Friday, 12 April 2019 Venice

Sadly we disembarked The Costa Victoria today.   For the next six days we would be on our own in Italy – three days in Venice and three in Rome.

It was pretty daunting finding ourselves surrounded by water and not quite knowing how we were going to get to our next destination. We thought we’d just hop on a bus or taxi – and we did – but not the type we’re used to – this one went on the water!   For just €11, including luggage, we travelled on The Grand Canal to San Zaccaria boat pier.  What an awesome experience.  It was just a short walk from there to Hotel Bisanzio where we were to stay for two nights.   Our room was not ready so we dropped our luggage and then went for a long walk and also had a coffee and snack at one of the restaurants.

Later in the afternoon after checking in, the Earl had a nap in our very comfortable room and I went for a walk to Piazza San Marco on my own.

On my way back as I passed a restaurant I heard my name called – it was my Mauritian friend having a late lunch with her hubby and nephew who was on his Spring break from university in Paris.   I joined them for a coffee and chat.  Then suddenly my friend yelled – there’s our ship – and sure enough the Costa Victoria cruised by in the Grand Canal!

We weren’t hungry after having had lunch so we did not go out for supper.

Saturday, 13 April 2019 Venice

This morning’s breakfast was excellent.  We helped ourselves to fruit, yogurt, various cold meats and cheeses and delicious croissants.   The coffee, too, was excellent.

I wanted The Earl to experience a Gondola ride but he simply was not interested.  There were many available but at an exorbitant fee of €80 and no sharing with other couples was allowed!  So instead we took the hop on hop off water bus and visited Murano and Burano for a fraction of the price.

The island of Murano is famous for it’s glass making.  As we have both seen glass blowing demonstrations before we did not wait in the queue to watch yet another one.  We browsed the shops and I bought some necklaces.

Burano is famous for its lace and embroidery.  I could have spent a small fortune there but my darling husband restrained me.

We were away the whole day and it was so much more worth it than a Gondola ride!

In the evening we went out for a lovely Italian dinner.