Ger

I MAY have to go to Milan for a couple of days first/second week in June on business. This would give me 2-3 days free for myself. I am in a quandry about where to go. I did lots of searches today and got valuable info on all locations. <BR> <BR>If I were sensible, I would probably stay in Milan, but we don't have to use that as a constraint as I am definately NOT sensible. I was in Florence about 12 years ago (loved it and could definately go again); I am leaning toward Venice; most posters on the board do not seem to be big fans of Milan in comparison with the other two. <BR> <BR>My favorite activity is walking and architecture is a passion. <BR> <BR>Any suggetions from those of you who have visited these citites? <BR> <BR>Many thanks for your help! <BR> <BR>Regards .... Ger

Deborah

Since you have been to Florence, I would choose Venice. It is incredible. I was in both Venice and Florence last summer, and I prefered Venice, although I enjoyed Florence, too. <BR> <BR>There is a lot to see in Venice, but it is very do-able in two days, if that's all you have. <BR> <BR>Deborah

Rex

One thing about Venice is that loging costs a lot of money, relative to other options you have. an ideal (short) trip to venice would be to arrive as early in the morning as you choose (by 10 or 11?), overnight, and then depart late in the day to head back to Milan. <BR> <BR>This still would give you one each of the two best hours of the day in Venice - - the first hour after you get up, and the last hour before you go to bed. <BR> <BR>Some other ideas close are: the Lake Como area (Bellagio and especially, Villa Balbianello), Bergamo, Monza and Pavia (search here "Certosa"). <BR> <BR>Best wishes, <BR> <BR>Rex <BR>

sally

Ger: Since you enjoy walking, I would think that Venice would be perfect. To me, that's what is so fantastic about Venice, wandering, as around every turn is something so surprising! It is such a magical and unique place, that given a chance, everyone should experience it just once, and this is a great opportunity for you to do so. You will love it! Have a great trip. Regards, Sally

ger

Thanks to you all - exactly the impressions that I was looking for. <BR> <BR>Sally: you understand EXACTLY what I am looking for ... MAGIC around every corner! <BR> <BR>Deborah: Comparison between Florence and Venice ... great - I loved Florence, but THINK that I might love Venice even more. <BR> <BR>Rex: OK, you are right! Yes I have to be sensible re hotels. From what I have been told, availability, as well as cost, of hotels is a problem. I will probably not be know for certain about the trip for another week or so but, intend to check out availability and price of hotels (recommended by Fodorites) by Tuesday. <BR> <BR>Many thanks for your advice. Any chance of getting an impression of your experiences? What made your heart stop or, at the very least, skip a beat? <BR> <BR>Regards ... Ger <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR>

Howard

Ger, from the minute you step out of the train station in Venice and see the Grand Canal, you'll be hooked! First of all, that initial view is thrilling. Then, you should spend most of the two days just walking and getting lost in the maze of narrow streets and small canals. If you're a photographer, every corner you turn will be another photo op. And, if you're not a photographer, every corner you turn will definitely go into the memory bank as another great....well, memory! <BR>If you're looking for magic, look no further!

ger

Oh, Howard ...sounds absolutely PERFECT - now I am getting excited. I have to say I was wavering a bit today while reading the NYT travel article on Florence ... <BR> <BR>Re Photos: Hubby bought me a digital camera for my birthday and I am now able to take really good photos and have a grat coollection from my trips over the last couple of months to Madrid & Barcelona. <BR> <BR>Today, I ordered "VeniceWalks" from B&N as I had such success with BarcelonaWalks last week (actually, I ordered Paris, London, Florence, Rome!). This one comes with two-90 min tapes and "escorts " you through the major sites. <BR> <BR>Thanks for your advise. <BR> <BR>Regards .... Ger <BR>

Howard

Ger, Florence is great, too. (Yes, the Times article is a good one!) But, I don't think you can do justice to Florence in two days. Whereas, Venice is golden no matter how many days you spend there. <BR>PS: Bring lots of film to Venice!

Deborah

Regarding impressions of Venice: I'm an early riser, and I was traveling with my 25-year-old daughter who prefers to sleep until 9:00 or so. We stayed at a beautiful hotel a 3 minute walk from San Marco square (San Moise). I rolled out of bed at 6:30 both mornings, pulled on some comfy clothes, grabbed my novel, and walked to San Marco plaza. The chairs where tourists sit to listen to the dueling orchestras in the evening were scattered about in the early morning sunlight, and I sat at a table with my feet up on a chair and watched--the pigeons, the workers sweeping the square, Venitians walking to work, so many things that most tourists never get a chance to see. On the first morning, I strolled to the far side of the Rialto and watched the market produce being unloaded from boats and lugged to the market stalls. The chatter of the men and women as they went about their work and the beauty of the produce is one of my unforgettable moments. <BR> <BR>At 9:00 I would head back to my hotel, take a shower, and get ready for my day. Perfect. <BR> <BR>Have a great time. <BR>Deborah

Shahram

Ger, let me add my two cents to this discussion. I was in Venice less than a year ago and, at the risk of sounding redundant here, it was more than just magical, it was surreal. I could stand on a small bridge over a narrow canal and watch the gondolas pass by, for hours at a time. And walk! The truely hidden treasures of Venice are found only by walking throught the maze of canals. Avoid the tourist areas at all costs. Venice has much more to offer. And definitely visit Piazza Santa Margherita. There is a small pizza place there that will knock you socks off... and not a single tourist in sight. What will make your heart skip a beat? It's when you have walked through a never-ending maze of canals, not having a clue where you are going and not really caring where you're going, and suddenly, you turn a corner and see a bunch of kids playing soccer in a little pizza and the parents sitting on benches chattering away, and all of them oblivious to the tourists buzzing about only a few blocks away. <BR>Have a blast. <BR> <BR>-Shahram

rlk

Ger: <BR> <BR>As far as location/convenience, it takes about 3 hours to get to EITHER Florence or Venice from Milan on the train. So either city is a reasonable choice for a quick 2-3 day visit. <BR> <BR>I'm actually not as avid fan of Venice as many folks are, however do agree that everyone should at least experience Venice once in their lifetime.

Ross

I suggest Verona. A BEAUTIFUL working city. Perhaps, 1 day Verona, 2 days Venice. <BR> <BR>Enjoy!!! <BR>Ross.

ger

RLK: I am debating fly versus train as because of my itinerary, it may actually not cost me anything more to fly to and from Milan. <BR> <BR>What has your experience with the trains been? I will have a large suitcase - are there any porters at the stations?

Rex

Ger, <BR> <BR>Porters galore in Venice - - but be sure you have plenty of backbone to say NO - - because they will tell you 20.000 lire when they put your bags on their cart - - and 40.000 when you are at the water taxi (or vaporetto or whatever). For what it's worth, my exasperating experience was from Piazzale Roma to water taxi, not from Ferrovie. <BR> <BR>Of course, most of the "veterans" here will tell you - - do NOT travel with a "large" suitcase" period. If you must, take two medium sized ones, not one large one. I recommend no bag that you can't carry - - totally OVER your HEAD - - up one flight of stairs. <BR> <BR>Milano Centrale has a lot of complimentary luggagge carts just like airports (in Europe) - - but they have an amazing unique feature, which is very necessary there - - the carts are entirely safe to take up and down escalators!!! <BR> <BR>They have a system of ribbed tracks on the bottom of the carts (you have to see them to understand - - or to believe them!) that catch on the escalator steps - - and EVERYbody does it - - in total safety. <BR> <BR>There's an enormous flight of steps from street level to the tracks, and only one little elevator - - they couldn't have everybody get their luggage up and down without these mind-boggling contraptions. <BR> <BR>Having said all that - - if you can fly onward from Milan to Venice cheaply, I would do it (I think) - - it is a toss-up, though, on time. <BR> <BR>Oh, and I am sorry I didn't answer before now about "impressions" and Venice - - but others have already done so quite eloquently. You will wax poetic in your own way, no doubt, when you get there. <BR> <BR>Best wishes, <BR> <BR>Rex <BR>

ger

Thanks Rex, very practical information. It just dawned on me today that travel from airport or train station might be a challenge. (better to find out about it now then when I get there!). <BR> <BR>Re travelling light - MOI? - never, despite how hard I try. I'll be in Europe on business with clients so I need to pack suits, which means a large suitcase, plus I will have my laptop & hand-baggage. I think I am in need of a Sherpa and a couple of mules (now THERE is a business idea waiting to happen). <BR> <BR>I am checking out flying Milan-Venice-Milan as there MAY be just a small difference for the side-trip given that I have to buy an "open" ticket in case of changes in my schedule. <BR> <BR>The trip is still a "maybe" and, if it is confirmed, I'm sure I be back for more info. <BR> <BR>Once again, I WISH I had discovered this board years ago ... Fodorites provide better practical information and paint more passionate, lyrical and touching visions than any tour book I have ever read - I absolutely loved Deborah's description of early-morning Venice. <BR> <BR>Thanks to you all ……Ger <BR>

kerrie

Dear Ger, <BR>My most vivid memory of Venice was on the first day traveling on the allilaguna (ferry). We were standing in the front of the boat looking out on a huge expanse of water and suddenly a city appears to rise slowly out of the sea. It was so magical I still get chills when I picture it. You'll love Venice. It should be called the Mystical, Magical Kingdom. <BR>Kerrie