Venice

When you first see Venice it is hard to believe it is real. You feel like you have stepped into a fairytale. This is one of the classic Venice scenes, looking out from the Piazza San Marco across the bay.

Throughout our trip, Judy and I stayed in Monasteries, which on the whole were quite good and considerably cheaper than hotels. The Venice accommodation was one of the best; the photos below showing why - location, location, location.

We stepped off the Eurostar train from Rome and walked out onto the Grand Canal. This bustling waterway is the main artery of the city with a network of smaller canals branching off in no particular pattern making it an easy place to get lost.

The smaller canals are charming and the water was surprisingly clean. The famous gondolas are quite a sight, although bring your credit card if you want to take a ride!

One of Venice's main attractions is the beautiful Basilica San Marco. Consecrated in 832AD, the intricate facades overlook the Piazza, their detail quite stunning.

Venice was a great experience and definitely a place to visit if you get the chance, just ask Judy!

Rome

It is hard to describe the feeling of walking through the ancient streets of Rome and seeing some of the most famous historical sites in the world. My sister Judy and I were fortunate to experience this on out trip to Europe in June.

Our hotel was near one of the best of them all - the magnificent Colosseum.

From the Colosseum it is a short stroll to the Roman Forum. It is hard to believe that Caesar once walked here and addressed his people.

The Pantheon is tucked away amongst the back alleys.

Trevi Fountain and The Spanish Stairs are two more of Rome's landmarks

Rome is also home to The Vatican and the enormous Basilica of St. Peter. This first blog of our European adventure finishes with some pictures inside and outside St. Peter's.