From my last blog, as you may recall, we was leaving Lake Garda to commence our last few days in Venice. The drive was approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes and finally the rain had gone and the skies was looking a bit clearer.
We arrived at our hotel the NH Laguna Palace Venice – which is situated in Venice Mestre. A really lovely hotel with two towers. It was approx. 15 minute walk to the bus stop to take you straight into Piazzale Roma, the furthest point you can go in Venice by bus or taxi. The journey took approx 20 minutes and for €20 a day you could purchase a pass that gave you access to the buses and water buses all over Venice.
As we had 150 guests but unfortunately not all rooms was available on our arrival at 11am for instant check in, we did not want the guests to hang around waiting, we wanted them to go off and make the most of Venice and the weather, so we placed all their baggage into the breakfast room (as the normal luggage room was too small) and waited all day for guests to return and take their luggage once their room was available.
We was here from 11am until 9.30pm – our dinner consisted of Wine, Chocolate, crisps and cold cut meats.. So Italian!
After a very long day watching luggage, the next day we was off to Venice and check out the sights and a few hotels for guests. This is my 4th time in venice (I know, I am just showing off now) but I still love it as much as the first time I visited. Of course 6 cruise geeks got very excited as we drove past the port and spotted at least 6 ships in port – people on the bus must have thought we was mad.
We had all dressed for a warm day in short sleeves (the weather App lied again) and although it wasn’t raining it was a bit chilly, so our first stop was at this little shop on the Grand Canal where we spotted bags, purses and these amazing ponchos for a bargain price of €12.50 each. After we bought the shop, we then headed off towards the Rialto Bridge all warmer thanks to our ponchos.. and the caped crusaders of Venice began..
We reached the busy steps of the Rialto bridge and after elbowing our way through, we managed to get some group selfies of the bridge and view.
We then headed onto the water bus and took in the sights around the Grand Canal towards St Marks Square.
On the water bus
We reached St Marks Square and bustled our way through the crowds before Connie had an emotional moment as she took it all in. It really can have that effect on some people.
St Marks Square
After a mooch about and several selfies later, we headed along the back streets towards Rialto Bridge and stop off for a most amazing lunch.
It was then time to hit the canals and take a Gondola ride around Venice. Our Gondolier Christiano, as you can see was very easy on the eyes and was great fun on the 30 minute trip. It was a a thrill ride from the beginning to end, trying to get 6 girls in the boat, with some of us screaming with terror that we thought we would end up in the canal as the Gondolier rocked about. Alison having a school girl crush on Christiano and the general banter between the group, it was 100% better than the last time I did this.
We all had the most amazing time in Venice and it was memories made for life.
If you have never been before, I highly recommend to have a minimum 2 night pre stay or post stay with a cruise. You can stay on the Island itself, or for a more reasonable budget you can stay in Venice Mestre and still experience this amazing city on water without busting the wallet or compromising your time to explore.
If you want more recommendations then please let me know and I will be happy to help.
The caped crusaders are next to appear in Dublin and hopefully Venice again next year.
Dawn
xx