Hi, could I ask for experiences re walking tours in Venice. I thought it might be a good way to start off a visit. Any companies to look out for - any one to avoid ? Not sure of what might be reasonable in price range to expect to pay (any guides). The time of year would be October. All reasonably fit.

many thanks.

We took two tours with Luisella Romeo who is a wonderful, delightful Venetian

http://www.seevenice.it/seevenice/to...in_Venice.html

Her rates were very reasonable (we thought) and the more people you have the greater value - she does not charge more for a larger group.

Not a walking tour as such, but one of the best guided tours in Venice is the Secret Itineraries tour of the Doges Place. A wonderful insight into the machinations and politics of La Serenissima.
http://www.venice-museum.com/secrets1.html

many thanks - I will check both out.

regards,
Deb

Just start walking with a map of Venice and a guide book.

I have mentioned this before on this board, but Rick Steve's has free downloadable MP3 tours that cover Venice. We downloaded those to daughter's iphone (she kept it in airplane mode and never incurred any fees), took earphones and an earphone splitter, printed out the maps, and away we went.

Here's the link (scroll down to the bottom for the Venice things):

http://www.ricksteves.com/news/trave..._downloads.htm

Worked like a charm. Used the splitter/extra earphones when we rented audiotours at museums, too!

This was very helpful in Venice because walking often has to be in single file--passages are quite crowded.

And by the way...
I really have always enjoyed walking tours, but what I hate is the fact that I have to block out a morning, afternoon, or day for the thing. I love planning, but I hate to be locked in. We were rather pleased that this allowed us so much flexibility.

Hi AllessandraZoe, many thanks this is a great idea - & will give it a go. d.