Venice, Italy

Day 8 - Buon Giorno e Benvenuto in Italia! If there is one city in this world that can be described as unique, it’s Venice, the one-time gateway to the Orient. Winding through the heart of the city is the Grand Canal, which remains, in the words of a French Ambassador of 1495, “the most beautiful street in the world”. During a guided orientation, you will explore the bustling alleys, quaint bridges and narrow canals of Venice. Of particular interest is Basilica di San Marco, the splendid cathedral crowned with five huge domes. In front of the cathedral is Piazza San Marco, a large meeting place for Venetians and pigeons. Behind the nearby Palazzo Ducale, see the Bridge of Sighs. If there’s one thing Venice is famous for—besides gondolas—it’s glass. Watch a demonstration of Venetian glass blowing in the glass factory, Veccia Murano. Why not enjoy one of life’s great pleasures and take a ride in a gondola?