Venice, Italy
After a week on the trains it was time for a bit of exercise. We were booked on a 8 day cruise from Venice to Mantova on the barge Ave Maria.
The barge is moored across the lagoon from Venice with regular ferries to see the sights. We are taken to our cabin which is roomier than we expected and has its own head (bathroom).
After an afternoon briefing where we were introduced to the crew, we enjoyed the first of many wonderful meals on the Ave Maria. Chefs Guiliano and Enrico used local produce to make regional favourites which they described to us each evening before our meal was served.
On Sunday we caught a ferry to Venice where we met up with a local guide who showed us her Venice. We left the crowded Piazza San Marco behind and wandered through some small squares, each with their own church. I was amazed how few tourists left the main streets to explore these gems. our guide had lived in Venice her entire life and said locals were concerned at how many tourists now visited.
After the tour, we wandered the streets, trying not to get lost. In the afternoon we caught the ferry to the island of Murano which is famous for its glass blowing and glassware.
