Let me start by saying we managed to get to our cruise destination by luck and choice of airlines. You see the volcano in Iceland had erupted 4 days before we were scheduled to fly out of NY. All airlines with their hub in northern Europe shut down almost entirely BUT we were flying Iberia and the Madrid airport never closed throughout the ordeal and therefore we left on time on Monday Evening April 19th. Unfortunately upon our arrival in Madrid, the Venice airport which had been scheduled to reopen that morning was still closed. We spent all day in the airport anxiously awaiting a flight out when and if the Venice airport reopened. Which it did and Iberia had us on a flight that got us to Venice by 8pm that evening. Our thanks and appreciation to them as we did know others from our Cruise critic group that never made it.

We then took the ATVO bus (3€ pp) from the airport direct to Piazza Roma (your luggage stores under the bus and goes direct in only 30 minutes time). Our hotel was the Hotel Olimpia, which was, in my opinion, the best choice ever. The hotel on Rio delle Burchielle can be seen from the Piazza and we only had to cross one bridge with our luggage in tow to arrive at its door. The staff there was so gracious and helpful in every way. They also provide a breakfast daily and have a lovely courtyard in back as well as tables & chairs in front along the canal for your use.

We spent 3 glorious days in Venice. Highlights for us were the Secret Itineraries Tour at Doges Palace, and our tour of the Torre dell'Orologio (Clock Tower) in St. Marks Square. Visits to the Clock Tower are only permitted as part of a guided tour (Amazing). We actually ended up on the top of the tower where our guide took pictures of us. The ticket you purchase also gives you entrance to the Museo Correr, Museo Archeologico Nazionale and the Monumental Rooms of Biblioteca Marciana. BEST BUY IN VENICE at 12 € pp. Best church for me was not the Basilica San Marco but the Frari Church (and the Scuola San Rocco, also known as the Sistine Chapel of Venice, located next to Frari was also outstanding). Read more