venice, italy - DaY 11 - March 16, 2023
We awoke early for the long journey into Venice. For the next few days we are docked in Chioggia which is at the far southern end of the Venetian Lagoon. Venice has outlawed cruise ships docking in their nice terminal due to ecological concerns. To get to Venice, we had to take a water bus 1.5 hours each way north to the main portion of the city.
Once in Venice, we toured the amazing works of Tintoretto at the Scuola Grande di San Rocco. Our guide was really something - her knowledge of the paintings was truly amazing! We went down many tiny side streets and I was very happy that I had a guide and that we were there during the “quiet” season. We had a small lunch sampler which was perfect.
We made our way down to Saint Marks Square and Doge’s Palace area and took the required gondola ride. Being in Venice is somewhat surreal - it is very picturesque and historic, but is very overrun with people and vendors. I’m not sure what I expected; and it was nice, but not fantastic!
Riding the Water Bus - we really got used to this during our three days in the area - 1.5 to 2 hours to the northern portion of the lagoon
Main Canal of Venice
Inside the Scuola Grande di San Rocco
St. Marks Square - Piazza San Marco
Tiny crowded streets of Venice
Required Gondola Ride