Day 5 - MILAN

Time to splurge in the fashion capital of Italy. Quadrilatero d’Oro takes the word luxury to a new level, offering designers Prada, Armani, Versace, Dolce & Gabbana, Ferragamo, and Valentino, all well ahead of current fashion trends.  I tend to be a bit of a fashion snob and plan to purchase a few items for bragging rights when I return to Canada.  I will use Elena’s La Bella Citta blog to discover the best cafes, boutiques and nightlife near my hostel.  The following morning the train to Venice awaits.

Day 6 - VENICE - Gondola ride and St. Mark's Square
The streets of Venice are not paved with asphalt but rather a series of canals and waterways.  I will enjoy a traditional Gondola ride, a small non-motorized boat that takes you where you need to go.  My Uncle tells me that people yell for them as if they were taxis.  I will be dropped off near the Piazza San Marco, the iconic square of Venice.  Here I will tour the Basilica and dine at the any of the various surrounding cafes and restaurants.
The following video demonstrates the experience of a traditional Gondola ride.