Mediterranean Cruise 2011

5pm limo to airport, Swiss Air to Venice via Zurich. Water taxi to the Westin Europa and Regina. Cute hotel right on the Grand Canal with a view of a cathedral on the other side of the canal. Walked around a bit then picked a cafe on a small square for dinner. Back through the narrow streets to the hotel for bed.

Up at 7 for breakfast, then walked around. Piazza San Marcos was pretty quiet. Explored some tiny streets and alleys with bridges everyplace. Met our guide at the hotel at 9:30 for a walking tour. She was extremely knowledgable. Took us back to San Marcos, it was _much_ busier.

Went into the main cathedral, skipped the line. Then entered the Doges Palace, again skipping the line. Walked around inside, admiring the art and architecture. Finished by walking towards the main market through lots of tiny streets and over the Rialto Bridge. Said goodbye then had lunch.

Walked along the far side, stopping at a crazy art exhibit.

Took two water taxis over to San Giorgio Island where we went into the Church of the Ascension, with a crazy indoor tornado inside. Back to the hotel, then had a cocktail at the hotel, checked out the hotel restaurant, decided to go back to a cafe by a canal we had seen the night before. Dinner was tasty, setting was nice. Returned to the hotel and went right to sleep.