Yes, try both. Absolutely different. Gorgeous glass on Murano. Burano is charming! And has the lovliest lace. Enjoy it all. Venice is such a wonderfully fascinating destination, so much to see, delights around every corner, along every allyway!

if you are planning on visiting the Dodge's Palace in the morning (opens at 9:00 AM). Don't get into the very long line to buy a ticket, instead go to the Correr Museum, opposite end of Piazza San marco, on the second floor, and buy a ticket there. Return to the Dodges Paalace and walk to the frot of the line.

Additionally, if you Google San Marco, you can find their web site where you can print out a reserved ticket for Basilica San Marco, which allows you to skip the line there.

Dress code for Basilica (strictly enforced), no mini-skirts, shorts, halter tops or bare shoulders, no open toe sandals.

Regards,

Climb the Campanile di San Giorgio Maggiore (a small island you can both see and reach from a vaporetto stop near St. Mark's Square. You will see this:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/skywalkerbeth/703949401/

Yes, there is an elevator! :)

Next, write this down:

Sgroppino.

You should ask for this after every meal in each restaurant. However, the best one may be found at Taverna San Trovaso.

ps. Mom and I went into pretty much every church that was open. I'd suggest that, as well.

Also, if you have time, read "Miss Garnet's Angel" before you go. It is not so terribly far from Taverna San Trovaso - a nice walk and a way to explore some of the off-the beaten path areas of Venice (as much as you can say that about Venice, anyway).

http://www.salleyvickers.com/miss_garnets_angel.htm

We attended a concert and there was no dress code that I was aware of. It was chilly out (November). No one was "dressed up" - meaning in formal attire. Just no mini-skirts, etc as Edwards_RJ mentioned. I think we both wore nice jeans and tops.

We went to Burano for just a few hours. It's a beautiful, charming place, but also a small island. The lace museum wasn't open when we were there, so might have stayed longer if we could have visited that. It was on my "must see" list and I was thrilled with the place, but didn't feel the urge to stay longer.

Hope you have a wonderful time!

One of my all time favorite moments in Venice (aside from renewing my vows with my husband on a gonodola) was sitting at Osteria Bancogiro enojoying wine and cheese in the evening while watching the gondolas slowly glide by on the Grand Canal. But get there a bit early if you can before all the tables are taken. Osteria Bancogiro is noted as a favorite in the destination guide here.

hi again,

you don't have to take all day going to the islands, though i don't think you would regret it if you did. on our last trip we went twice - the first time to Burano where we had lunch then stopped off on Murano on the way back, and then teh 2nd time, we went to Torcello, had lunch [spot a theme here?] and then back to Burano for tea. if you click on my name, you'll find my trip report from our week in Venice last easter. " we went to Venice and we saw.."

have a great trip,

regards, ann

GET LOST. it's the best in Venice. best way to discover & enjoy the ambiance. especially evening when everyone is strolling, stopping as they desire for little cichettas (sp?) & spritz (prosecco w/aperol) at small bars & cafes. just walk & walk & walk, then take a vaporetto or two, and walk some more...

The best way to visit the DOGES (not Dodges) PALACE is to reserve a spot on the "SECRET ITINERARIES" Tour. This is one of the most fascinating things to do in Venice--it will take you into the secret recesses of the Doges Palace (and prison)and you'll learn the story of Casanova and how he was one of only 4 people to ever escape from there. You should make advance arrangements, if possible, or go there immediately upon arrival to arrange this tour, as it's not offered all the time, or even every day. Then plan the rest of your wanderings around this tour. After the "Secret Itineraries" tour, you can wander around the public parts of the Doges Palace with the other tourists and not have to pay an additional admission.

The other thing I recommend is to walk by the gondola repair and manufacturing site--it's out in the open, on the same island as the Accademia and the Peggy Guggenheim museum. I came across it accidentally, but your hotel concierge should be able to mark it on a map for you.

There is a non-touristy side of Venice that's wonderful. I also would try to see an opera or a concert at the Teatro Fenice. Vivaldi's church is near the Doges Palace, on the Riva della Schiavoni (along the Grand Canal). If you can catch a concert there, it's a beautiful venue. Enjoy!

It's almost a cliche to say this, but getting deliberately lost on foot in Venice (as chefkate and others have suggested) is one of the premier experiences that one should not miss.

Not just in the context of Venice; not just in the context of European travel...I'm saying it's one of the premier experiences of life itself.

But that's just me. Your mileage may vary.

I agree with chefkate and others who have said the same thing: take enough time to GET LOST IN VENICE; this is the best experience of all.
Anyway, my favourite "sestieri" are Cannaregio and Dorsoduro. The most quiet area in Venice is probably the Giudecca island.

You have got to check out the guggenheim museum. It is wonderful. There are also some great shops right behind St. Mark's Square. I bought a nice leather purse there and some nice silver jewelry.

Thanks everyone for your support, you're the best!!


pret auto

I'm an early riser and thoroughly enjoyed just watching all the "work" boats early each morning.

I liked how they dealt with garbage (garbage boats similar to our garbage trucks stateside).

Rick

My favorite thing to do in Venice is to visit the fish market in Rialto in the early morning.

This is my favorite thing to see in Venice, the gondola boatyard:

http://travel.nytimes.com/travel/gui...on-detail.html

#1 vaporetto to the Rialto bridge, early morning wandering the fish and fruit/veggie markets, then lunch at Trattoria Antiche Carampane, San Polo, 1911. A wonderful seafood restaurant where I had the most delicious fritto misto.

Enjoy....

Spend one day doing boat rides to the islands. Go to Murano and buy yourself a little glass souvenir. Go to St Michaels - the cemetery island and get the surprise of your life!

Roger

http://www.fermedecandeloup.fr