We will be arriving Venice train station on May 7 at 11:30 (train from Florence). My wife wants to take a vaporetto (1 or 82) to our stop - "Accademia" to see the Grand Canal.<BR><BR>My concern is that with several pieces of luggage, it will not be possible due to large number of tourists riding on these lines.<BR><BR>Did anyone done that trip with luggage?<BR><BR>Thanks,<BR><BR>Joe

We took a vaporetto (I think it was the 1, the local route down the Grand Canal) when we arrived, with all our luggage...<BR><BR>The boat was packed, and it was annoying to have our luggage with us...I spent more time watching the luggage and trying to keep it out of people's ways that enjoying the sights.<BR><BR>I would recommend taking a taxi to your hotel, then going back and seeing the Grand Canal when you can enjoy it more

Joe<BR><BR>I'd play it by ear. <BR><BR>The vaporetti are great because you can really get a wonderful first view of Venice as you chug relatively slowly (slower than taxi, faster than gondola) down the Grand Canal. But as you have mentioned they are sometimes very crowded.<BR><BR>The water taxi are expensive and much faster, affording less of a view as you take that first trip.<BR><BR>As for crowds, we were there 6 days and found it really varied through the day. Sometimes luggage was no problem at all, adn certainly a number of people got on at the station stop with large cases. Other times it was more of a struggle as the boat was so packed.<BR><BR>I would go to the vaporetti stop, see what you think about how crowded it is, and if it's too much, then get that water taxi...

o-TTAN-te DU-e.. loved hearing this - especially as 'sung' by the cute guy roping the vaporetto to the pier.<BR><BR>why did I just know this was about Venice before I even opened it?<BR><BR<BR><BR>Kavey, did you ever finish World of Venice?<BR><BR>Beth<BR><BR>

Take a water taxi. We were exhausted after the 4 hour train ride and then had to lug our suitcases down a huge flight of stairs to the canal. Then we had to hoist them onto the vaporetto (which was packed) and try to see over the crowds so we could tell when our stop was coming up. Then we had to hoist them up and out of the boat and lug them over little bridges, up and down steps,etc. to the hotel. Stupid. The hotel had a dock right in front and a water taxi would have dropped us at the door. We stayed at the Accademia.

Joe - No.1 stops at EVERY stop and can get very crowded. No.82 would be a better bet.<BR><BR>Steve

Joe:<BR><BR>I'd play it by ear. More likely, you'll be able to get on without too much difficulty. It's the middle of the day --- at that time people are walking around or thinking about where they want to eat lunch. Do note there are steps outside the train station. However you'd have to walk down those steps anyhow to get a water taxi. Definitely take vaporetto no. 82. It makes fewer stops. And also, make sure to buy your ticket before boarding. Yes, I've done this trip from train station to Accademia stop (stayed @ Hotel Galleria). I had my carry-on (an over the shoulder piece) and a 22" wheeled luggage --- no problem.<BR>

I vote for the water taxi! We took the taxi straight to the hotel and used the vaporetto later to get around the city. A water taxi is more expensive, but its worth the headache of trying to get it into the vaporetto. With one of our vaporetto rides, 2 young girls were trying to get on with luggage. They finally give up because of the crowds. Depending on what time of the year, the vaporetto can be wall to wall with people.

Well.... the obvious question is: Just how expensive is a water taxi???<BR>My lodging is at the Zaterre stop. Are there any web sites?

ttt

Joe,<BR>We just returned from Italy, caught the vaporetto from the train station to Accademia stop with our luggage, and return, no problem. Just make sure you stay out of people's way as they are getting on and off. There is a tiny area for luggage as you get on the boat but we didn't use it. Be aware the No.82 does not stop at all stops, but the No.1 does. I would catch the No.1 to be sure the vaporetto does not sail right past your stop.<BR>The vaporettos are usually busy or packed but they are used all the time by tourists with luggage. No need for a water taxi in my opinion.<BR>Kay

We've been to Venice twice in the last five years. Both times took the vaporetto from the train to hotels near St Marks.<BR><BR>With one 26" and a tote bag each we had no problem. <BR><BR>Wheel on, try to find a seat or stand, read stops, get off.<BR><BR>The only stairs were from the train station to the water lever (I don't remember if there is a ramp). The bigger problem is at the other end. Depending where the hotel is you may have to go over several bridges to get to the hotel.<BR>

Joe--<BR>On the landing platform or waiting area for vaparetto, you can see the stops at which the vaparetto will pull in. Unless they've made changes to route, 82 most definitely pulls in at Accademia stop. No need to take 1, the slower route.<BR>

We took a water taxi and it was great. We had never been to Venice before and were tired after a 2 hour train ride so it was worth the $50 it cost. We rode the vaporetto a lot during the next four days. It's the best way to get around and you can buy a ticket that's good for several days so it's very economical. I 'm sure you can take the vaporetto with luggage it just depends on which is more important to you - cost or convenience. We were there in July and it was always very crowded except in the early morning and evening so we enjoyed the water taxi and used the vaportto for sight seeing and to get to farther points around Venice. Venice was wonderful. My husband loved it so much that he would just ride around on the vaporettos to see the sights from the water.<BR>