This was a terrific experience from start to finish. Maurizio was always quick to answer any and all questions prior to our arrival. About 3 weeks out, he sent us emails with lots of good information from arrival instructions to how to handle lost luggage. Best communicator we have ever worked with.

We took the Line 1 vaporetto as instructed from the train station to Giglio stop where we were met by Francesca with her beautiful smile and great sense of humor. We walked only about 1/2 block to the apartment which was on our version of the second floor (1st floor to just about everyone else in the world).

Francesca showed us around the apartment, which is lovely...very modern and well-equipped. The canal is right outside the living room and bedroom windows. Each morning we would delight in leaning out to watch the gondolas going by below and listening to their lovely music.

Francesca had also stocked the refrigerator with milk and water, and had bought bread and coffee for us (which we reimbursed her for). She had an array of cards from local restaurants that she and Maurizio recommended lined up on a shelf in the bookcase.

Second order of business was to show us where the grocery store, Rialto bridge and San Marco Plaza were. Time was short, so she rushed around with us in tow like little chicks. She knew so many people on the street it was amazing. Very fun if a bit confusing, but we knew we would get our bearings soon with this speedy introduction. We did find a cute small bar -- the American Bar -- right on the little nearby square, where the Bellinis are half the price of those at Harry's Bar and they have 7 y.o. Cuban rum.

Highly recommend taking the vaporetto to Murano where they make the glass, the Peggy Guggenheim Museum, the Maria Glorioso dei Frari church, tour of La Fenice theater (gorgeous) and taking in a concert at any one of the many old churches or other venues.

You can buy a vaporetto pass for the number of days you want, which makes getting to the many different and interesting neighborhoods easy and convenient. DO NOT throw it away before you leave, though, and ALWAYS scan it before walking onto the loading ramp. They seldom check, but if they do (which they did on our last day there) the fine is €50.