111op

Hi, I'm planning on a late arrival in Venice on Sept. 3 (Saturday), probably between 11 and 12.

I've called my hotel (Locanda Silva) and there's no problem with a late checkin.

I think the closest stop is San Zaccaria (near S. Marco). Now, I assume this is S. Zaccaria Danieli? (There's also a S. Zaccaria Jolanda, but it looks to be in the wrong direction.)

I'll be taking the train. So I assume the stop I get on is Ferrovia.

I can take Line 1 03, :23, :43), Line 51, Line 61 (I think the last two lines are extended because of the Film Festival). It looks like Line 82 doesn't work late at night.

If I arrive after midnight, I'm planning to take the N vaporetto.

Are there any problems with the above?

Now, since I'm arriving so late, would it still be possible to buy the pass? I'll be in Venice on Sunday (Sept. 4) and I'll be leaving early on Monday. I assume that given my limited stay, it's still cost-effective to buy the pass, though I've not really researched it.

Could someone please comment on whether I should buy a pass and, if so, which pass I should buy? I vaguely recall a 3-day pass.

Thanks very much.

kappa

> Now, I assume this is S. Zaccaria Danieli? (There's also a S. Zaccaria Jolanda, but it looks to be in the wrong direction.

Danieli & (Savoia e)Jolanda are 2 hotels next to each other on Riva degli Schiavoni and I never paid attention there were two separate stops. For me it has always been San Zaccaria.

kappa

And if the ticket window at the Ferrovia stop is open (I suppose they should be as long as there are boats to depart), you can buy passes.

caroline_edinburgh

The passes are 24 hours at €10.50 or 72 hours at €21 (note : not 1 day / 3 days). I'm not sure it will be worth your buying either - if you are only there for one day, won't you just be walking about on the Sunday ? If you think you'll get enough vaporetti on the Sunday to make iot worthwhile, though, a single on Saturday night & a 24 hour pass on Sunday morning, or a 24 hour pass on Saturday night & a single on Monday morning, would seem to be the way to go. However, I've never got an 'N' vaporetto : not sure if the pass covers them ?

kappa

I took a look at the map on Locanda Silva's site and now I know, if you follow the map, Zaccaria-Danieli is indeed the stop for you to get off.

111op

Thanks kappa. I guess worse comes to worst, I can get off at S. Marco and walk. It's all very close anyway.

Now, re the cost of a vaporetto ride, isn't a single ride a few euros or something? I forget how much exactly.

I think that buying a single for the ride to the hotel and then a 24h pass sounds like a good idea.

I'll have to use the vaporetto a few times on Sunday, I think, as I'm planning to go to the Biennale (so, at least I'll have to go to Giardini, and I don't think it's within walking distance).

And I'll probably also check out the Film Festival action on Lido even if I don't see a film. (Can't walk there either.)

Where can one buy these vaporetto passes?

Also, are ticket counters open late on Saturday nights at the train station? If they're not open, what's the procedure? Ticket machines? Or do I buy a ticket from the "conductor"?

Thanks again.

111op

I asked, "Where can one buy these vaporetto passes?"

It sounds like a really stupid question -- I just meant -- do all ticket counters have them? (Just planning for a contingency in case the counter at the train station is closed -- but I guess there must be somewhere near S. Marco where I can get it.)

111op

By the way, I'm taking a look at elaine's file:

"After 9pm, tickets can be bought on the boat, but it is your responsibility to ask the boat controller for a ticket."

elaine

Hi 111op
I'd forgotten you are going to Venice, where else are you going?

check www.actv.it for the latest on vaporetto passes and ticket-buying

I think the break-even on the 24-hour pass vs tickets, is 3 rides.

111op

I'm breaking all the rules of Fodors -- I'm going to Florence, Siena, Padova, Venice, Bologna (in 3.5 days).

Itinerary here:
http://makeashorterlink.com/?I6942148B

I'll most probably cancel my reservation at Da Fiore and eat at Le Calandre, but I want to look at the menu of the latter restaurant again.

If you don't hear from me afterwards, I probably died of exhaustion.

111op

And thanks for the 3-ride breakeven rule -- I saw that in your file too (should have checked it first).

uhoh_busted

Good luck and Bon Voyage! I hope you get an opportunity to return someday to enjoy Italy at leisure.

111op

I'll return (unless I fall into the Grand Canal or something -- just joking).

I've been to Venice and Florence before (once each), but I must admit that I really didn't see much of Florence for whatever reason (I was there at least two nights). But my mom did buy a hat there.

elaine

111op
I can't wait to hear about your whirlwind tour, do report back.
I'll be breaking fodors 'rules' and my own advice, next spring when I try to visit Rome, Florence, Siena, and Venice within 8 days.

I like to think that having them be return visits (3rd or 4th) makes a difference, sort of a refresher course, rather than Italy 101.

111op

I'll report back with a link to a report on my blog.

Of course the return trips are different.

Then the key is just to realize that there're no rules. After all, you're the one who's traveling.

When are you doing your 8-day trip?

kappa

Yes, please do report back especially about Locanda Silva. I always look for good budget places when I travel solo, especially in Venice.

elaine

My 8 day trip to Italy will be in April, I was able to use FF miles for a free ticket, into Rome, out of Venice.

I want to hear about Locanda Silva also, after all, in Paris, you were a pioneer at the Tinquetonne (sp?)

111op

That sounds great, elaine.

Regarding Locanda Silva, I'll certainly come back and give a brief report. I don't really care about hotels much though, I must say. I'll probably get in around 11-12 the first night and then I'll be out again late the next night, and the following day I take an early train for Bologna (where my flight leaves).

So as long as the hotel is safe and reasonable I'm happy.

But I do want to say that "Sally" from Fodors has some personal experience with this hotel:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34583160

Also it's listed by Venere:

http://en.venere.com/hotels_venice/c...nda_silva.html

It's also mentioned in Time Out Venice, if memory serves.

In other words, I'm expecting it to be adequate for my purposes, and I'll report back.

Unfortunately I obviously don't go to Venice very often, so my experience with the hotel won't be anywhere near mine with Tiquetonne, where I've stayed three times.

111op

Well, I should say I go to Venice hardly at all (rather than not very often).

It's just not very easy to do a long weekend trip for Italy, not that I've anything against it. In fact, I'd love to go more often.

caroline_edinburgh

If you've only got time to do one out of the Giardini & the Arsenale, I'd recommend the Arsenale - we found the art there much more interesting. We spent a whole day there, and a whole day at the Giardini although that could have done with two days - the Italian Pavilion alone takes several hours. Do not miss the Pipilotti Rist installation at the Church of San Stae, whatever you do - IMO & that of everyone I know who's been, it's the best exhibit there.