Paula

Hi,
You guys have been a tremendous help in my first trip to Italy I've been planning for the end of this month. I hope this isn't too much but I have 3 questions.. I have tickets the the Papal Audience on Wed (start 10:30 but they suggest being there by 9am for best seating. Does anyone know how long it lasts?) I have the Scavi tour reserved for Thursday at 9:15. I would like to pair up a St. Peter's visit and the Vatican museums visit with each, but I don't know what do do with what. I am getting conflicting closing times for both St. Peter's and the Vatican museums (with different ones yet for the Sistine Chapel) For you experienced planners, what would you suggest?
Also, and this may be a far reach, but in Venice I remember reading about a reasonable, good seafood resteraunt about 2 streets down, but close to the fish market. I remember the post even gave directions. Does anyone recall the name?
And the last question, our flight leaves Venice at 7:05 am. What do you suggest as a way to get to the airport that early. Details if you have them please. (Whew)
Thanks in advance everyone.

Grinisa

The Papal Audience should be over about noon. I would visit the Basilica after the audience as I bet a lot of people attending the audience will be running over to the Museum afterwards. The smart ones went to the Museum during the Papal Audience. The Basilica doesn't close until 6 or 7 pm, the Museum closes at 4:45 with last admission about 1 hour prior. Go to the Museum after your Scavi visit in the late morning, avoiding the big crowd that lines up early to be first into the Museum.

ashcanannie

The Pope seems to be in very poor health. I wouldn't be surprised if he cancels his audiences. St. Peter's is so big that it never seems crowded. The Museum on the other hand, can be very crowded. It really affects the quality of your visit. The tour is long to begin with, and "fighting crowds" adds to the stress. By the time we got to the Sistine Chapel after 2 hours of the Museum, we were much too tired and cranky to enjoy it. The Scavi tour is pretty interesting, but it too was crowded in certain spots. The 10 at a time rule is somewhat misleading because you eventually end up together with several other groups. I understand that there are no crowds in the Winter!

Paula

Thanks for the info so far. Does anyone have any advice for the Venice airport departure question? We are staying at the Galleria, is it close to a alilaguna stop? and how what is the earliest we could arrive at the airport? Thanks

Steve_James

Paula - The earliest by boat (Alilaguna) arrives at 05.45.

For departure times from San Marco see
http://www.alilaguna.it/

Hope this helps ...

Steve

Statia

Hi Paula,

Personally, I would take a private water taxi for a flight that early. The ride would be around 85 euro (give or take) and the distance would take about a 1/2 hour from door to door.

Your other choice, as suggested, is the Alilaguna, which will be much cheaper, but also take much longer.

So, it's really your call between the two. Good luck.

dickv

Good morning, Paula
The Alilguna takes an 1hr15min from S. Marco to Marco Polo Airport. Would
uise the water taxi, make reservations
thru your hotels concierge the night
before... Richard of LaGrange Park, Il.
The only exlcellant fish ristorante near
the Venice fishmarket is in it and it is
the Poste Vecoe...

Paula

Thanks everyone for your help. Leaving in 9 days and trying to gather up all the last minute odds and ends. it's hard when your juggling 3 cities, and it's the 1st time to Italy.