1st day in Venice
 

We will be arriving in Venice Tuesday, June 5th around 9:30 a.m. if the flights are on time. We are getting in a day before meeting up with our group so that we will have a chance to recoup from the flight. I 'm sure we will be walking around in a jetlagged stupor, but will be eager to set out. Any suggestions what we should do that 1st day and then the next morning? We will have 2 1/2 days in Venice. Sugestions are welcome! Thank you.

Taking the Aliaguna (sp?)water bus from Marco Polo airport to the city made all the jetlag disappear- it was suggested to approach from the water, and that is so true! (This is assuming you don't have loads of luggage and have a pretty good idea of where your hotel is, for which stop to use.) After we dropped our bags at the hotel we purchased a pass for the vaporetto. You could get on the #1 and let it take you up and down the Grand Canal, to have a tour of the city and feel for what is where-while sitting and not having to do any walking or navigating on your own. It is very easy to get lost on the smaller streets and tiny bridges, and while that it is part of the charm and can be fun, I found it way more stressful when jetlagged and tired that first day than later the next when I got things more figured out- on the water you can't get lost!

You could also splurge on a gondola ride that first night before you are with a larger group- go at sunset if you can- it is magical and totally worth the money...then you'll be ready to tackle all the sights "on land" the next day, after you get some sleep.

Hi fluff,

When you say "group", do you mean tour? If so, I would plan to do and see things that are not on the tour agenda. Mainly just enjoy walking around, getting fresh air, maybe going to Burano and Torcello if those are not on your group agenda.

Buon viaggio!

Dayle,
I had given some thought to Burano since it is not on our schedule. Had not thought of Torcello. By the way, yes, we are meeting up with a tour.
sglass,
We do like to just wander the streets and get acclimated. But, I get your point about being jet-lagged and maybe a canal ride would be nice for the afternoon and then Burano the next a.m.
Thanks to both of you for your suggestions!

Personally, once you land in Venice I'd walk. The venetians walk, and the grand canal is so curvy that it may confuse you about functional venetian geography! Get outdoors and get your legs moving! Where to go might depend on where you are staying, but whatever you do be sure to pick up a good map at the first bookstore you see, if you dont have one in your guidebook etc.

It would be easier to know what to recommend when you say what your group itinerary is, but assuming your are staying near San Marco, you might want to walk to Rialto and see the bridge and cross over and see the extraordinary fish and vegetable Market(a morning activity)You could then continuoe on through San Polo and Santa Croce to visit the Frari, then on to Campo Santa Margherita, and from there to Dorsoduro. There are plenty of places to stop for a meal, a gelato, a coffee and pastry or a taste of wine on this route though the little calle you pass through following the signposted route from Rialto to Frari etc can be a little congested.

Alternatively, you can cross back over the Rialto bridge and walk through the less frequented part of San Marco - following signs for the Accademia. You would pass through several attractive squares with impressive churches to visit (especially good on a hot day), through an elegant shopping district thence to the accademia bridge.

On the other side is the Accademia museum of course - its not so great to visit a big museum on the first day in a place, better to keep strolling, snacking etc. Certainly exploring Dorsoduro, seeing the Salute, walking down the Zattere and sunning yourself, having a gelato, and then perhaps working you way back to Calle San Barnaba (several excellent restaurants there - da Sandro (Osteria San Barnaba), La Bitta, 4 Feri, Furatola, etc) and a nice pastry shop across from the san Barnaba church (be sure to have one of the fritters with cream inside, they are delish in Venice.)

Thats just a couple of directions to walk - there are others. Why not post back with your itinerary and people can fill in with suggestions based on what you are NOT visitng.

I would just get out and spend the day walking around. Central Venice is perfect for that. You don't need any plans. Get some exercise, fresh air, have a coffee or glass of wine along the way, ride the vaporetto down the Grand Canal, have a couple nice meals.

My first day will be on a Sunday, arriving in the afternoon, eve.

Any groceries open Sunday eve. around 6 PM near the Rialto bridge?

Hi, jjkbrook!
Here is the list of things that is on our schedule: Murano, St.Marks, Golden Basilica, Bridge of Sighs and Doges Palace. We have the afternoon free and will probably want to visit the Accademia Gallery or the Guggenheim. Thank you for all your good suggestions!

DId you mean the Uffizi? You can ask your hotel if they can call & reserve tickets for you. That will save on time too.

If I may suggest booking St Marks and the Dodges palace in advance? June is in the middle of the tourist season, so you'll most likely be facing long queues, booking ahead or even leaving very early the next day is very advisable.

I'd also recommend just walking about for the first day, enjoying the unbelievable craftsmanship of the Venetian Mask.

There are many inexpensive places near the flea markets, in the side streets. St Marks' Square is incredibly expensive. A good snack is a pizza in a cone, which is a great time saver in not having to sit down and wait for your food.

<<DId you mean the Uffizi? You can ask your hotel if they can call & reserve tickets for you. That will save on time too.>>

Is there an Uffizi in Venice?

I guess I'm confused about the galleries. I thought that Uffizi was in Florence??