Any recommendations for a travel agent in Venice? Not sure of the dates, or even if I'm going to fly. Is a few days enough advance purchase (in April)? Or should I really make an effort to firm up my plans and purchase in the States before I leave? Thank you.

You can contact Alitalia directly (their U.S. number is on their U.S. web site) and they can give you can give you an idea of whether it's worth booking ahead (in terms of crowding and the difference in price), and also book the ticket if you want to do so. Their staff is generally helpful, if a bit slower moving that their counterparts as U.S. airlines.

Just wanted to butt in b/c my fiancee and I just purchased that exact flight yesterday through Alitalia's website! We didn't want to be on a train for 7 1/2 hours so we're flying for 145 euros each. There were approx 3 flights throughout the day- one very early morning, one at noon, and one around 6, so we figured we might as well book it now! Good luck.

Thanks to a helpful poster, I just booked a flight from Naples-Venice on Alpieagles at europebyair.com. I know it is opposite of what you want but you should check out this website. My flight was on sale today! 47.00US each.

Great tips everyone; thanks for the prompt response. Carolanne, the fare is practically the same (just over $48) to go from Venice to Naples! This is great news; thanks for the tip!