Just like that, our Italy itinerary was coming to an end. While we were excited for our final day in beautiful Venice, we were sad that our time in Italy and with our group was almost over.
We enjoyed another amazing breakfast at our hotel - honestly - the food in Italy exceeded my already high expectations. Even the breakfast buffets were outstanding with myriad choices that appeal to travelers from the US, UK and beyond. Pastries, breads, hot items, delicious fruits and yogurts plus the BEST coffee I have had in Europe.
Our group was scheduled to tour more of Venice with our lovely guide. We wound through the streets and alleyways so much, I would have been lost without our guides and the orange paddle! The whole way, we were learning history and interesting stories about the city before we arrived at the Doge's Palace. Inside the palace, we learned about the long history of the Republic of Venice and their system of government that lasted 1,100 years! I had never heard this history before and we found it to be fascinating!
To exit the palace, we went through the famous prison cells and across the Bridge of Sighs. Truly breathtaking!
Next, we had an exclusive Venetian mask painting lesson where we each had a chance to select a mask and decorate it with help from the artisans there. It's these hands-on activities that make a tour of Italy, so heavy with art, history and architecture, come to life for everyone on the itinerary. We had a lot of fun with this activity.
Once we finished with our art projects, we had 'on our own' time in Venice. I wanted to try some cicchetti - traditional Venetian street foods. So we found a spot with a take away window and ordered a selection. Then we did some shopping before heading back to our hotel to pack up and get ready for our evening.
I have to admit, I was very skeptical about the last evening's schedule. It's billed as a Pirate Ship cruise and sounded super cheesy. However, we decided to make the best of it as we didn't want to miss out on seeing everyone on our final night.
I SHOULD HAVE KNOWN! Adventures by Disney would NEVER let me down!! I was wrong to doubt them.
We walked out of our hotel, which sat right on the canal and there was an awesome ship waiting for us. We climbed aboard and found a lovely spread of food, readily available beer, wine and soft drinks AND our venetian masks - all nicely finished with ribbons and beads by the artisans at the mask makers and ready to take home. The ship crew played music and we cruised through Venice like celebrities. IT WAS AMAZING!!
Towards the end of the evening, our wonderful guides, Ken and Marcello, played a slide show for us of the photos they had taken during our trip. I was not the only one with tears in my eyes.
After your trip, you get a link so you can download all the photos that your guides have taken on the trip. So, if you are tired of being the photographer in your family - this is a huge plus!!
What an experience! I will never ever forget the week we had, the things we saw and the friends we made. Simply wonderful!
We turned in shortly after our ship returned to the hotel. Our guides had airport transfers all set up for each family. No need to worry or be concerned about it - another perk of ABD!!
Tomorrow, I will post some final thoughts about Adventures by Disney and why I think they are simply WONDERFUL!!
Mary Graham / Trips by Mary has been professionally planning travel for over seven years. I have personally been on two Adventures by Disney, and planned many more for my clients.
To start planning your trip, please visit my Calendly and schedule a Discover Call: https://calendly.com/trips-by-mary/discoverymeeting
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