Dear Ann,

I spoke with a poster who had hired a car with driver and driven to the Dolomites. It was a day trip for him and an expensive one. I thought the roads may be dangerous in winter. What do you think?

thanks,

jim

annhig or anyone! - How was Venice in April ( during Ester) - weather, crowds, places open - thinking of a last minute trip there.

hi kenav

we were in Venice in March last year as Easter was very early. Generally it was warm during the day - we ate lunch outside at least twice - but we had some rain and wind too. and on the last day it rally changed fo the better and to us Brits it seemed almost hot in the ssun. and that was March 31st, I think.

so the weather at easter this year - mid April - could be good, unless it isn't - does that make sense?

as for crowds, there weren't too bad. I had previously visited in November when they had been if anything, worse. but DH, who had last been in Venice 25 years ago, thought it was VERY busy. if you get off the main drag from san marco to ferrovia you soon lose the crowds.

the best thing is places open - nothing shuts for Easter. from memory the accademia was even open on easter sunday. the various websites will give you exact opening hours. you might also want to do what we did which was to go to Easter mass in the basilica of San Marco, with the patriach, no less. Although we aren't religious, it was vey impresive and moving and also gave us 90 minutes to study the mosaics!

if you want to go, you should enter by the northern entrance at least 30 minutes before the service is due to start, if you want the chance of a seat. [which you might wish you'd had, after an hour or so]. the service is partly conducted in English, french and german as well as italian which was a help.

if you can get accommodation, I'd go - definitely.

regards, ann

Thanks ann.

Yes - it seems it may be difficult as far as accommodations go. Especially trying to keep it at below $200 U.S. a day.

have you thought of an apartment? some are available for as little as 3 nights. we got ours through

http://www.holiday-rentals.co.uk/Ita...enice/r382.htm

regards, ann