Getting on/off waterbuses or vaporettos. Walking about 1/2 mile; flat, sometimes slippery stones with steps, no handrails; standing up to 2 hours. Extent and duration of free time activities dependent on personal preference.
In the Terrace Café — and on the Lido Deck in nice weather — or Marco Polo Restaurant, there are freshly made hot and cold dishes to choose from such as eggs, breakfast meats, cereals, fruits, breads, pastries, and a variety of healthy choices as well as milk, juice, coffee, tea, water. Meals feature fresh ingredients in tasty preparations.
Orientation: We will gather this morning with the Group Leader, who will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. We will review COVID-19 protocols and will adhere to local COVID-19 guidelines and requirements throughout the program. We will get off the ship and board a smaller boat for field trips to the islands of Torcello and Burano with a local expert. Our first stop will be Torcello, in the northern end of the lagoon. This island is the oldest settlement in the lagoon, and is believed to be where the city of Venice got its start. We’ll then move on to Burano. Burano is an archipelago of islands connected by bridges. Originally a fishing village, it is renowned for lace-making. With our local expert, we will stroll along canals lined with brightly painted boats and colorful houses while learning about the lace trade. There is an ancient legend that it began when a betrothed fisherman caught a seirene (siren) in his net. She sang her seductive song and the fisherman released her. She thumped his boat with her tail and the foam it created was transformed into a wedding veil. The fisherman gave the veil to his beloved. She was admired by all the young ladies who began making beautiful lace for their own wedding veils. In fact, lace-making began around 1500 in private homes and developed over centuries into both an industry and an art. We will return to the port after the field trip where you are welcome to enjoy free time aboard ship or stay ashore and explore independently.
In either the Terrace Café or Marco Polo Restaurant, or you may choose to stay on shore and dine on your own.
Free time. Enjoy the activities of your choice aboard ship, or take advantage of this time for independent exploration.
In either the Terrace Café or Marco Polo Restaurant.
At leisure. Enjoy activities aboard ship, spend time with fellow Road Scholars, and be sure to check the Daily Journal with highlights for tomorrow in the reception area. The ship will remain in port overnight.