beph03

Hello everyone! We are leaving on our honeymoon next Sat. and will be arriving in Venice on the Fri. the 18th.

We are staying at the Hotel Campiello in Venice which is in the SW area of Castello Ovest.

I was wondering if anyone had last minute trip advice for us on what is worth/not worth doing, seeing.

I understand that if we would like to go on the Secret Itineraries tour of Doge’s palace that I need to pre-book.
~do you feel this tour is worth it/or if the regular tour is just as good.

Other Islands around Venice
or
With only three nights in Venice would you venture out to other islands or just stay put?
The ones I know about are:
Murano - glass blowing/tours.
Borano - for the lace.

Are there others you would suggest going to instead - if any at all?

Is the casino worth a visit?

We are also flying from our previous location to Venice - Marco Polo Airport.
What would you suggest as the best mode of getting to our hotel. We will not be landing until about 8:00 PM and will going to out hotel on the east side of Piazza San Marco.

SORRY for the millions of questions. I am greatful [-o< to all last minute suggestions from the wonderful people on this site.

Shalott

I'm starting to think that the Secret Itinerary is being over-praised. I've been through it twice and while it was interesting, it was not a highlight and imo doesn't match the gorgeousness of the regular tour of the Doge's Palace. The SI is an interesting extra experience, it includes a few extra (mostly unfurnished) rooms and some of the prison, and it also has the Casanova connection, but I don't think of it as a must-see on a short visit to Venice.

beph03

shalott - thanks for your advice

flinn

This may be a minority opinion, but I think the "Secret" Tour of the Doges Palace is vastly overated. With the check in and waiting time and the tour itself, you will kill at least 2 hours. Basically, you are shown a series of very small, upper rooms which have been restored, and the attic/supporting roof structure. Our guide was very difficult to understand, and some of the older/heavier members of our tour group were struggling with the heat and the stair climbing to the point that the other members of the tour became concerned. If I had it to do over, I would devote the time to an out of the way church, or just to wandering the city. I can't imagine a more romantic honeymoon destination. Have a great time!

LoveItaly

Hi beph, I have taken the Secret Itinerary but would never bother to do so again, although I am not sorry I did take it. In that you are arriving at 8:00pm on Friday, with three nights you will only have two full days (Saturday and Sunday) as you will be departing Venice on Monday.

Consequently I would be inclined to skip the Secret Itinerary tour.

As far as the islands, I would play it by ear. I imagine you will so enjoy walking around Venice, to some of the out of the way places that you will probably not be interested in going to any of the islands. But if in the mood you can of course.

IF it is in your budget I would take a private water taxi from the airport to you hotel..does your hotel have a docking ramp? Restaurants in Venice generally close earlier than in most parts of Italy so getting checked into your hotel ASAP would be good so you can get some dinner. Perhaps your hotel could make suggestions and reservations for you for your Friday night dinner.

Best wishes to you two on your wedding and honeymoon. May you have a long and joyous life together.

maryk

What you do in Venice really depends on your particular interests, however the must 'sees' are probably the Basilica, a trip up the campanile, a vaporetto ride along the Grand Canal (both during the day and at night), the Doges Palace. Do aim to cross the Grand Canal to Dorsoduro and San Polo and just wander away from the crowds. My personal favorite churches are Salute, Miracoli and San Georgio Maggiore. I'm not so much a museum visitor - but the Accademia and Correr as well as Ca'Rezzonico are wonderful.

With only 3 days I'd not try for the islands.

There are several ways to get from the airport into Venice. The best - but most expensive - is by water taxi which will take you to the nearest water drop off point to your hotel - I think it costs around 80euro. Cheaper options are the Allilaguna water bus which will take you to San Zaccaria (quite close to your hotel), road bus (take the blue ATVO bus) which will take you to Piazzale Roma and you can get a vaporetto from here to San Zaccaria (either the number 1 or 82) or road taxi to Piazzale Roma and then vaporetto as above.

IMO I'd pay for the water taxi!

tuscanlifeedit

We bought the fairly inexpensive Venice Chorus Pass, which allows visits to 13 (I think) churches all over Venice. Great way to see the city. This can be bought at the main tourist office at the San Marco. If you walk out to the Grand Canal, the office is on your right facing the canal. Odd little stand alone building.

beph03

thanks for all the great advice...I unfortunatley have to go to dinner now and leave my precious fodors I will look into your suggestions when we get home tonight.

I have as well as my husband decided I have a fodors addiction. Now we just need to keep going on vacation so I can become someone that can help others.

pieterpad

I'd skip the secret tour, but I'd certainly take a boat out to Torcello and have lunch or dinner at al ponte del Diavolo. The abbey on Torcello is incredibly beautiful and also rather romantic. I also recommend San Giorgio, the cemetery island -- tranquil and nostalgic and, again, romantic.

Margaretlb

I completely enjoyed the Doge's Palace without the Sercret Itinery Tour and from what alot of others have posted, I feel justified. I spent 9 nights in Venice (so far ) and haven't visited any of the islands yet. There is just so much to see in Venice proper. That being said, friends that we traveled to Venice with last year, took a trip to Burano and LOVED it. They thought it was the highlight of their trip. They, however, do not enjoy churches or religious themed art.
I hope you have a lovely day for your wedding and enjoy your honeymoon trip.

RufusTFirefly

If you do have only 2 days, I'd forget visiting the other lagoon islands. You won't have time to see all the top sights in the main part of the city.

If you like art, check out the Accademia and Guggenheim musuems. There is also a lot of outstanding art in many of the churches and smaller museums scattered around the city. There are also numerous specialty museums--just check Fodors or other websites for lists.

And though many places do close early in Venice, there's a nice selection of restaurants, bars, and clubs that stay open late--again, check the Fodors website Venice info for lists of such places with opening hours and addresses.

missypie

You can book a reserved entry time into St. Mark's on-line, for free. Saves time waiting in line. Once in line, pay the little extra money to see the jeweled altar-piece - it is incredible! Also, pay the extra money to go into the musuem upstairs - that is the only way to see the real horse sculptures, and the mosaics up close.

I found the SI tour to be mildly - but not wildly - intersting. In three days, we went on the SI tour AND to Murano - I don't think I would have done either if we hadn't been traveling with three kids.

nessundorma

I would not wait in line to go up to the top of the Campanille. I would spend at least two or 3 hours just striking out in Venice without a planned destination. Just look around you and really notice things.

amyb

Perhaps I'll appear to be the minority, but I enjoyed the Secret Itinerary tour. Granted, it was cool and not at all crowded when I did it in May, but I learned a lot about the history of the ducal system, Venice and of course Casanova, all of which contributed to my self-guided tour through the rest of the palace. If you're into history like I am, it might be worth it to you.

I stayed 3 nights in Venice and spent a day out in Burano and Torcello. I would not recommend such an expedition on such a short trip, and did not think Torcello had much at all to offer other than the abbey, which took less than a half hour to see. I liked Burano, but wish I had more time in the city instead.

dcd

If you don't already have a guide book of things to see and do, I strongly recommend getting a copy of the "Fodor's City Pack - Venice Best". It's small, descriptive, and has pictures. It lists the "top 25" Venetian things to see and has maps with self guided walking tours which take you past those sights. From the brief descriptions and pictures, you'll be able to figure out what you want to see and what you don't.

I'd skip going to an island unless you run out of other things to do (not likely). Instead, I'd recommend visiting a true master right in Venice, a man named Mauro Vianello, Calle della Mandol 3728 (www.glasshandmade.it). We had a great visit with this artisian in March of 2005. He makes glass right there in the shop, which is on the small side. When we walked in, he was busy with customers. We decided to wait until he was free and, boy, were we glad we did. To break the ice, I introduced myself and said I had read a glowing review of him and his work by "massagediva" here on Fodors. I had copied her post and let him read it. He remembered her fondly. From that point on, he was very easy to talk to and spoke passionately about his work. Among other things, he warned us about the phonies in Venice who import glass from China even though they'll claim it's made in Venice and about others who will falsely claim they put gold in the glass when it's really copper. This was not a sales pitch on his part either. He was refeshingly honest and proud of the glass making tradition. We ended up buying a bunch of souvenirs from him, including a vase and a glass necklace with matching earrings. When he learned it was my wife's birthday, he gave her a free glass Easter egg (Easter was coming up). Very nice man.

We really liked the Secret Itineraries tour. It's 75 minutes and gives you the history of the legal system back when Venice ruled the world.

But my strongest advice is to get a very, very detailed map of the Venetian streets. This is a must. Streetwise makes good ones. Do a search here for "Venetian maps" and I'm sure you'll get lots of good advice.

Lastly, expect crowds. It's that time of year. The charming, narrow streets will be full of tourists. Relax and take it in stride.

Enjoy your honeymoon!! You picked a great destination.

Dave

treble

Wait! I think Everybody missed a crucial point in this post! The word HONEYMOON! I would think you would be spending most of the day "otherwise occupied" rather than traipsing around museums. Skip the map, take a walk and get lost on purpose, it'll be fine! Go in the evening to the campanile--short or no line by then. Take the water taxi to your hotel, it is definitely worth it. If your hotel is providing the complimentary taxi to Murano I would do that, because it is fun to ride in those taxis! (You can take a vaporetto back) It does not take that long to visit there, and it is fun to see all the beautiful glass/art. Re hanging out in your room, find a bodega (Sp?) and get some wine--bring your own bottles. (even plastic water bottles will do) Don't try to do too much! Good Luck!

beph03

thanks for all the great tips everyone.

and dcd, I will def. be sure to check out the glass shop.

TexasTiger

Have a drink on top of the Danielli Hotel. They have a great view and not crowded. Take the vaporetto to Rialto and eat at one the canal side restaurants at night. No islands-there are some good glass stores with blowing near San Marco-I like Pauli. Do,nt miss the dueling orchestras after dark!! Have agreat trip.

beph03

TexasTiger, where are the dueling orchestras?

missypie

Treble, I wish that we Fodorites could come up with some sort of "code" for the different types of honeymooners. Perhaps "Type L" would be those couples who have lived together for a long time before marriage and who will be interested in lots of sightseeing; perhaps "Type V" would be for those just getting to know each other, if you know what I mean, who would be primarily interested in a very nice hotel room, with a few hours a day of sightseeing. Without this type of knowledge (which, of course, is really none of our business), it is very hard to suggest itineraries for honeymooners.