Attic Whispers from the Blue Mountains [June 2025 Edition]

JUNE 2025 NEWSLETTER

Attic Whispers from The Blue Mountains

Greetings from Venice, my friends!

The Grand European Literary Anniversary Tour; so far

After leaving Greece and sailing along the stunning Dalmatian coastline visiting Corfu, Kotor, Dubrovnik and Split, we have arrived in one of our iconic destinations: Venice.

Because Venice features in several of my books and its history and people play such an important part in the stoylines, we will spend 3 days exploring this enchanting city.

DAY 1

“At the pier, you will join a leisurely cruise, passing magnificent waterside palazzos and piazzas and peering down the lapping, narrow canals that weave their way into the city’s medieval corridors. Disembark at the landing pontoon next to Palazzo Cornoldi, then set off on foot with your guide to the beautiful St. Mark’s Square, crossing the four elegant bridges that link the waterfront. Admire the views of the splendid Gothic-Byzantine St. Mark’s Basilica and its grand Campanile bell tower and see the Doge’s Palace and other nearby attractions. Napoleon Bonaparte allegedly referred to Piazza San Marco as “the drawing room of Europe,” cementing its reputation as one of the world’s most stunning squares.”

DAY 2

“At Santa Lucia, you will meet your knowledgeable guide and set out through the streets of this renowned city and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admire the fine collection of works by the Mannerist painter Tintoretto that are on display at the Scuola Grande di San Rocco, then pass by the 13th-century Gothic-style Basilica of Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari at Campo dei Frari. Explore Rialto and its colorful canal-side markets and enjoy a typical Venetian aperitif before continuing on your way through the labyrinth of streets to the elegant Scala del Bovolo, best known for its external multi-arch spiral staircase. Cap your tour in picturesque St. Mark’s Square—home to its famed basilica, the Campanile and Doge’s Palace.”

DAY 3

“Discover two of Venice’s most beautiful outlying islands and linger in one of Europe’s most beautiful squares.

Meet your local guide and take a leisurely cruise along the Giudecca Canal, passing St. Mark’s Square and the Doge’s Palace. Dock at the island of Murano, nicknamed “Island of the Flames”; all of Venice’s glassmaking was moved here in 1291 to reduce the risk of fires in the city. You will visit one of the leading glass manufacturers and witness a master craftsman at work. On Burano, a charming island lined with brightly colored houses, learn about Venice’s lace-making industry and stroll along quaint cobblestone streets.”

The beauty and gripping magic of Venice is difficult to put into words. I have tried to capture some of it by setting several Jack Rogan mysteries in this extraordinary city and viewing it through the eyes of my characters and the artistic lens of my imagination.

I hope that by adopting this approach, it has been possible to share at least some of its living history with my readers in a way that is both realistic and entertaining.