Help with Venice Itinerary
 

So, I will be going in Venice in February (19-24/2/14) and I want to know if my Itinerary is feasible, and some recommendations if you have any. I need to tell you that the Venice Carnival dates are 15th February to 4th March so I will be there during the Carnival, and that means there will be a lot of tourists, hordes. And I also have to say I am a really into food, photography, and culture, but don't like tours. So here is my Itinerary:

~Day 1
I enter Venice at 7:00pm, go to my hotel leave my luggage and head to Cannaregio, strolling and then eat at "La Bottega ai Promessi ai Sposi" then return to the hotel.

~Day 2
In this day, I'm planning to explore the Dorsoduro area. Firstly I head to Ca' Rezzonico, then Galleria dell' Accademia then some cicchetti (tapas/meze) at "Cantinone Gia' Schiavi" then Peggy Guggenheim and then Santa Maria della Salute. Lunch at "Antica Locanda Montin".

~Day 3
In this day, I'm planning to explore the San Polo area. Firstly I head to Scuola Grande di San Rocco, then Frari Basilica which is next to the Scuola, then I head to the Rialto area and do some giro d'ombra (food walk) by eating some cicchetti in "All'Arco" then in "Do Mori" and then go to the Rialto Market. I cross the Rialto Bridge and eat some cicchetti in "La Vedova".

~Day 4
In this day, I'm planning to explore the Piazza San Marco and Western Castello. Firstly I head to Campanile di San Marco, then Basilica di San Marco, then Palazzo Ducale and then go to take a Gondola ride from Bacino Orseolo (Gondola Parking just behind Piazza San Marco) and tell the Gondolier to take me to San Giorgio dei Greci. See the Church and the Byzantine Greek Museum and then lunch at Corte Sconta. Finally I get to the Arsenale and then Museo Storico Navale.

~Day 5
This is the free day, for shopping etc. Leaving Venice in midday, and then back home to Athens.

Is this a feasible Itinerary, any recommendations?

Well I don;t see any time in the outer islands.

I would not miss Torcello, which has a wonderful church with incredilbe byzantine mosaics, and would also consider Burano ir you can fit it in.

@nytraveler Yes, I would love to go to Murano and Burano, and see the Torcello Cathedral with the gorgeous Byzantine Mosaics, but I have no time. If I just had one more day...

Your plan seems reasonable and well researched. I suggest that you visit the Rialto market first thing in the morning as it is at its most spectacular then.

@mamcalice Then I am going first in Rialto Market, and then do my Giro d'Ombra. I keep the Scuola Grande di San Rocco and the Frari Basilica first, as they are on my way to Rialto. Thanks! :)

We once went to Venice during Carnevale. The crowds were unbelievable for scheduled events in Piazza San Marco, but it was amazing how easy it was to get away from the crowds. We actually went to the top of the Campanile during a big event, and there was no one in line ahead of us. They were all in the piazza. So, as long as you avoid scheduled events, I don't think you'll have problems with your plan. The atmosphere during Carnevale was very festive, but we didn't see any vandalism or other chaos. I hate crowds, but I enjoyed our time at the Carnevale immensely.

@bvlenci Thats nice, I had a great fear on the crowds... I think the only good think in the Carnival is the great photos :) and I am content with that. But since you say that there are no big lines, I am quite greatful. Thanks!!

The most beautiful church in Venice is Santa Maria dei Miracoli.

You have to pay to see the Marriage at Cana by Tintoretto in Santa Maria Salute.

Thin

<i><font color=#555555>"I had a great fear on the crowds"</font></i>

If you do, in fact, have a fear of crowds, however "great," then Venice during Carnevale will prove to be a challenge. The extremely dense crowds of Carnevale affect a fairly large land mass, from the Ponte della Paglia to the Accademia and/or Rialto Bridges. The wall-to-wall people are not limited to Piazza San Marco or "scheduled events." The gathering of people in costumes to be photographed in and around San Marco starts at sunrise and ends long past sunset. Every day. No set schedule. It just happens. Been there, done that. Five times.

<i><font color=#555555>"since you say that there are no big lines"</font></i>

Beware of trusting only one voice on the internet, claiming just a single experience. I can promise you there will be plenty of unexpected lines in Venice during Carnevale. Be sure to plan your restroom visits with great care. The lines to cross the Rialto Bridge can take 30-40 minutes. The lines to board a simple vaporetto at the two San Marco docks can also take 30-40 minutes, and you may have to miss a boat or two before you get a chance to board. If the weather is particularly wintry, you could easily find yourself getting pelted by ice crystals in freezing cold wind gusts that eat umbrellas for a snack. Certain visitors need to be prepared for the potential challenges of visiting Venice during Carnevale.

On any day during Carnevale, you want to be very careful if your walking plans include stepping onto Fondamenta Goldoni, Calle Fabrii, Marzaria San Zulian, Merceria Orologio, and Calle Spadaria. These streets empty into Piazza San Marco on its northern edge. It is very easy to find yourself stuck in a single-person line for an hour in opposing directions with no ability to escape. I've witnessed one too many claustrophobia/anxiety attacks waiting for these lines to move. Not pretty.

@Pepper_von_snoot Yes, I was considering a visit in Santa Maria dei Miracoli, and I will probably go as you recommend. I'm okay with paying in Santa Maria de la Salute to see the painting... Anyway I am going to that church mainly to see the Panagia Mesopanditissa icon which the Venetians took from Crete in order to save it from the Turks (Yes, I am Cretan obviously). Thanks for the information!

@NYCFoodSnob I am not claustrophobic, what I want to say is that I don't like crowds, mainly because they ruin my photographs, there are no tables to eat in a restaurant I like, and the huge lines... What you say sounds a bit like a nightmare, the answer to escape from the crowds is the off the beaten track areas like Castello, thats what I am going to do then, I will focus to that kind of areas.

It's easy enough to stay far from the maddening crowds, Petros. Just avoid the triangle that's formed between San Marco, Rialto and the Accademia Bridge. Also avoid the Lista di Spagna thoroughfare. You'll find plenty of peace and quiet.

<i><font color=#555555>"I am not claustrophobic"</font></i>

That's a relief. Someone who reads this thread might be. Or may have anxiety issues. I don't judge these conditions. I've seen perfectly healthy friends suffer without cause or reason. During one Carnevale, I witnessed a woman in her 30's on Calle Fabbri fall paralyzed by some kind of anxiety attack. She fell to the ground and refused to get up. She was finally moved into a restaurant (already packed with people) with the help of two waiters. It was quite a scene. When you witness something like that, you never forget it.

The two lines in the <i>calle</i> were not moving in either direction, and the people were stuffed too close for comfort. At least all the bodies clinging together made standing in the street a bit warmer. But I felt so sorry for the woman who couldn't handle the stifling situation.

<i><font color=#555555>"I don't like crowds, mainly because they ruin my photographs"</font></i>

It's very difficult to get artful photographs of the costumed people without hundreds of tourists in your pictures. It can be done. There are methods. It helps if you have a website, a business card, a cell phone, and speak at least two languages.

<i><font color=#555555>"What you say sounds a bit like a nightmare"</font></i>

I've witnessed quite a few nightmares during my Carnevale visits. I'm sure there are many I haven't personally seen. I'm always surprised you don't hear much on the internet about the tourists who struggle at Carnivale. Many Carnevale visitors do a bit of research. You'd think more of the nightmares would get mentioned. I suppose those who find the mayhem fun far outnumber anyone else.

The further you are away from the San Marco/Accademia/Rialto axis during Carnevale the better. In other neighborhoods, you wouldn't know the festival was taking place except for the one or two people in costume who just walked by.

Petros, you sound like you have this well-planned out and I have no doubt you will have a good time, despite the crowds.

It really is mind over matter (or madding crowds, as it were)!

I also agree that you should get to the Rialto Market early (7-8am) to best see it before it gets too busy. Actually, the earlier you get out for everything, the better.

You obviously have information on when places open/close. That's important to know. Make sure you make reservations for meals at least 2 weeks before you get there. Especially since it is Carnivale.

Buon viaggio! I hope you will write up a trip report upon your return, as I'll be in Venice in April and am always interested in others' reports!

@NYCFoodSnob To be honest, I haven't made a lot of research on the Carnevale, I wish I won't have a traumatic experience as most tourists did... Thanks for all the great informations you give me, I really appreciate it :D

Petros--I think you have too many art museums on Day 2. I will say that we've had a few three-day visits to Venice and have never failed to go to Torcello (our favorite of the Islands). You may have time on the afternoon of Day 3, as I Frari and San Rocco are close together and seen fairly quickly.

@sarge56 Well, I haven't done a lot of research on hours, but I will. Yes, I think the key to everything in a trip is begining early. I will try to make a Trip Report, I've never done one! Thanks!!! :)

@dwdvagamundo Yes, I maybe exclude Ca' Rezzonico in day 2... I get a bit anxious with the Carnival madnesss so I will try to keep only the basic attractions. Yes its not a bad idea on going to Torcello in the afternoon, I was only thinking in the morning, but why not? I will consider it. Thanks!

<i><font color=#555555>"I wish I won't have a traumatic experience as most tourists did"</font></i>

Most tourists do not experience trauma. Perhaps English is not your first language.

Yeah, I think the "back home to Athens" in his very first post here was a good clue as to what his first language might be. As well as his location shown in his profile. I'd say he's done pretty well here with ESL.

@NYCFoodSnob Seeing someone having a panic attack is a traumatic experience, not something I would be glad to see. Its quite possible to witness such an incident, in all that lines I will attend all day long. Thats what I mean by saying traumatic experience, and my mother language is Hellenic.

Hi Petros,

what a detailed itinerary you have - i hope that you are not derailed by the crowds of carnevale!

one point that struck me for you Day 1 is that the opening hours for Santa Maria della Salute are quite limited - 9-12 and 3-5.30 - so you need to take that into account as you will want at least 30 mins in there before it closes. if you want to escape the crowds, the nearby island of San Giorgio with its campanile is worth a visit.

on day 3, if you got an early start, you could and should do the Rialto market first, then the Frari and the Scuola di San Rocco, and then go to the islands, aiming for Burano and Torcello - the Basilica is a MUST see IMO. there is fantastic view of the Dolomites from the island against the blue winter sky if the weather is clear. I know that you are keen to consume cicchetti and ombre at various places, but you might be thwarted by the crowds anyway, so I would prioritise the sights, and take your refreshments where and when you can.

Good luck with your first trip to Venice!

<i><font color=#555555>"my mother language is Hellenic"</font></i>

My apologies. Some of us lead a busy life and don't have time to stalk every detail. I caught your first paragraph, which mentions Carnevale, food, and photography (which are words that jump out to me), but I did not read your itinerary paragraphs. I never know how to respond to tourist itinerary queries. How much one can fit into one day is a personal choice, and I don't have a controlling bone in my body.

<i><font color=#555555>"Seeing someone having a panic attack is a traumatic experience"</font></i>

I've seen worse.

annhig- if you're still checking here, can you please email me? paulam910 at Hotmail.com. grazie!

just sent, sarge.

did not notice upon a quick glance is you are doing a boat ride down the Grande Canal - to me it is the absolute highlight of Venice, especially at night when the crumbling pastel-hued facades of ancient palazzo silently slips by, hinting at Venice's glory days. Public transit boats regularly ply the Grande Canal or you can do as Lord Byron did and swim its length!

I have never understood what the big attraction is at the Rialto market. It's just a bunch of produce stands, and some stinking fish stalls. But . . . to each his own.

@annhig I hope that too! I'm getting a little anxious with all that crowd warnings. Whatever, on what you said on the Santa Maria de la Salute, well then I will skip Peggy Guggenheim and see the Church, and the museum later. Yes I heard good reviews on the Campanile di San Giorgio, the view is Amazing. I will be going to Frari and Scuola before Rialto because its on my way, I will start from Dorsoduro. Its a good idea to visit the islands after visiting the Rialto. Added. Thanks!! :)

My advice: Plan to do/see about half as much as you've listed, and use the gained time by wandering around and getting lost in Venice. By getting lost, you'll stumble across amazing photo opportunities that you might miss on your planned itinerary. On your next trip to Venice, you can see the sights that you don't see this time.

I have never understood what the big attraction is at the Rialto market. It's just a bunch of produce stands, and some stinking fish stalls. But . . . to each his own.>>

are you a cook, Holly? we loved the range and freshness of the produce, and being asked what we wanted the potatoes for [roasting or boiling appeared to be the choices]. and the way in which the butcher gave us a sprig of rosemary to put with our lamb. sadly, that rarely if ever happens in the UK.

and fresh fish doesn't stink.

I will be going to Frari and Scuola before Rialto because its on my way, I will start from Dorsoduro. Its a good idea to visit the islands after visiting the Rialto.>>

sounds like a good plan - hope it all works out.

I agree with Alice that getting lost in Venice is a great way to see it too - areas like the one around the Basilica of St Gi e St Pi [Giovanni and Paolo] and the Giardino vaporetto stop should get you away from those pesky crowds - the further away from San Marco the better!

For comparison, if possible, how dense are the crowds at Carnivale versus Munich's Oktoberfest? I have been to the latter in the late afternoon and evening and thought the mass of people quite manageable; and a group of us are going to Carnivale over the last weekend in February, so I'd like to have some reference frame for the weekend. Thanks.