Venice

Day 1 - Welcome

Included in the tour information package are easy-to-follow instructions from Marco Polo International Airport to the hotel, Pensione Guerrato. We chose the water taxi option (Alilaguna) and boarded the orange line because it required no transfer and we could enjoy the view of arriving into Venice by boat.

We arrived at our hotel, Pensione Guerrato, after disembarking at the Rialto Bridge stop. On a hot summer day in Venice, the best thing in the room was the remote controllable air conditioner! Looking out the window, we could see the market below and all the wonderful scenery.

At around 4pm, we met our tour guide, Julian Brown, and the rest of our tour group for introductions. We were given whispers (pocket listening devices) before we set off for a very informative orientation walk.

During the orientation walk, we were taught how to navigate the maze-like streets of Venice and some Italian phrases. We passed several landmarks and points of interest, including the Rialto bridge, Grand Canal, Spiral Staircase, and La Fenice Opera House.

We ended the night with a welcome dinner, Venetian style! There were several delicious seafood dishes and concluded with some limoncello before we easily walked back to our hotel!

Day 2 - Historic Venice

We started the day with a historical walking tour of Venice, concluding at St. Mark’s Basilica. In the afternoon, we were given some time to explore more of Venice on our own. We rejoined the tour group for a romantic gondola ride with a hired musician organized by Julian.

Places we visited today:

Historical Walking Tour - A local guide, Elizabetta (whose family has lived in Venice since the 1600s), took us on a historical walking tour through the backstreets of Venice. She started with an ancient map of Venice (looking like a fish). We learned a wealth of interesting historical facts and stories about the past and present Venice.
St Mark’s Basilica - Our guided tour ended at St. Mark's Basilica, where we marveled at the gold mosaics inside and views of St. Mark’s Square below. Our entrance ticket included access to the San Marco Museum, which holds the original bronze horses that were once displayed on the roof of the basilica.
Doge’s Palace - During free time, we explored the Doge's Palace which showed off the power and wealth of the Venetian Republic. Inside, you will see the Senate Hall, Armory, Hall of Grand Council, and the Bridge of Sighs that connected the palace to the prison, which you can also visit.
Correr Museum (Museo Correr) – this museum, which was once the palace used during the Napoleonic and Austrian rule of Venice, showcases doge memorabilia, armor, banners, sculptures and paintings.

Day 3 - Venice's Accademia Gallery and Lagoon

We started the morning with a tour of the Accademia Gallery, taking in the many pieces of artwork. We then set off on a cruise through the Venetian Lagoon, with stops on the islands of Burano and Torcello, before returning to Venice for the evening.

Places we visited today:

Accademia Gallery – contains many paintings and other works dating from medieval times to the 18th century.
Island of Burano – known for its colorful architecture and lace making.
Island of Torcello – we visited Santa Maria Assunta Cathedral built over a thousand years ago, the oldest church in Venice.

We finished the night with dinner at Osteria al Ponte Storto, which was recommended by the guidebook. After the waiter found out we found the restaurant by using the guidebook, he told us Rick Steves himself was actually there earlier in the year!