The kids had a long weekend because of Columbus day, so we took advantage of the cheap flights from Belgium to Italy and decided to explore Venice.
Venice, Italy
View of the Dolomites as we were landing
We checked off all the modes of transportation in one day. Plane to bus to waterbus.
Hilton Milano Stucky – Gotta love the room upgrades perks of being a platinum member. The views from our suite were pretty sweet. Ha!
Hanging in the hotel lobby before heading out for a late lunch.
Walking to the restaurant
Excited to finally grub!
Waiting for our waterbus
Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica
Stunning picturesque views around every corner
First of many gelatos
Ponte di Rialto
Dinner – you’ll quickly see the theme of all our meals in Italy, seafood!
Day 2 – On our way to Murano Island famous for their long tradition of glass making.
Lunch! A little spritz for Ana and of course the biggest trough of beer for this guy!
Hangry
All better after some free bread
Learning all about glass making from this talented master.
Ana’s personal photographer
On the way back to the hotel. Although the waterbus was a great way to get around, Ana and I were not a fan of the associated motion sickness. The fresh air and sea bands helped, but definitely felt like we were still on the boat even days later.
Last dinner in Venice. This might have been my favorite meal the entire trip.
Cotton candy skies as we walked back the hotel
Day 3 – Rented a car and made our way 2.5 hours north into the Dolomites. Breathtaking mountain formations and fall colors. This part of the trip really filled my cup. Everyone knows that I prefer the mountains over the ocean/beach and the Dolomites did not disappoint.
Lago di Misurina
Little walk around the lake
Lago di Braies. I saw some pictures of this lake as I was planning this trip and it’s even better in person.
Our accommodations for the night – Faloria Mountain Spa and resort
Views from our suite balcony
Din Din
Day 4 – Happy Birthday to me. After breakfast, Ty took the kids to the pool and I had a nice quiet morning journaling and painting.
44
Leisurely walking around this cute mountain town, Cortina d’Ampezzo
Lunch – this restaurant had real Olympic torches displayed along all the walls, pretty cool!
We learned that Cortina d’Ampezzo will host events for the 2026 Winter Olympics
A little dessert and espresso before hitting the road to the airport
Back in BE, Ana baked my favorite carrot cake.
I know you’re not supposed to tell people your birthday wish, but I’ll let you in on a little secret, all I want for my birthday is more of this life I currently have. More adventures. More time with the ones I love. More health. More happiness. I don’t dread birthdays like most and I’m looking forward to what the future holds for myself and this family. I’m sure it’s not going to be all rainbows and butterflies, but I have no doubt it will be worth it.