It was exciting as we sailed into Venice looking at everything outside wondering what different things were as we passed. We had a walking tour scheduled for today and were to meet our tour guide outside the cruise terminal at 1:00 pm. We met the Rosga's in the Neptune Lounge and waited for the ship to be cleared. Once cleared, we made our way downstairs and couldn't believe the line of people waiting to get off the ship. I guess everyone was excited as well.
We finally made it off the ship and there was our tour guide, Igor Scomparin, waiting for us. We quickly introduced ourselves and we were off. He had pre-purchased tickets for us to ride the People Mover so we went right to the front of the line. The People Mover took us from the ship to the last place that cars are allowed -- Piazzale Roma. Once there we walked over a glass bridge to begin our walking tour.
There were people everywhere but Igor knew the back alleys so we were able to stay out of the crowds most of the time. He took us off the beaten path and explained the history of Venice and told us a lot of interesting things. The tour was only supposed to last 3 to 4 hours but it lasted much longer. Today was the first day that it was really hot and we were all about to pass out. We finally asked Igor if we could stop for a coke so we did. He continued to sit there and explain to us where we had been and where we were going -- showing us on a map.
After we got our strength back we continued on our way. At one point we needed to cross the canal. I think normally his tours would walk a longer way around but he knew we were incapable of walking much more so he treated us to a gondala ride which was just a way to get from one side of the canal to the other. I was scared to death. I was afraid we were going to tip over. When Terry got in things really got scary and he just sat in the floor of the gondola. I was afraid he would not be able to get up but he managed to.
We walked past the Rialto Bridge and there were so many people there. He was taking us to St Marks Square and on the way he showed us where our hotel was located that we would be staying in for 3 nights. When we got to St Marks Square there were even more people! He said that around 6:00 pm the crowds start thinning out because a lot of people just come into Venice for the day and by that time people begin to leave. I think he thought we were going to stick around a little while but I told him that we were tired and didn't want to miss a meal so needed to get back. We also had to pack our bags since we would be getting off the ship in the morning.
We got back to the ship too late for our 5:45 pm dining which was fine because I was exhausted and wasn't in the mood to take that long to eat. We all went to the Lido and it was good. After eating, Craig and I went back to the room to get packed up. I'm not sure what the Rosga's did but I am sure that Pat went to everything available since she never sits still.
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