When your 18 yo granddaughter (GD) asks you to travel with her to Italy at the end of June of course you say yes. That’s how my longest trip ever began. So, my trip was 5 nights in Italy, 16 nights in Portugal, and 17 nights in the UK. GD and I have traveled together before and both of us have been to various places in Europe, separate and together.
GD was celebrating her graduation from high school by traveling to the Island of Madeira with her mother. Her Portuguese ancestors are from Madeira. GD knew I was researching another trip to Portugal and Scotland, and came up with the idea of starting in Italy with her and then she would meet up with mom on Madeira. We had a very short time in Italy (Venice and Verona) and two nights in Lisbon, PT before GD flew to Madeira.
It was VERY HOT in Italy and Portugal - glad I packed personal fans and bandannas for us.
Venice: June 27-30
Accommodation: Corte Compana: Our hosts, Ricardo and Grace were very welcoming and full of energy to make our first visit to Venice a wonderful experience. Their home has been in Ricardo’s family for generations. He shared the twin room with his brother growing up in Venice. This twin room was posh, ornately decorated as you may expect of an historical Venetian home and the beds were pretty comfortable. There are huge mirrors to play selfie mirror games before setting out each evening. Cool AC and the personalized breakfast was perfect - French pressed coffee got us energized.
Meals that Stood Out:
Rosso Pomodoro- GD’s First Aperol spritz, cool caprese salad and margarita pizza
Wine Bar 5000, delicious spaghetti w/tiny octopus
Activities/Events:
Lido beach time to get over jet lag
San Marco square in the evening w/o crowds; spotting Bezo’s wedding party yacht
Doges Palace secrets tour, too many people
Vaporetto ride on Grand Canal, again, too many people but nice conversation w/Spanish woman
Day trip to Murano, so nice to venture away from the crowds & to reflect on my kitty, Poppy: I purchased a lovely glass kitty cat and GD fell in love with a pretty red beaded bracelet
Water taxi to Isola di San Georgio Maggiore, again, nice to be away from crowds and the breeze at the top of the church was so appreciated
Verona: June 30-July 2
Accommodation: Relais Ristori, the location of the hotel was great as it was near the arena and many churches, the room was very large so we could spread out, the bed was beautiful but uncomfortable-sagged and was lumpy, very good elevator and AC
Meals that Stood Out:
Osteria a La Carega, Stewed horse meat
Mussels, Seafood ravioli
Activities/Events:
Guided Tour of arena
Rested at the cool fountain and park near the arena
Quick view of Juliet’s balcony
Basilica di San Zeno
Walk over Ponte Scaligero, absolutely beautiful
Tour and glass blowing demonstration on Murano