Venice, Italy

At 8:15 AM on April 17, 2012 we started to enter the city of Venice. The day was clear and sunny and the distant mountains were still capped with snow. The sail in is a spectacular sight and the views were awe inspiring. After entering the lagoon we proceeded up the San Marco canal past San Marco Plaza and the Santa Maria della Salaute. We then sailed up the Giudecca Canal to our berth for the next 2 days. We left the ship and bought our Vaporetto Pass (water bus) and ventured to San Giorgio island and church which lies across from San Marco Plaza. From here we continued on to San Marco Plaza, passing the Bridge of Sighs and then returned slowly back via the Grand Canal. The next day we went to the Rialto Bridge and the Rialto Market which is right on the Grand Canal. We found a charming Osteria (restaurant) for lunch and then returned to the ship.