Able to see Venice and Barcelona before and after cruise in a short time period

[mscoldchaser]

Hi, I have already put some posts on about this earlier but my flights for the Venice to Barcelona cruise for 12 nights came through the other day and it turns out we only get the afternoon and evening in Venice and a even shorter time before we fly back from Barcelona at the end of the trip.

The question is whether or not we can still see a large part of the two cities even if it is just for an afternoon/evening and we cannot change flights to enjoy the cities more before we leave the ports for the cruise and back.

Any thoughts are appreciated.

[AquamarineBreeze]

You can see a lot of Venice in a fairly short amount of time! I live about 2 hours away by train & have brought many visiting friends and family to see Venice for the day.

Then you'll just have to return to see more

Have fun!

[jdvmd]

Something is better than nothing! Just make the most of your time and enjoy!

[HokiePoq]

Originally Posted by AquamarineBreeze

You can see a lot of Venice in a fairly short amount of time! I live about 2 hours away by train & have brought many visiting friends and family to see Venice for the day.

Then you'll just have to return to see more

Have fun!

Yes. For a first visit I'd take the vaporetto from the cruise port/train station area to St. Mark's Square and spend my time there.
In Barcelona, I'd use a short time to walk around Las Ramblas and the Gothic Quarter......or take a cab to La Sagrada da Familia (someone correct me), Gaudi's magnificent cathedral still under construction after 100 years+. I don't think you'd have time for both. The Hop On Hop Off bus would take way too much time. You can use public transportation if you research which line/stop but for a very brief time, I'd use a cab in Barcelona.

[keystoneboarder]

I took the Venice to Barcelona cruise last year. I got in to Venice around 1 pm. Once on the ship, I signed up for the St. Marks Square and gondola ride. Fun!

The ship doesn't sail until 1:00am so, if I wasn't so jet lagged, I would have spent more time in Venice. You can stay out until almost midnight and still make it back to the ship before sail away.

I spent an extra day in Barcelona. In the morning, I took the Montserrat shore excursion and in the afternoon/evening, wandered around Barcelona.

In Barcelona, I went to the Gothic Cathedral, Las Ramblas, Catalunya Square, Christopher Columbus Square, the Picasso Museum, and Sagrada Familia. A lot of places in 1 long day. Loved every minute of it.

Have fun!