Arriving in Venice

Venice from the Lido Deck

Passing St Marks Square

Venice from the ship

After Athens we had a sea day. I attended a culinary demonstration followed by a tour of the galley in the morning, and a wine tasting in that afternoon.  We indulged in lobster abd beef Wellington for our second formal dinner.  I spent the rest of the day lazing on deck reading a book abd generally enjoying the last bit of pampering on the ship.
Around 11.30am we started our approach to Venice.  It had been pouring with rain but the Gods were watching and just as we approached the guidecca canal the sun peeked out.
Sailing in to Venice on sa cruise liner has to rate as one of the top experiences of my life. A birds eye view over the tiled rooves gives a great perspective.
Music played in the background on the ship and made me quite emotional

ST Marks mosaics

We caught the ship's shuttle boat from the port to St Mark's Square which was a mass of humanity.  There would be no chance to get into St Marks that day so we decided to explore the area.  We made our way to the Rialto Bridge. It started to spit so we sat down at a restaurant by the canal for Lunch.  No sooner had we sat than the heavens opened! It didn't just rain.. It poured and poured with violent thunder and lightning.  In the end we were pretty drenched so decided to go back to the ship for dinner.  We thought about going back after dinner but we needed to pack our bags so we spent the evening on the ship.
The next morning was time for disembarking. It was sad to leave. Cruising certainly spoils you for independent travel!!