Venice & Florence
 

We will be traveling to Venice and Florence. Does anyone know of a private english speaking guide in Venice to see the city like a native ( sights one would ordinarly not see on ordinary guided tours, like Amex, etc.) <BR>What about restaurants in Venice and Florence? Does anyone have a recommendation of eating places not to miss in either of these two cities?

Good afternoon, Maurice <BR>dining suggestions for Venice and Florence: <BR>Venice <BR>ANTICO MARTINI, Compo San Fantin, 1983 <BR>GRAN RISTORANTE QUADRI, Pza. S. Marco <BR>DO LEONI, Riva Schiavoni, 4171 <BR>POSTE VECIE, Mercato del Pesche, Rialto <BR>LA CARVELLA, in Saturnia Hotel, S. Marco. <BR>Florence <BR>CANTINETTA ANTINORI, Palazzo Antinori,3. <BR>MAMA GINA, Borgo S. Jacobi, 37 r. <BR>OSTERIA LA CINGHIALE BIANCO, Borgo S. <BR>Jacobi, 43r. <BR>TRATTORIA DA CELESTINO, Pza S. Felicitda, 4r. <BR>Let me know if you go to any of the <BR>above, most have been back to many times <BR>over the years. <BR>Richard of La Grange Park, IL... <BR>

Hi <BR>The following came from this forum, I have no personal experience with her. <BR>Recommended by a Fodor's Europe Forum poster: <BR>January 2000 <BR> I am Rossella Rondana a Venitian citizen (35 years old), I am mastered in <BR>International Political Sciences at the University of Trieste. I have been guided since 1984 in French German and English speaking. I'm specialized in Venitian history and art in particular some beautiful and curious <BR>corners that are difficult to reach by tourists. So I can show you the best places in Venice or if you prefer the unknown legends of the city or better some exibition or museum that you want to see or if I may suggest you some other collection in the unusual tour path. <BR> Normally I guide in the morning from 08.00 am to 11.00 am or in the afternoon <BR> from 04.00 pm on . Or I can guide all the day long in the Islands of Murano(Venetian glass), Burano(Venitian laces) and Torcello(byzantine art and roman ruins) but I have to know previously to manage my time. <BR> e-mail address is <BR> [email protected] <BR>

I have no presonal experience wiht these folks, just a web address: http://www.initaly.com/ads/venice.htm

Maurice, <BR>I am going to Venice on Thursday and booked a tour with Elaine's suggestion, Rossella Rondana. She has been absolutley wonderful so far. I am looking forward to meeting her on Friday. I can let you know how it went if you would like. She seems fabulous and very helpful. <BR>Jen

Dear Jen, <BR>Yes please I would love some feedback on Rosella Rondana. I am looking for someone to guide me especially as my interests are food and in particular art and museums. I am going to Venice in mid September for about 4 days and need to know about the Bennati Semenzato Hotel in Cannaregio, in Dell O'ca just off the Strada Nuovo. Has anyone stayed there recently? Thanks Jane