I'm flying with my daughter who is a Flight Attendent to Venice, Italy on Tuesday 10/23 she has a 24 hr lay over. What should we plan to see in this short time frame. What is the fee for a gondola trip. Do you recommend any particular one? Thank you. Pat

As with so many questions, the answer depends on you and her and your tastes. But here is an answer based on what many people do choose - - whether this what they SHOULD choose or not. <BR> <BR>1. Piazza San Marco, which can be divided into several "encounters" - - <BR> <BR>a) one to see the Basilica itself (20 to 90 minutes, depending on your taste), and I would recommend paying the nominal fee to go up on the first (upper) floor where you can walk around the Four Horses, and see the Piazza from above <BR> <BR>b) the Campanile, if the lines are not too long and that kind of thing appeals to you <BR> <BR>and c) the ambience, near the end of the afternoon or anytime until nearly midnight to just sit in one of the (terribly overpriced) "cafes" and listen to the orchestras (and the little "battles" they play out with orchestra from the other cafes there). <BR> <BR>You could easily add an early-morning encounter (at, just before or just after sun-up) to see/photograph the Basilica and/or Piazza in that early-morning light - - and the absence of people which will flood it all the rest of the day. <BR> <BR>2. The Doges Palace - - easily arguable "part of" Piazza San Marco, as it is right next to it. 45-120 minutes (in fact, less than 90 minutes would be awfully fast). <BR> <BR>3. The area around Ponte Rialto, including, ideally passing the full length of the Grand Canal, by motoscafo (water taxi - expensive) or vaporetto (water "bus" - cheap) to be able to see it come into view, ride under it, and move on around the bend under Academmia bridge to San Marco. <BR> <BR>4. Getting lost - - even in 24 hours, you ought to allow yourself at least a 2 hour "wander-around" period, during which you simply follow the "lets-see-what's-around-this-corner" approach, followed by "see if I can find my way back to some place I know". <BR> <BR>5. A gondola ride. Since you asked - - though it is on every body's list, even if you hadn't asked. Rates range from 100.000 to 200.000 ITL (about $45 to $90 USD), and can vary according to length (short = 35-45 minutes, longer might stretch up beyond an hour). The price is typically the same whether you are a party of two or up to five - - perhaps you can share the cost with two or three other travelers you happen to meet. <BR> <BR>This is a pitifully superficial list, and leaves out some wonderful different places within Venice. You really ought to get a book and read more about Venice - - though it could lead to heartbreak that you only have 24 hours. <BR> <BR>Best wishes, <BR> <BR>Rex <BR>

Ca'Rezzonico. I fell in love with it (should only take an hour, two at the most -- I got caught in the rain and had to stay longer, but didn't mind a bit). And definately pay the $15 for a coffee at St Marks. And don't worry about how to spend the 24 hours -- you'll get so lost walking around the time will fly by! Wander in and out of the shops and just enjoy being there.

So sad you have only 24 hours in this wonderful city -- you will surely want to return again. <BR> <BR>The area around San Marcos, of course, browse some of the wonderful shops, I agree to splurge on a drink in the square and damn the cost, bargain for a gondola ride -- in 1997 we paid 80,000 lire -- don't share it unless cost is really an issue, wander the quieter side streets and drink in the local life. Have a memorable time.

While it is without a doubt a must to go to San Marco, I agree you need to go elsewhere in Venice. First off take a vaporetto cruise of the grand canal so you can see the amazing palazzi from the water. Stop off at Ca d'Oro for one of the most beautiful museums around that really captures the feel for what Venice was at its height. Remember that this was some onn's house at one time. You can also take a traghetto over the canal to the Rialto market and see the bustle of one of Venice's fish and vegetable markets. <BR> <BR>The back on the Vaporetto and crosss the canal and wander to the Frari. I think that Titain's asenscion is the greatest painting I have ever seen. and again, the Frari will amaze you. <BR> <BR>Finally I would get back on the vaporetto and finish the circut of the grand canal so you can see the Salute and San Georgio.