Does anybody have specific information about Carnivale? We need dates (begin and end), Do the hotels sell out early and if so how far in advance do I need to book, Do the hotel rates increase significantly, Is there a specific day for a main parade...we want to see everyone in their costumes. <BR> <BR>Thank you, <BR>Scott

Try this site www.carnivalofvenice.com/ and click-on "Select Your Lanuage". <BR>HTH Regards, Walter

Yes, hotels do get booked up, so make your reservations as early as possible. We were there in '98 at the start of Carnevale and on the first Sunday there was already plenty to see. St. Mark's Square was packed with people in the most amazing costumes, many of whom were very happy to pose for photos with the hundreds of tourists who were also there. Walking around the streets of the city, you will also come across many people in costume. The website may give you information on more organised activities.

Walter, thank you for the website. Have you been to Carnival? If so was it very crowded...Any other insights. I have been to Venice twice so I do not need general information. <BR> <BR>Thank you. <BR>Scott

I was only at Carnivale for one day last year, either a Saturday or Sunday. Anyway, it was extraordinarily crowded. Piazza San Marco was jammed; you just moved slowly with the crowd. All the little calle were packed, and again you just moved along with the crowd. <BR> <BR>I get clautrophobic in crowds but for some reason the sheer number of people didn't bother me all that much. There was some pushing and shoving, but for the most part people behaved themselves. Also, I had no problem finding a place to eat lunch, although I did eat early. <BR> <BR>Anyway, if you have never been, it is a hoot visually. I took three rolls of film in about 4 hours. <BR> <BR>As for hotels, if you go to www.venere.it, you can see what hotels are available. They can be more expensive, but I don't believe they are not all that much more because they are so high to begin with. For an alternative, try staying on Lido, although I know some people on this forum disapprove of such hearsay. But it is cheaper and quiter. <BR> <BR>Do a search for Carnivale on Google or some other really good search engine. <BR> <BR>Also, the schedule for Carnivale, I am sure, is not available yet. You will have to wait until closer until the time. But there are parades, exhibits and shows throughout the period. And the main booth or tent in the Piazza will have the schedule posted and will have flyers to pass out. <BR> <BR>I really don't know what else you want us to say in answer to your questions. 1. Yes, it is crowded. 2. Yes, hotels are likely to be slightly higher. 3. And, yes, it is best to reserve early. <BR> <BR>

Darn, when I get snippy, I also get sloppy. This phrase should read: <BR>"although I know some people on this forum disapprove of such heresy. But it is cheaper and quieter."

Scott: I was also there in '98 for the 1st 3days of the 10 last days of Carnivale. When I had booked my flights I had thought that Carnivale's last 10 days was starting the *following* weekend of my arrival, I had wanted to avoid the crowds and start my vacation quietly in Venice relaxing. But I was happy for my mistake and did enjoy the crowded party atmosphere esp at night. I believe my hotel (Ala) only raised the rates by ~25% over the off-season rate which I assume was their peak-season rate anyway. I'd choose the last few days of the last 10 days of Carnivale for the (I believe?) main events and party atmosphere. If you're sure you're going and when, I would book asap just to insure your 1st hotel choice. HTH Regards, Walter <BR>