Another vote with Bardo. I would spend at least as much time in Venice as in Florence.

the only obstacle that keeps me from equalizing the length of stays in both cities is the cost of hotels in Venice. I'll be paying less than $40 for hostels in Florence, while in Venice there are no hostels. Most one- and two- star hotels price a single room in non-peak months at a minumum of about $50. $80 and up is what I should expect, since I won't be travelling in Nov-Dec. That's twice the cost of stay of Florence.

There <b>are</b> hostels in Venice, including one in the Palazzo Zenobio.

And there are convents where you can lodge cheaply. You can find them at
www.hospites.it.

thank you, Eloise. I was checking hostels.com and other websites for hostels in Venice, and none had any in the city, only on the outskirts. I found a few on hostelspoint.com and I'm checking your website now.

I first went to Venice in 2002 for 2 nights. I only entered St. Mark's Cathedral and the Doge's Palace. I spent the rest of the time wandering the city but that certainly wasn't enought time.

I went back last year for 4 nights and I visited Murano, Burano, Torcello and the Lido. I got to see a lot more than the first time, but I easily could've spend an extra day. When you go to Venice, you want time to stand still. It's so gorgeous that you can't believe it's not a dream.

I am going back again this year for 5 nights. I can't get enough of that city.

frodiriguez,

Sleeping Venice is always recommended but in your case I would suggest you also investigate possibilties in Mestre for at least some nights in order to spend more time in Venezia.

http://www.vacanzeinfamiglia.it/show...ENG&amp;ID=148