How do you sign up for the Secret Itinerary tour of the Doge's Palace? Yours is at least the third recommendation of this tour I've seen on this board. Thanks.

Right now, peak tourist season has not hit in Italy, and it was possible for us to go to the ticket office at teh Dodges palace and sign up for the next day. Some people in our tour had just come 1/2 hour before and signed up as well. Upto May I dont think it will be hard to sign up once you are there, later on, in the mad rush of summer, I suggest you call the info. line of the palace (probably online somewhere) or email them.

Mashel

Out of curiousity, which of the three cities did you prefer

Rome. Why? b/c venice is unique and beautiful, pretty to look at, but not as much soul. Florence small, contained, lots of art, but not real enough for me. Rome had it all, for me.

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We heard there is a three day vaporetti pass. Do you think it is necessary, or is it easy to get around by walking. We walk 3 miles a day at home, and when we were in Rome last year, we probably topped 5 miles a day.

We stayed in Venice for 3 days and walked to all the six districts w/o any problems at all. Venice (as long as you have a good map and don't get lost by orientating yourself, and following the yellow signs to major sites), seemed very navigable and easy to walk in. If you do 3-5 miles a day, you are doing really well!

We found that we didn't need the Vaporetti at all. We used it once to go down the Grand Canal and experience it from the water.

have a good time!

We stayed in Venice for 3 days and walked to all the six districts w/o any problems at all. Venice (as long as you have a good map and don't get lost by orientating yourself, and following the yellow signs to major sites), seemed very navigable and easy to walk in. If you do 3-5 miles a day, you are doing really well!

You can buy the 3 day pass, but if you like to walk, I wouldnt. We found that we didn't need the Vaporetti at all. We used it once to go down the Grand Canal and experience it from the water.

have a good time!

My sister and I are getting read to take this same trip with same number of days ( fist part of may)
Do you have a similar writ-up on Rome and Florence. I would be interested in reaading it if you have time to send it to me.
Thanks a lot!
Donna

Ive written the same for florence and rome... look thru, ill try and top them

We are going to be in Venice May 17-21 after 3 days in Florence. Several have suggested get good maps so we can walk the neighborhoods of Venice. Any suggestions where to get a good map?

Wow, great post. I have taken notes on you 3 cities, especially the recommendations for places to eat.

thanks!
Mary

Mashel,
Which district is the Hotel Della Mora in? Cost?

Whose map did you use? I found that even with 2 maps, I was still relying on the Grand Canal and signs to/from San Marco as reference points.

In the process of planning 2 days in Venice in early Oct. as part of a 2 week trip primarily in Florence/Tuscany. Even the moderate/budget hotels seem expensive, but have found 2 that have rooms available. Locanda Leon Bianco on Cannaregio Canal and Locanda Art Deco closer to San Marco Square. Any recommendations or where (or where not) to stay? Thanks

Mashel:
Did you have any trouble carrying a backpack of purse into any of the attractions? Have been hearing that they're not allowed in places like St. Marks, etc.

Answering your questions:

1. Hotel dalla mora is in santa croce, 5 min. away from the train station/bus station. Right on a small canal. Unfortunatley there is construction going on around the canals nearby, but worth it.

2. We used a blue map called Tourist Map, Venezia. It is new, and very good.

3. Sorry, dont know about Locanda Leon Bianco on Cannaregio Canal and Locanda Art Deco closer to San Marco Square.

4. We didnt have back packs, but had not problems carrying a medium sized purse into all sites, including st. marks.

Where did you get the map?

Mashel - We are going to Venice in June. Do I need to get tickets to the secret itinerary for Doges Palace ahead of time? If so how do I get them? Thanks.

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Hi Susan
We stayed at the Leon Bianco in early April. We found it charming, and the hosts extremely friendly. We were very comfortable.....had a room overlooking the Grand Canal. Breakfast was more than enough and served in the room. Only one thing.....if you do stay there, I would recommend a good set of earplugs.The walls were paper-thin and if a light sleeper, one might be disturbed by the hotel comings and goings as well as noise from the canal.
Hope this helps. We were happy with the location and felt very safe walking at night. Close to Rialto Bridge and not too much of a walk to St Marks

Hi, i was wondering about the hotel you stayed at in venice, would you recommend the hotel for a honeymoon?

We were in Venice earlier this month and stayed at Hotel Basilea. We were advised (by a friendly front desk clerk at Albergo Weber,Capri) not to make reservations because you can just pop up at any hotels (non-peak season that is) and have a look at the rooms and then decide if you'd like to take one up. Basilea is just 2 bridges away from the train station, and the Ferruvia bus stop. The hotel is wonderfully antique and has a rustic feel to it. It's located on the quieter side of Venice with the occasional clangs of churchbells. The friendly staff speaks English, French and Italian. The breakfast room is pleasant. Although the room was a tad bit small, there rest was wonderful...We even got a 10% discount.

Enjoyed reading about your time in Venice- very informative. Would like to hear about Florence and Rome, also.