Regarding visiting the Basilica, is there a size limit on the purse/bag you can bring in? Or do all purses/bags need to be checked?

Two weeks ago, as we were standing in line for St. Mark's church, our tour guide did an inspection of our handbags. Anything that looked more like a big bag or backpack wasn't allowed in. Normal purses are fine. My friend and I ran over to the storage room (across the street and down an alley a bit) and handed our backpacks to two men reading a magazine. We didn't have to wait in line. It's a free service and we had no problems.

Remember to keep your money and credit cards hidden somewhere on your body at all times! Although I felt our backpacks were secure, I knew no one would be interested in stealing a water bottle, a book, an umbrella and a rain jacket.

hi schuler,

My friend and I ran over to the storage room (across the street and down an alley a bit) and handed our backpacks to two men reading a magazine. We didn't have to wait in line. It's a free service and we had no problems. >>>

this reminded me of the experience we had at ca'rezonico at easter - the guardian of the cloakroom decided to give us a lecture on women who don't like leaving their handbags with him [compusory there, even the smallest]. his english was fluent, his delivery the highest camp.

we weren't over impressed with the museum [yes, i know that's heresy, but that's how we felt] but he was a hoot. i was so taken aback that I forgot all about my purse etc - and they were fully intact when we got back.

missmissy - i would definitely book the secret tour, but given the location of your hotel, not the basilica, unless seeing the mosaics is of particular importance to you.

regards, ann

Hi Annhig,

Aren't those cloakroom attendents adorable sometimes? There were two at St. Mark's cloakroom and they were looking at a Nespresso ad with George Clooney in the magazine. I looked at George Clooney and then said (in English), "Ah, you look just like George Clooney."

It melts their heart every time.

While taking one of the "ferry" gondolas (where young gondoliers learn their a part of their trade), one young man was trying to tease us. I teased him back and said he looked just like George Clooney. I swear, this must be the ultimate Italian compliment because he was smiling from cheek to cheek.

Then I said I looked like Angelina Jolie. He stopped smiling and thought I was crazy.

I am considering buy the 48 hour ACTV Tourist card. From the ACTV website:

"They allow unlimited travel and can be used on all the services - both waterborne (except those of route 3, Alilaguna, Clodia, Fusina) and on land - that provide urban services within the municipality ("Comune") of Venice (land services on the Lido and in Mestre)."

My question is, what are "route 3, Alilaguna, Clodia, Fusina" and do I need them? Where do they go that ACTV does not?

Thanks

Steve

To clarify, I will be arriving by car at Piazzale Roma, but need to get to the airport by 9AM on our day of departure. Is there any way to use the Tourist pass to get to the airport?

Alilaguna is the direct-by-boat airport service. Your pass will not cover that.

However, you can use your pass to get to the airport by taking a vaporetto to Piazzale Roma and then taking an ACTV local bus to the airport.

Hi CltLWyr,

if you go to www.ACTV.it and follow the english links, you can access the timetable for the airport bus [Line 5] - to get you there for a 9am flight [probably 7am check in] you could catch the 6.15 [arrives 6.40] or the 6.40 [arrives 7.05].

to get to the bus station at Piazzale Roma, you could walk [don't know where you hotel is, it may not be practical] get a vaporetto [again, the same site will give you vaporetto times; they are generally VERY punctual] or book a water-taxi. that is the most expensive, but a lot cheaper than a water taxi all the way to the aurport which is about 100E.

SChuler- where did you get the info that the "traghetto" gondoliers are trainees? - i read that all the gondoliers take it in turns to run the traghetto lines. don't saying you're wrong, just interested in your source.

regretably, I can't reveal mine! [lack of memory, not willingness].

regards, ann