This was one of my favorites on my recent trip. Not so much for the art inside (fairly typical…read moreItalian paintings, sculptures, etc.), but mainly for the building itself. The Ca d'Oro is one of Venice's most breathtaking architectural offerings and this museum lets you go inside and have a glimpse of what it was like to be there long ago. The inside rooms are now art gallery spaces, but you get access to both the 1st and 2nd floor terraces with their fabulous views of the Grand Canal. And you get to explore the ground floor portico with its magnificent mosaic work, garden, and view of the canal.

If you ever find yourself In the Veneto, this is a must see…read more The Veneto region is brimming with Palladian villas. They come in all sizes. They're beautiful works of art from the brain of the master himself, Palladio. He inspired Jefferson's Monticello. (Copied but that's neither here no there.) The Villa Pisani at Stra is amazing because of the extensive restoration work that has taken place. It dumbfounded me to think that at some point a family lived here and there were persons responsible for the daily operations of such a large estate. The real gem of this villa though is the fully functional and operational labyrinth. I had a blast trying maneuver and find my way in and out. It was definitely worth the trip!

Very much enjoyed the quiet and magnificence of this palace turned museum; however, two issues:…read moreaudio tour was difficult to follow from room to room with using a decimal point and title system and poor signage, and no place to sit, despite ample space! On our feet for a full three hours unless seated on the stairs between floors apologizing to other navigating between floors. Otherwise wonderful.

Venice is completely packed full of tourists pretty much year round these days, but there are many…read moreplaces where it's possible to get away from the crowds--they are called museums, and this is a great one. It's devoted to 17th-century Venetian painting but also has room-full of fantastic carved furniture, worth seeing all by itself, ceiling paintings throughout, and a separate collection of works donated by Ferruccio Mestrovich, where I wandered through the rooms for a full 45 minutes without seeing another person. This is on the Grand Canal! This is where Robert Browning lived in the 19th century! You can go down to the cafe and sit basically on the water with a glass of wine for as long as you like. Get a museum day pass and a day transportation pass.