By Annette Shailer
The Independent Liquor Group (ILG) European Study Tour has kicked off in true European style, with the MSC Musica setting sail through Venice’s majestic Grand Canal late yesterday (September 14).
Venetian’s and tourists lined the Venice shoreline to wave delegates and other guests goodbye as the ship edged out to sea.
Delegates then came together for the disembarkment at a welcome aboard happy hour sponsored by Casella Wines.
ILG executive chairman, Bob Bourne, was on-hand to personally welcome the more than 230 delegates to the tour.
"It’s great to see so many faces new and old here on the tour. It will be a great week ahead for everyone," he said.
The happy hour was followed by dinner at the ship’s L’Oleandro Restaurant where delegates treated to a true Italian meal.
The ship spent the night at sea travelling down Italy’s East coast and is to dock at Bari today (September 15) to offer delegates the first of many shore excursions.