Laurie

We'll be there between Xmas &amp; New Years when I imagine it will be packed. I've read here the Venice Card is a waste (&amp; may not work?). Don't want to book a tour. Any other options for getting into Doge's Palace, Ca' Rezz., Guggenheim etc. without standing in lines? Do I recall someone here saying our hotel could make arrangements - or was that for another city? If yes to hotel, how far in advance do we need to request this (ie. before we arrive?) and how specific must we be (day, day &amp; time?)<BR><BR>Thank all of you for the wonderful postings so far. Any help on this would be much appreciated.

jt

Haven't been there then, but I wouldn't expect lines or reservation systems. Only have seen significant lines at the tower in San Marcos which is a poor choice anyway compared to the other tower viewpoints.<BR><BR>The main lines may be just to get thru bottlenecks outside. Outside is the main attraction in Venice; the inside attractions tend toward the gloomy and mediocre. You will much benefit by dropping all goal-directed activities from your schedule there, and just get lost (preferably as far away as possible from San Marcos or Rialto tourist meltdown areas).

cap

Best plan for St. Marks isget there &amp; stand in line a half hour before it opens; that's when the line is shortest.<BR><BR>I really don't think you'll have problems standing in line at the other places -- we never have had to, even in height of summer. <BR>

topping

topping

daneille

Just returned from Italy where we were in Venice over a long weekend and believe me it was VERY VERY busy.<BR><BR>We did not have to stand in line for very long at all. Even to get in San Marco Basilica where the line looked enormous stretching way down through the square it was only about a 10 minute wait.<BR><BR>I believe you can pre purchase tickets for the Doge's Palace so why not try that at a more quiet time of the day buying them for the next day.<BR><BR>The biggest line we found was the line from San Marco to go to Murano on the vaporetto where we could have easily waited for 2 or 3 before we could fit on. We solved this by walking to the Fondamenta Nuove where the boat was near empty. A bit of a walk from San Marco but better than standing in a queue for 45 minutes or more. <BR><BR>Good idea to book restaurants (at those that will take a booking) if you find somewhere special you want to eat because we found those very busy especially in the main areas around San Marco and Rialto especially if you want to eat a bit later after a day of sight seeing.<BR><BR>The hotel we stayed at (Hotel Orion) did tour bookings as I'm sure most would do - ie. free tour to Murano.<BR><BR>One of the previous posters was quite right though - most of what there is to see in Venice is outside and doesn't cost a cent and it is the best place for just wandering around in that I've ever seen. You don't even have to plan your day - it just happens.

Tim

Avoiding the crowds in Venice?<BR><BR>Simple: Do the obligatory file-thru St. Marks, dodge a view pidgeons, then dodge the Doge.<BR><BR>Spend your time checking out the churches (Frari, etc.), which we found to be much less crowded, less expensive, and more impressive than anything in San Marco... <BR><BR>

xxx

<BR><BR>I have seen the inside of the Basilica, but not the Doge's Palace. <BR><BR>To those of you who have visited the Doge's Palace: would you consider it a &quot;must see&quot;? <BR><BR>I would say that about the Basilica, that it's not to be missed.

Marie

How about the Gallerie dell'Academia? Should we expect line ups there in late December?

Karen

Laurie - Agree with previous posts that you will find no line of significance outside of St Marks. Visited Ca' Rezz for the first time in Sept - very nice (also tremendous views out of the upper story windows!) and try to time it so you can eat lunch at the cafe inside the Guggenheim. Terrific food (chef does days here and nights at one of the better restaurants). We had great home made ravioli with butter and sage - the highlight of the day! Enjoy.

cap

<BR><BR>Re the Doge's palace: We went not expecting much more than a few fancy rooms, but really were impressed with the rooms, the armory, the explanations of how the government worked, etc. One cool thing is, you get to wander around the dungeons and walk across the bridge of sighs (this is with the normal entrance fee -- I had thought you had to pay extra for the dungeon tour.)<BR><BR>Another pleasant surprise was the museum of the city history, on the far side of the Piazza San Marco. It has old maps and sculptures and stuff about world travel and trade in the Venice heyday. Admitted, I prefer the small specialist-type museums to the big famous ones, but this was really nice.

Sue

We spent a weekend there two weeks ago, and would have the following observations<BR><BR>- Apart from in St Marks there were no lines anywhere (including Accademia, Doge's palace)<BR><BR>- We didn't take a Venice card, it didn't seem to cover much for the price. However, we did take a three day vaporetto pass and found that good value. We also bought the Chorus pass which gave access to lots of churches and thought it was good value (don't miss the Frari)<BR><BR>- We loved the secret itinerary of the Doge's palace - get tickets from the info desk for same day or next day. If you want to book further ahead, they will give you a number to call.<BR><BR>- Book restaurants at weekend (busy on Saturday, many closed on Sunday). Visit www.slowtrav.com for lots of restaurant ideas.<BR><BR>- Use your legs! It's definitely the best way to see Venice. Check whether the water will be high (acqua alta) on http://www.veniceword.com/weather.html<BR><BR>Have a great time!

robert

We were there last Christmas and it was not crowded.Line for doge's palace maybe 20 minutes max,weather is cold need long underwear hat gloves and scarf.Morning and evening reached below freezing (ice on the piazza san marco)Went to san marco for Christmas service beautiful music,choir.<BR>question e-mail me at e-mail address which is real. RR

Denise

Do you remember what time the christmas service was or do you know where I would find that information?<BR>

elaine

this website, which also publishes a free very useful free booklet available in Venice, has info on some of the churches, may help you with holiday services<BR>www.aguestinvenice.com <BR><BR>I have a file on Venice; if you'd like to see it, email me.

Robert

I don't recall the specific time but it was late morning perhaps 11:00 am,schedules are posted around the church,there are at least 4 services if not more.I would get there early and stay for the whole service,music and ceremony are fabulous.You don't have to be Catholic to have a seat,make sure you are there early as Christmas is a busy time<BR>some seats are on uneven ground as the marble floor is settling.I would say the service is a don't miss as well as the doge's palace. RR