Left Vienna and headed for the Byzantine city of Venice. We went to the Isle of Lido where we stayed at a quaint hotel which was decorated with unique porcelain and other artifacts . Dinner was a bit of a fiasco but ended up okay. Pasta , salad followed by beef stew as I remember. Next day was a visit to Venice, the Morano glass factory and shop, St Mark's Square, Doge 's Palace and a couple of hours to wander to check out the other squares, the Grand Canal ,the Bridge of Sighs, the Theatre and the many fancy shops. Left here around 1.pm for a late lunch and visit to the island of coloured houses and a leaning church tower - Burano. Fascinating to see and to enjoy a many course lunch of fish pâté ,fried fish, salad , pasta and fruit to finish with much wine for those who wanted it. This day was okay in the morning weather wise but by the time we finished lunch it was pouring rain. With umbrellas up we checked out the shops and returned to the boat for our trip back to the Hotel via water taxi. We decided to brave the rain and go to the laundromat to do some laundry. All done and back to pack cases ready for putting out before going to bed. We slept ok until about 5 or so, the coach was being loaded outside our window! It was good to have the extra hour as we had to adjust our watches an hour back. As we were getting ready for breakfast we were all brought to our senses when a siren sounded followed by two more. I thought it may be a fire but Phil checked and was told it was a flood warning. The water was already over St Marks square - glad it wasn't yesterday! We had breakfast and headed for our taxi launch to take us to the coach. The driver had gone ahead on the ferry and was waiting for us. The launch driver was a little diffident about continuing as the water had risen quite a bit so it was close going under the bridge out - but we made it , much to everyone's delight. Back on board and we travelled through more lovely countryside and tunnels to the religious town of Assisi , a Unesco site set on the slopes of Mount Sulasio. We drove up & up and alighted the coach and met our guide who took us through the town and the St Francis Basilica. Amazing 3 storeys of wonderful architecture , frescos and just an amazing structure all round. ( Photos and more photos. ) We were able to fit in a nice swim in the warm pool before having a buffet meal at the hotel . After dinner we went to the roof garden and enjoyed the view of the lights of the city. Another special day on tour we retired to bed. I must say most of the hotel beds have been very comfortable , we surely have needed to sleep well. It 's all go - onto Pompeii tomorrow.

The long travelling days and early mornings are a bit daunting . It's all good but a little tiring at times.