A Bittersweet Farewell to Venice and Beyond
It’s our last day exploring, and my heart is BROKEN. If I could just keep traveling forever, I probably would. For 7 of the last 9 months, I’ve been on the go, and this marks my last trip for a few months. I’m not going to lie—I might actually cry. 😢
We started the day with a train ride to Venezia via Milano and arrived just in time to lose ourselves in the magic of this city. After hopping on some public transit—a boat, naturally—we took in the stunning scenery of Venice, wandering the endless canals and charming streets for a few hours before our scheduled tour.
One of the highlights was catching a glimpse of the Bridge of Sighs—often called the Bridge of Love. Its graceful arches and storied past made for a perfect snapshot of Venice’s romantic allure.
Our first adventure took us to Doge's Palace. We meandered through the main square, indulged in some gelato (because, Italy), and just let ourselves explore—until hunger called. Then it was time for the next part of our day: a boat tour to Murano, Torcello, and Burano.
Here’s how it all went down:
Exploring Murano, Torcello, and Burano by Boat 🚤
We boarded a motorboat and set off across the Venetian Lagoon to our first stop, the island of Murano—a collection of small isles dissected by a wide canal. Disembarking, we strolled through Murano with our guide, taking in the island’s charm.
Our first stop was a glass factory where we watched a glassblower in action, crafting beautiful pieces of glassware—a Murano tradition since 1291. Our guide shared the island’s history, especially its peak during the 1400s and 1500s when Murano was the epicenter of glassmaking in Europe. We also admired the island’s churches, adorned with mosaics and other ornamental details. (Side note: it was HOT in there!)
Next up was Torcello, an island with deep historical roots, established between the 5th and 6th centuries. Torcello felt quiet and almost untouched, with only a few inhabitants remaining today.
Our final stop was Burano, known for its lace production dating back to the 16th century, once the finest in Europe. We explored local shops and a museum showcasing high-end lace and couldn’t help but marvel at the island’s brightly-colored fishermen’s houses. The vibrant hues of Burano were simply breathtaking, making this part of the tour an absolute highlight.
We ended the tour with a serene boat ride back to Venice.
Final Moments in Venice 🌅
After returning to our hotel to drop off our bags and chill for a bit, we set out again to soak up the last bits of Venice. We wandered through more alleys and canals, watching as the sun set over the city—a sight that’s truly unlike any other.
Our farewell dinner was perfect, offering a final taste of Italy before heading back to our hotel for a quick nap. With a 2 a.m. wake-up call looming, it was time to head back to Paris and then home.
Reflections on the Journey 🌍✈️
It’s trips like these that make me truly appreciate the world around us and all the unique experiences each place has to offer. I’m so lucky to be able to explore new places, try new activities, and travel the world on my own terms.
These journeys inspire me, give me hope, and reassure me that I can handle challenges as they come. I’ve learned a lot about France, Monaco, Switzerland, and Italy—but I’ve also learned so much more about myself.