Pam

What are some of the best ship excursions for Venice? Is there a lot that you can do on your own?

judy

Venice is so small you can walk just about everywhere. I believe there are posted signs on the corners of buildings pointing you in the right direction to say, St. Marks square. Pick up a tourist pamphlet at your excusions desk and just go. It's great! Have a wonderful cruise.

Beth

If you want to see Venice on your own you should post the question in the Europe forum. You'll get tons of replies. I haven't been there yet, but I have some ideas, as I will be there soon. You can see St Marks and the Doge's Palace. You can see the Venetian art at the Accademia, or the modern art at the Peggy Guggenheim collection. If you are going before November you can see all the modern art on display at the Biennale. You could take a boat to Murano to see the glass factories. You could just walk around and enjoy the architecture, the small churches, and the cafes. Everyone keeps telling me the best things to do is just walk around, away from St Marks square and get lost.

Dick Hardy

Venice is a great walking city, true, but a ride to the outlying islands is a lot of fun, though touristy. Just don't buy glass at Murano - you can get better stuff downtown at less cost. Dick

Rod Hoots

A morning tour of the Doge's palace and St. Mark's basilica is a good way to start. While you're at St. Mark's square go to the American Express office and book their 4 PM tour that includes the very interesting Frari church and a group gondola ride complete with singing. It's a good bargain at 40,000 Lire per person. After the gondola ride have dinner at local restaurant and then a drink at one of the cafes in the square. <BR>