My husband and I are going to Kitzbuhel Austria in January 2001 - we have 9 days to kill - thinking of going to Venice - how long would you recommend staying in Venice and then any other suggestions prior to making our way to Kitzbuhel and the lovely Zur Tenne Hotel. Thanks in advance. Patti

I could say, "Forever!" <BR>But, getting practical, three or four days certainly gives you enough time to get to know and enjoy the city...though my feeling is you can never spend enough time in Venice. <BR>The weather will be cool to cold.... The good news is that the city will be almost void of tourists.

For a first timer I would suggest 3 full days: 1/2 for the San Marco monuments; 1 day for strolling the San Polo and Dorsodurro sestieri, one day for strolling the Castello and Cannaregio sestieri and 1/2 day to visit the lagoon (I would skip Murano and visit Burano/Torcello instead). <BR> <BR>On your way to Venice, you may take the route through Cortina (in Lienz, instead of going straight south you may drive west to Dobbiaco. <BR> <BR>Outside Venice, you may consider Padua, Vicenza, Treviso and the Riviera del Brenta, and/or Ferrara, Ravenna, Bologna, Modena and Mantua. Either way I would not miss Verona. From Verona you may take the fast route through Passo Brennero, Innsbruck and Wörgl back to Kitzbuhel <BR> <BR>Paulo <BR> <BR>

Good afternoon, Howard <BR>Agree with you 110% -" Venice, FOREVER" <BR> <BR>Richard of La Grange Park, Il.

My wife and I stayed in Venice four nights a few years ago and never ran out of things to do and see. We then went back with friends last year for two nights and it was not enough. I say three to four nights at minimum. It is a great walking town. We have been to Kitzbuhl also, but if you do not ski there is not much there with the exception of the great scenery. I would opt for less Kitz, more Venice.

I agree -- a minimum of three nights, maybe up to five nights. I spent four nights there and was not ready to leave. I also ditto Burano--charming.