I will be taking my mother and sister to Italy in October. It will be their first time in Italy and we will arrive in Venice by plane. What would be the best, most impressive approach to Venice. I remember my first time in Venice, coming out of the train station and seeing the "Floating City" in front of me! Our hotel is near San Marco, nearest the San Zaccaria stop. Should we take the Alilaguna to San Marco, or a bus to the Piazzale and then go up the Grand Canal to San Marco/San Zaccaria? Would appreciate any advice to make this special!!

Michelle:<BR><BR>Venice was laid out over the centuries to impress guests (friendly and other ones) approaching from the lagoon, with St. Mark's square as entrance and the Canal Grande as "living room".<BR><BR>To re-create this approach, I would suggest you take the bus to Piazzale Roma and from there the Vaporetto line 82 running *away* from the Canal Grande. This way you will run through the Giudecca canal, stop at San Giorgio Maggiore, cross the lagoon riding past the Dogana del Mar, and head straight for the Piazzetta and St. Mark's square.<BR><BR>It may be some hassle with lots of luggage, but certainly the most "historic" approach to Venice.<BR><BR>Enjoy your trip.<BR><BR>Phil

Dear Phil:<BR><BR>Thank you for your reply!!! Question: if we take the #82, should we get off at San Marco or San Zaccaria??? Our hotel is very near the San Zaccaria stop. We are travelling light--I am only allowing 22" suitcases!!! If we get off at San Marco, is it very far to walk??? <BR><BR>Michelle

Michelle:<BR><BR>The #82 vaporetto has its Terminal at San Zaccaria, so you will be safe in this respect; it's the first stop after San Giorgio Maggiore.<BR><BR>The Venice local transport authority's website, incidentally, is at http://www.actv.it/.<BR><BR>Hope this helps.<BR><BR>Phil.

It will be more expensive, of course, but far more convenient and incomparably romantic, to just get into a water taxi right from the airport and then cruise across the lagoon to whatever landing is closest to your hotel. (And that doesn't have to be a vaporetto stop. It might be right outside, depending on the hotel.)

If you would like some good and cheap accommodation in Venice, please send me an email. Have a nice day !<BR><BR>

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It is hard to beat going from the airport on the Alilaguna to San Marco. It is a beautiful boat ride.

PS The San Zaccaria stop is very close to San Marco, the next vaparetto stop up. It is no more than a very pretty five minute walk from San Marco.

Thank you everyone for the recommendations!!! I want this to be an unforgettable trip for my mom and sister!!<BR><BR>Michelle

I agree with those that say that the Alilaguna waterbus into San Marco is an impressive and economical way to get into Venice. The only drawback is that it is slow (takes 1 1/2 hr) because it stops at Murano, Lido, and Arsenale before getting to San Marco. The other thing I don't like is that you sit down inside the boat usually with a lot of other passengers, and can only see thru usually not very clear windows. If you can afford it, a water taxi will be a quicker and much more impressive way to get into Venice. Both times I've been to Venice I've seen these water taxis fly by my slow moving water bus. If I'm ever lucky enough to take my family to Venice I would splurge for the taxi just to see their expressions as they see Venice for the first time, priceless.<BR>

Dear Bill:<BR><BR>Thank you for your reply. When you say "splurge", how much are you talking about? If it helps, my mother is 80 years old (but in pretty good shape), and I'm also trying to make this trip as painless as possible.<BR><BR>Michelle

I would agree with Bill - the Ailaguna boat isn't exactly the scenic best - "splurge" would run about $60-80 (check prices at the kiosk inside the air terminal) for a water taxi that will let you ride in the open or in style in the cabin: you can probably find someone else at the airport to share the ride and the cost. <BR><BR>It's a little hard to manage luggage, etc. on the vaporetto (sometimes even not allowed at busy periods), and I'd really suggest going for the "motoscafo." Ordinarily, you'll come past Murano and the cemetery island, around west to Piazza San Marco

Nothing beats sailing into Venice on a cruise ship for a gorgeous and romantic view of the city. <BR><BR>The best way to arrive.

Michelle,<BR>Considering your mom is 80 I would recommend the motoscafi. Think of it as a small price to pay for a once in a lifetime experience for you and your family.<BR><BR>Also, since your hotel is near to San Zaccaria which comes before San Marco. I would still ask to be dropped off at San Marco to see the magnificent center of Venice as your first experience and then you can walk over to your hotel.<BR><BR>

Dear Bill, Phil and all:<BR><BR>Thank you for the great advice!!! Is the motoscafi the water taxi??? I really appreciate all the input!!<BR><BR>Thank you,<BR>Michelle

Hi Michelle,<BR>Yes, the motoscafi is the water taxi, they leave from the airport at a dock right next to where the Alilaguna water bus departs. If you are interested in my notes and photos about Venice feel free to visit my travel website at: www.gatortravels.com<BR><BR>Have a great time in Venice, it's a magical place.<BR>

Michelle,<BR>None of the Venice taxi companies I found on the Web give the price of the ride from the airport but I think Jon's $60-$80 estimate is probably a good one since the Alilaguna fare from the airport into Venice is $10 per person.<BR>

Michelle,<BR>I found an estimate of $60 for the taxi ride into Venice (confirming Jon's answer) at: http://italianguide.com/veniceairport.htm.<BR><BR>

Michelle: As the taxi might be a bit too fast (read: bumpy) for a woman your mother's age, I would strongly suggest just taking the Aliguna waterbus to arrive at San Marco. Actually, I think it arrives at the San Zaccharia stop. (Sorry; too lazy to pull out the timetable)