we are going to Italy this December, and Venice, is on 'our must-do list' I have knee problems, will I have trouble getting around? I am getting a bit worried, at all the talk of 'lots' of walking. Any advice?

Not at all, Melva. Venice is an island, with lots of bridges, canals, and a few stairs, but is very small, comparing to other cities, like, for example, Rome. <BR> <BR>It's very walkable, but my advise is that you buy a good, detailed map, and figure out the sites you want to visit before you go. Ideally, you should stay at a hotel strategically located, regarding your touring preferences, say San Marco, or Rialto bridge. <BR> <BR>The most of walking one does is Venice is because the streets are usually very small, somehow confusing and sometimes is difficult to figure out your way around. Very often, tourists get lost in Venice, and have to make more walking to return to their originally desired destination, what in itself, is wonderful, because Venice is so beautiful that, no matter where you get, even a dead end, is wonderful. <BR> <BR>In your specific case, this wouldn't be convenient, but a good map will work, you shall find the shortest way to get to wherever you want. <BR> <BR>Enjoy Venice, enjoy your trip, and don't worry. <BR> <BR>Surlok

Hi Melva--I too have knee problems-had surgery 2 years ago and still can't do steps real well---Surlock who posted above is right in saying there are bridges etc--but Venice is a walkers dream and if you do get lost ( an you will), you will be doing a lot of walking. You aren't able to take a vaporetto (boat) thru the small town -they only go to specific spots and then you get out and walk---to walk thru St,Marks Sq. is a long walk the size of 2 football fields--if you feel you can walk that with no pain, then definitely go for Venice...When we went years ago, I had no knee problems--I wanted to go back this year but I now travel with a cane ( I am not old-only 52) but I do find the cane and sitting down at various intervals does help alleviate the walking pains--but good luck....Most of the sightseeing spots have steps as do the bridges that go over the canal--

Good evening, Melva Venice is a walking city, however you can walk to <BR>most anyplace in Venice in a half hour. <BR>December can be cool with an average <BR>temp of 39 deg. f. Hi of 45 low of 33, <BR>with approx 2.4" of rain. Be able to <BR>layer and have a ponco or light rain <BR>wear, Acqua Alta occurs also sometimes <BR>in December., can be foggy, but still <BR>is a wonderful time, tourists start being very limited. Knowing the vaporetto and their stops can eliminate a lot of walking, slighty more time <BR>consuming, see (www.actv.it/ingelse/preservizi.htm.) <BR>Walking in Venice can be easily accomplished without a map.. The <BR>main destinations are the Ferrovia, <BR>Pza. S. Marco, Ponte Rialto, Ponte <BR>Accademia, Pza Roma. Go into (www.elmoro.com/UK/segnali.htm) <BR>you will see samples of direction signs <BR>located between the ground and 1st floor <BR>these signs will indicate by the arrow <BR>the direction you must go to get to <BR>your destination, sometimes the arrow <BR>will be double ended, which means that <BR>there is more than one way of getting <BR>to there.A good article on public toilets in Venice is in (goeurope.about.com/travel/goeurope/libary/venice/bl-980615.htm) <BR>Richard of LaGrange Park, Il.. <BR>

It is a walker's paradise -- well, for you those aren't words that give you a warm fuzzy. Venice is much smaller than many cities. And in your circumstance, I'd do pre-planning to figure out where you want to stay (suggest a hotel close to a vaparetto stop) and what you'd like to see. You can try to get a sense of the city with a map; however from my experience in Venice, it still can be quite a challenge NOT to get lost. <BR> <BR>Oh, I just bumped into this website with a webcam on the Grand Canal! Yes, I'm going off-topic, but thought this is neat & wanted to share. It's night-time now, so will have to wait until morning to be able to see anything! <BR>

Sorry, Richard, but despite the street signs, is very easy to get lost in Venice (I did, many times, and I've been to Venice four times already), so, this lady shall have a map to avoid unnecessary walking, and also, to plan in advance how to get to the sites, or which vaporetti to take. <BR> <BR>Surlok

DUH !!! Neglected to give the URL. Here it is: <BR> <BR>Webcam on the Grand Canal ! <BR> <BR>http://turismo.regione.veneto.it/webcam/index.htm <BR> <BR>

What is the adddress for the venice web cam? I'd love to see it! <BR> <BR>By the time we got to Venice, my feet and legs acehd from all the walking. I had a really hard time walking up the stairs over the canals. Take it slow- there are lots of benches around to rest. I thought it was worth the pain!

Yes, Clara, Venice really induce us, travelers, to walk more and more. Every alley is irresistible, so, we end up walking much more, but is not really necessary. <BR> <BR>There aren't that many steps, or at least, not all bridges have that many. By saying this, you're picturing Venice as a hard place to get around, and it's not. You walk as much as you want, otherwise, there are other ways, as taking a vaporetto. <BR> <BR>Don't let these posts frighten you, Melba, you can make it! <BR> <BR>Surlok

Thanks to everyone for the tips, I appreciate it. I do okay when I am in Amsterdam, and it too, is a walker's city. I am just a worrier.... <BR>I look forward to being in Europe in Winter, I plan to dress in layers, and I hope we do have one of the mists, I hear so much about. I want to be in Amsterdam for Christmas. Thanks again. <BR>

Melva, perhaps you'll have my good luck and find some handsome Italian gentleman who will offer you a hand as you step down from a bridge. I too have knee problems and use a cane so that I can walk farther. Venice is worth it! <BR> <BR>And Zee Zee Top, thanks for the web cam site!

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venice is smaller than central park so please do walk. getting lost is part of the fun as you may discover some very interesting shops. i found a quaint shop printing hand-made name cards while i was lost.if you keep walking you'll always end up in a vaporetto stand anyway so you can always "sail" back to your hotel.