<BR>I heard some of the other islands other than san marco are worth seeing. Any suggestions? Can someone tell me where the venice glass factory is located? Any help appreciated.

San Marco isn't an island; it is a section, or "sestiere" (because there are six of them) of Venice. The others are San Polo, Dorsoduro, Castello, Santa Croce, and Cannaregio. Each of these sections have fascinating things to do and see in their own right; many of the "traditional" sights are concentrated in San Marco (such as the Doge's Palace and Basilica San Marco), but don't limit yourself to that area. (By the way, you can go from one section to another in many cases simply by taking a few steps--one minute you're in Cannaregio, the next in San Marco). Dorsoduro, for example, has the Ca'Rezzonico, where Browning lived his last days in Venice (at his son's house), the Accademia museum, and the Church of Santa Maria della Salute, my favorite Venice landmark. Cannaregio has the area's Jewish ghetto, which is fascinating. <BR> <BR>I'd recommend getting a couple of good Venice guides (my favorite is Time Out: Venice) and reading up on the city to acquaint yourself with how it's laid out and what these different areas have to offer. One of the best things to do while visting Venice is to wander and get lost away from the touristy areas; you can't get *too* lost, since it's an island. <BR> <BR>As far as the other islands in the Venetian lagoon go, the main ones are Murano (home of the glassmakers), Burano (home of lacemakers and very brightly painted houses--a fascinating place), Torcello (have not visited this one), and San Michele (the Venetian cemetery, known as the island of the dead). <BR> <BR>Most people here (including me) will advise you to visit Murano on your own, not tied to a "free water taxi" tour from your hotel, because the latter will probably mean you'll be accompanied by a guide who tries to shove you into the shop he wants in order for you to buy glass and him to get kickbacks. If you're really interested in seeing glass made, I think there *are* opportunities on Murano to do so without horrendous shilling; others here can probably advise you better. <BR> <BR>I'd vote for Burano rather than Murano, though, as an island visit; less hype and just a prettier place, I think. We also really enjoyed San Michele, if you can 'enjoy' a cemetery; I found it fascinating. <BR> <BR>Have a wonderful time in Venice!

Murano is a very pretty island; the glass factorieS&lt;&lt;note: more than one are near a waterbus stop, and you can go in to any of them when they're open to see the work. They are, of course, all attached to showrooms - with lots of beautiful glassware and some real cheesy stuff, too. There are many shops in the same area that sell glassware, leather, handmade paper - and the postcard-type souvenirs. Get away from the tourist area and wander around the rest of the island - it's quite beautiful. Burano is similar - all the lace shops are near the bus stop - walk back into the island - it's really stunning (houses painted Crayola colors).<BR>The Lido is technically an island - it's the beach area. Between the Lido and Chioggia, there are several other islands that have little tourist traffic. For a very tiny island with just a few inhabitants, take the waterbus to Vignole.<BR><BR>Gina gave you the best advice - read a couple of guidebooks; the entire Venetian lagoon is fascinating.

There's a really lovely glass museum in Murano. Take the vaporetto and go there on your own.

I'd definately go to Torcello and see the old church. If you can, spend 3 hours eating lunch at the Cipriani restaurant (not to be confused with the Cipriani hotel). <BR>Murano does have a wonderful glass museum. Once you get past the larger glass galleries near the tip of the island closest to the cemetary island, you're in for a treat...smaller shops have some hidden treasures. <BR>Visit the cemetary island...there are some famous folks resting there...Stravinsky, Pound, Diaghalev, etc. Plus it's just a fascinating place to visit. <BR>Burano...watch out! Almost all the goods you buy there are now made in China and sold as Italian. Actually, there is a very large problem on Murano with this as well...lots of glass is not made on the island but is so stamped. It's made in other countries and brought in. Buyer beware. <BR>The Lido? Well, it's the place to go if you're looking for a bit of nightlife. Other than that, I've never found it very attractive. <BR>If you are in Venice, take a tour of the Veneto and the Palladium villas. You can do it in one day and it's great! <BR>Have fun!

I would visit Murano if not for the glass then for the church that is there--less touristy and very interesting. But Murano is worth visiting anyway for the glass--good souvenirs if you are into that kind of thing. Also, do the tour on your own, like others suggested. Its kind of neat to watch some of the glass being made. <BR> <BR>Burano, it's true, has much of its lace no longer made there, or made by machine. But to find some truly Burano hand made lace would be neat--if not to buy than just to peruse. The lace itself, if handmade, is quite costly, but worth a look. Also, Burano is famous for its colorful houses--more colorful houses than there are on Murano. The houses are fun to look at, and great for those special kodak moments . <BR> <BR>I visited Lido and enjoyed it. It's got neat beaches that are made up entirely of shells. Also, Lido is where Thomas Mann's "Death in Venice" was set, so if you have read that, you might want to visit. <BR> <BR>From my experience, make sure you go on a bright day, when it's not overcast. It's better for looking at the colorful houses and stuff. <BR> <BR> <BR>geocities.com/j_goyette/t.html

I have an unusual recommendation. Walk the backstreets to destinations rather than taking the water taxi. When we were there all the transportation workers were on strike so we had to walk everywhere. We saw a Venice that not many experience. Enjoy.

Hi <BR>You've already received good advice here. If you want any more on Venice, I'd be happy to send you my file if you email me.

Been to Venice a few times and love it. <BR>You can visit most of the main part of town on foot with a good general guide map.If you have time and want to visit the nearby islands, I'd recommend an itinerary set up by your concierge. It is a very easy city to explore, but you must be careful of private taxi's with "guides" who will surely shanghai you to their favorite glass factory where they get a commission on your purchases. Some will refuse to take you back to your hotel until you buy something! If you want to shop for glass, the only showroom I've work with is Pauly et cie.Tourist store is on St. Mark's square. When you go there, tell them you want to go to their main factory show room. It is a short walk from the basilica and is one of the most awsome sights you'll ever see! The chandeliers and other glass items are magnificent. Good quality Venetian glass is not cheap, but it is a good investment. Quality counts.They made custom chandeliers and goblets for me and friends and repaired broken and missing pieces of antique decorative Venetian items for a very reasonable cost. They ship your items and though slow, are honest and reliable.A friend of mine recently went somewhere else and is now contesting their inferior delivery with their credit card company. On the other hand, if you see something in a shop that is reasonable and you like it, take it with you. Bait and switch is alive and healthy in Venice, too.There are other reliable companies, but I have only used Pauly. Hand painted masks are not all equal either.Go to the Rialto bridge for good artists.Travel with bubble wrap!