Whoops!  I slipped on the marble floor last night and tweaked my 'good' knee.  Fortunately it wasn't too bad - a few more hours of keeping it elevated during the morning made it feel better.  I had to skip the walking tour, but spent the time listening to the Audio tracks for Venice that I had on my tablet - so it wasn't a total loss.  

I met up with the group to tour St. Mark's Basilica, and was even able to make it upstairs to see the four original horses and all the mosaic remnants on display there - great view of the piazza too!

I took a nice long break for a late lunch at the nearby Bar al Campanile and enjoyed a panini caprese.  San Giorgio Maggiore was next on my "must see" list, and since the knee was holding up, I took a vaporetto ride across the lagoon.  If I had to, I would see Venice riding the vaporetti!  San Giorgio Maggiore is a hidden treasure and the view from the bell tower was amazing.  My next ride took me around to the head of the "fish" and on into the Grand Canal.  I had a seat with a great view all the way to the San Toma stop, where I got off and found my way to the Frari Church - another hidden treasure that was not at all crowded. 

 

It was too late to try to visit the Accademia, so I just enjoyed the sights on my last vaporetto ride for the day and headed back to St. Mark's Square.  I walked through the little "Royal Garden" by the vaporetto stop, wondering if I really wanted dinner.  Instead, I decided that a gelato was the perfect way to end my day, and what better place to enjoy it than in front of St. Mark's Basilica.    I didn't get to see all that I had hoped to see, but I definitely felt like I had experienced Venice.