It was very difficult to figure out which pictures to share since they all are amazing and meaningful.  Here are just a few.  We started in Venice, the place I was most excited to see.

A view from our hotel

So much to see when riding on the "water taxi"

There were gondoliers everywhere!

The old buildings and architecture were so beautiful, they almost didn't seem real.

We said goodbye to our handsome/helpful concierge and were on our way to Florence!

Florence is breathtaking!!

We visited the amazing statue of David  - your "not permitted" to take photos -  oops......

One of my most favorite things about Florence was shopping - the leather items were marvelous!

I saw and took photos of so many beautiful doors.

This one took 27 years to finish

The detail of the buildings and churches is mind blowing!

Onward to Pisa to see my dear cousin (and the leaning tower)

He lived on 5 acres in Tuscany with olive and fig trees, kiwi, pomegranite and every herb you can imagine

After a wonderful stay in Tuscany - we were off to Sicily.  Stay tuned for Part 3