunate to see some activity. I know it has been very busy in the past two years - just when I was unable to travel due to Covid!! BTW, you are the only other person I know - besides me - who was underwhelmed by the mosaics at Piazza Armerina. I even went back a second time, several years after my first visit, to see if I felt differently from a more "adult" perspective, but no. :( Anyway, if you go back to Sicily be sure to see the temples - not just at Agrigento but at Segesta and Selinunte as well. The Greek ruins in Sicily are more impressive than those in Greece!
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It was a pleasure to read your post! Venice is one of my favorite cities and your pictures have me making plans to visit right now!
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Originally Posted by donghothongminhcahe
(Post 17291229)
Thank you, nice report!!
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Originally Posted by russ_in_LA
(Post 17291239)
Hey MinnBeef, I love, love, love your photos! I’m so glad you got back to Venice. Our trip there last year was definitely our favorite as well. I agree with you about the mosaics in Monreale. Unreal! We’ve never been to Catania, but adding to our list. Thanks for posting!
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Originally Posted by wanderinglia10
(Post 17291250)
Hey MinnBeef,
Thank you for such lovely pictures. It's like a mini trip to Venice which is very tempting and pushing me to book my tickets for Venice and have fun around. |
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