Costa are full of surprises and this morning was no exception as we arrived an hour earlier than we had anticipated. Not too much of a problem but we did have to be out of the cabin by 8:00 which left us hanging around the ship for an hour and a half while we waited to get off and collect or luggage.
There were atotal of 7 ships in port this morning and it was extremely busy everywhere, what with people disembarking and visiting Venice the shuttles to St Marks had really long queues but fortunately they did move very quickly. We managed to arrange for our cases to be taken to the airport for a fee of €12.50 each which was brilliant because it freed us up and gave us additional time without the need to come back to the cruise terminal later to collect then.
We soon found ourselves in Venice itself and a good 1½ hours earlier than planned so decided to avoid all the crowds and head off along the water front to kill some time. Believe me today was not a day to be wandering around the tourist areas. The crowds thinned out as we walked and it was nice to do something a little different. We had often admired a Wisteria covered cafe on previous sail ins and today walked as far as that before turning back to get to our meeting point for today’s tour.
Our main reason for coming into Venice today and not going straight to the airport and home was that we had arranged a tour with a company called Walks of Italy, this was a VIP Doge’s Palace Secret Passages Tour and cost us €74 each. The tour lasted for 2½ hours and was amazing. We got to see all manner of places not open to the general public as well as all of the large ornate public areas too. Our guide Susan was excellent at bringing the history to life and explaining the intricacies of life in those dark days of the Doge’s Venice. Money well spent and an experience never to be forgot.
After a quick Pizza and a beer we caught the Alilaguna red route boat back to the airport where our cases were there waiting for us. The good thing about a later flight is the airport wasn’t so busy and there were no queues at the check and similarly with the security checks. It just remains now to sit out the remaining hour before our flight back to Heathrow.
I agree. Having been to Venice many times now we would be very interested in this tour.
Thanks for the tip Wansbrough.
I really enjoyed your postcards.
Thank you for following our recent cruise. I certainly enjoy doing the blog and I know how family appreciate it too.
Walks of Italy do cost a little more but you get what you pay for. Just look at their feedback on TripAdviser.
That tour sounds wonderful. I will make a note of this company for the next time we’re in Venice (for a cruise or just to visit).
Have a safe flight home. Very enjoyable series 🙂
Walks of Italy have been excellent both times we have used them. A little pricier than some of the others but you do get an excellent tour.