July 26-28- Verona, Venice, Home

On Friday, we headed to Abano Terme, stopping in Verona. What a beautiful city! We visited the Arena of Verona, a Roman amphitheatre built in the first century.  Even today, large-scale opera performances, like Aida, Carmen, etc. are held there.  We heard that it will be used for the closing ceremony of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo.  

We also visited Juliet's balcony.  Thousands of tourists make their way through the narrow archway into the courtyard to view this famous balcony.  Attached to the walls leading to the balcony are thousands of love notes from couples.  There is a bronze statue of Juliet in the courtyard, and it is said that anyone who touches the right breast of Juliet will find true love.

We visited Venice, the Serenissima on Saturday.  We took the ferry and within 20 minutes, we were in the enchanting Piazza San Marco. We learned about St. Mark's Basilica, the doges, the Bridge of Sighs, the Venetian carnival, masks, glass blowing, etc.  It was a beautiful day and there were many tourists. Students had time to explore the winding roads that lead to Piazza San Marco, and to finish off their shopping. Most of our students went on a gondola ride. Thanks to our Nonna Teresa, they got a good deal!  Our ferry ride back to the bus was an adventure. It was pouring rain and we all got drenched.  Students enjoyed this too!!!

OUr farewell dinner was at Al Bosco Ristorante- a beautiful restaurant in the country just outside Abano Terme.  The food was amazing- prosciutto, parmigiano, figs, zucchini flowers, gnocchi, roast beef and lemon cake.  We all had a great time and what a perfect way to end our journey together. 

On Sunday, the group returns back home.  Thank you 2019 Summer Credit Tuscany Students!  You were fantastic and we wish you a successful 2019-20 school year.  Enjoy the rest of your summer!