After our orientation walk through the city, we met back at the hotel for dinner.
Students then had the option to take part in our 9th annual Mystery Tour. On the tour, we led the students off the beaten path, and through the Cannaregio neighbourhood to learn about some of the myths and legends of Venice.
The next morning we boarded a water taxi and headed to the island of Murano for a truly impressive glass blowing demonstration.
In the afternoon we held our "Tours by Choice." Students chose from a tour of the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, or the Doge's Palace. My group visited the palace. Its construction began in 1172 and has been remodelled numerous times over the centuries in the Venetian Gothic style. The palace was not only the residence of the Doge, but also the place of government where senate and council members would meet. The palace opened as a museum in the 1920s for the public to view the magnificent architecture, artwork, decorated ceilings, and armoury.
We had to make our way back to Lanciano on Saturday, but decided to make the most of the day. Before leaving, we gave our students time in the morning to do some last-minute exploration. One group used the opportunity to visit the Jewish Ghetto and see the Holocaust Memorial.
In the afternoon, we stopped in nearby Verona. Seeing as Valentine’s Day was fast approaching, and Verona being the setting of Romeo and Juliet, the city was packed. Still, we managed to make our way to Juliet’s balcony before heading home.
