NorbertsNiece

Zadar, Croatia Arrive 0900. Depart 1700. The Romans, Venetians and Hapsburg Dynasty have all had a hand in crafting Zadar, a compact yet charming city on Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast. The imposing Fosa Land Gate has acted as an entrance to the old town since 1543 and you can see the symbol for the Venetians – a winged lion – carved into its archway. Medieval churches, such as Byzantine St Donatus Church, are juxtaposed against contemporary artworks, the most notable of which is the Sea Organ built into the promenade steps. We're both on the same tour for a change!! PAG: ISLAND OF CHEESE AND LACE You’ll drive to Pag Island, where a guided tour reveals the sights of the town of Pag. The Old Town famously produces unique lace, which is created using time-consuming, intricate ancient processes, and you can learn more in the town’s Lace Museum. Afterwards, you’ll see the remains of a fortified convent and church before continuing to the New Town. This well-preserved medieval town features carved door posts on the entrances to the nobleman’s houses and yards, small Baroque balconies and stone coats of arms dating from the 15th to 18th centuries. In the town centre you’ll see the Church of the Assumption, which still serves as the administrative, cultural and trade hub of Pag. After some time in Pag, you’ll drive to the village of Kolan, where you will visit a local cheese factory. Since ancient times, Kolan has been the agricultural centre of Pag Island, breeding sheep that produce its award-winning cheese, or ‘Paski sir’. You will have the opportunity to taste some of the cheese, which has a characteristically piquant taste that complements traditional fish and meat specialties. Please note: The order of sites may vary. In Pag Town you will need to walk approximately 375 yards over cobblestone and flat terrain, with up to 10 steps in the Lace Museum. In Kolan, you will need to walk approximately 160 yards with up to 20 steps at the cheese factory. We have been provided with packed lunches! Geoff could choose what went in his. Mine has been especially prepared so a bit of a mystery!!

Day 14 Zadar Good morning and thanks for following. Quick post to say all is good except for the rugby. Venice story to continue later. Google maps very confused yesterday! Sadly someone remained ashore yesterday. A call was put out for him and then subsequently a crew member was dispatched to liaise with him in Venice

Nightmare posting with rugby taking up bandwidth! Will catch up after Zadar tomorrow.

Hi there. Happy to answer any questions 😀

It's been an absolutely brilliant day in Venice. Had an exceptional guide. I will do my very best to describe some of the incredible works of art I've pictured. It may take some time as Mr Google may come into play! The ride from the ship was smooth. I took a pic of the place where we disembarked so I would find it easier for the return journey. I've lots of time before I have to meet the tour so go walkabout. The church of Santa Maria della Pietà or della Visitazione with a dedication to Vivaldi. The equestrian statue of Vittorio Emanuele ll, the first king of a united Italy. I expect to take a different view on my return.

We keep missing each other!

They've loaded 2 organised tours onto the shuttle first. Glad I got here early. Don't think all those independent travellers booked on the 9am vessel got on board. We left at 9am on the dot. Next shuttle in an hour.

Waiting in line for the shuttle/ferry/taxi.

Quick wander around the ship before heading for my taxi/ferry. Have to circumnavigate a car park to get to the pontoon. That's Venice in the distance

Day 13 Venice, berthed Marghera, Fincanteri Good morning and thanks for following 😀 Unusual channels have appeared on the TV this morning. Lol.

Something I really appreciate about the bathroom here.... when you have to get up in the night..... there's a light permanently on a dimmed setting, assuming you've left your key card in the holder/switch by the cabin door!

Watching the Playhouse streaming on TV whilst Geoff is in the North Cape Bar watching Rugby. 'The Beatles Experience' opened with an amazing Beatles animation. Fab.

Venice Arrive 0700. All aboard 1830. The captivating city of Venice is one of Italy’s best-loved destinations. Once the centre of the powerful Venetian Republic, medieval Venice spans 118 tiny islands joined by labyrinthine canals crossed by elaborate bridges. The city has remained largely unchanged and contains a treasure trove of architectural masterpieces like the Basilica, Doges' Palace, Campanile Bell Tower and Bridge of Sighs. St Mark’s Square provides a focal point for exploration – it is fringed by old cafes and dominated by the Basilica of the same name. ----- Geoff is taking the following Saga excursion : VENICE PANORAMIC TOUR Begin this excursion with a coach transfer to Stazione Marittima where you will join a private motorboat for a two-and-a-half hour mini cruise around the Venetian Lagoon. Your boat tour will take you past the Giudecca Canal and Giudecca Island, the Redentore and Zitelle Churches and the Old Customs House. View the entrance to the Grand Canal, with St Mark’s Square and its world-famous sights, and enjoy a panoramic tour of St Mark’s Basin, with views of the Isola San Giorgio, Vivaldi’s Church, the Isola San Servolo and the Santa Elena Gardens. Your mini cruise continues with views of the Lido and the Arsenal. A commentary will point out the sights as you return to your ship. Please note: You will need to manage up to 6 steps unassisted to board the boat. Some vessels may require up to 20 steps to reach the upper deck. There will be a coach transfer between the ship's berth (the walk to the transfer coaches from the ship is approximately 400 yards) and Stazione Marittima where you will pass through security control and from where you will embark and disembark the boats to Venice. Queues may be possible at peak times. All sightseeing is from the boat and no stops are made. The boat has inside and outside wooden seating. I will taking the following tour with Viator. Ferry ticket for 9am to get me there!

Thank you! I was determined to take it easy today as there's no way I'm missing Venice!! I can only imagine when the Captain mentioned Venice in his address earlier that the whole ship held their breath momentarily!!

We tied at Trivia this morning! We lost on the tie breaker question which was, "How many real pigs were used in the filming of 'Babe'?" I was laid up pretty much all afternoon with my back. Dinner tonight was a really special buffet in the grill. Having already ordered my GF meal from the regular menu this came as a lovely surprise. Whole sea bass!! There's always an amazing selection of cheese at dinner, GF biscuits are available.

We're docking in Marghera which is a 45 min boat ride from Venice.

I'm so sorry, I didn't check what she is at the time. Not seen her since.

A bit earlier...... from the Captain. Venice authorities have stated that due to high tides they will be closing some of the barriers around Venice to prevent flooding. We need to arrive before the barriers are shut so will be through them around 430am berthing by about 6am.

Also, wherever you are in the Grill you can see the sea!!

Midway in the Adriatic between Croatia and Italy is the lighthouse island of Pelagruža. Uninhabited except for lighthouse staff archaeological finds dating back to 6th millenia BCE have been found!

Our course from Split.

Day 12 Sea day, should've been Rovinj Good morning and thanks for following! Buongiorno e grazie per seguirci! We're on our way to Italy's mainland. We've cruised south overnight and are now heading north. Not sure how much exercise I'll get today. My lower back is poorly. 😥

Have asked for sliced GF bread!! It's wonderful!!

I take a quick stroll out on deck. It's very, very windy out. Sailaway pics from the Britannia lounge where there's a nightly dancing session.

I would have gone next to The Cathedral of Saint Domnius, which was consecrated at the turn of the 7th century AD, and is regarded as the oldest Catholic cathedral in the world that remains in use in its original structure, without near-complete renovation at a later date (though the bell tower dates from the 12th century). The structure itself, built in AD 305 as the Mausoleum of Diocletian, is the second oldest structure used by any Christian Cathedral. But it's closed. So I head back through the Palace to attempt to catch the hourly shuttle back. Tourists are now flooding the place. It's almost impossible to take a pic without random strangers posing interminably for photos!