CTDiva56

My daughter and I are vacationing in Italy this September, my 4th visit & her 1st. While in Florence I want to plan a nice day trip to Venice (I've never been there). We'll of course take the train, but I'm wondering how difficult the Vaporetti system is? We want to visit Murano and possibly Burano and then have an early dinner before heading back to Florence. Do the water taxi's run frequently enough to do this, so that we can relax and enjoy ourselves without worrying about tight schedules.

And, any recommendations on a good reasonably priced restaurant?

Thanks

shellio

Seems to me the high speed train takes something over 2 hours between Florence and Venice, so the round trip alone would take about 4 1/2 hours. Seeing Venice itself requires time, you will inevitably get lost (a good thing). You could probably squeeze in Murano, but the trip to Burano is quite a bit longer yet, and in your position I would be worrying about tight schedules the entire day. If you insist on doing only a day trip, stick to Venice itself and take the time to get away from the crowded center.

ellenem

For a one-day first visit, Murano would be a waste of precious time, and as shellio said, Burano would be to far--30 minutes beyond Murano. Concentrate on exploring the main island of Venice. You will have plenty of beautiful sights and a better chance to relax your itinerry on what wil be a very busy day.

The vaporetto (public water bus) system is not particularly difficult as public transportation goes. Yes, the vaporetti serving the main island of Venice run frequently during the day. (The boat to Burano runs less frequently.) Water taxis are private boats that you pay a lot of money to take you where you want to go when you want to go.

What price for a meal would you consider "reasonable"?

Rastaguytoday

Venice is, at the minimum, a 2 day event. If you've never been, then you will need to spend the time to see Venice.

Some people love Venice but are not so fond of Florence, and vice versa. I'm definitely a Venice person.

ellenem

Burano would be TOO far (typo!)

By the way, here's the vaporetto route map:

http://www.actv.it/pdf/navigazione/Mappa_linee_2nov.pdf

CTDiva56

Thanks to everyone for your input. We're taking your advice and have decided to stay on the main island of Venice, explore than have dinner.

I wish we did have more than one day, but as I always say, this will give us an excuse to return.

Thanks again.