Venice side trip from Florence
Feb 18th, 2006 | 10:43 AM
#2
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 74,699
Likes: 0
Hi V,
It is possible.
It is not recommended.
You will be one of millions of daytrippers. Venice is best when the crowds go home. Try to make it an overnight stay.
The best way to get to Venice from Florence is by train. See www.trenitalia.com
It is possible.
It is not recommended.
You will be one of millions of daytrippers. Venice is best when the crowds go home. Try to make it an overnight stay.
The best way to get to Venice from Florence is by train. See www.trenitalia.com
Feb 19th, 2006 | 02:27 AM
#3
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 131
Likes: 0
Absolutely, we just did this in January. Took E* from Florence early. Spent that day and all the next before returning late. Stayed at the Best Western Monte Carlo which is about 100 meters from Piazza San Marco.
I had read here on Fodors that the walk from the Train Station to San Marco was kind of fun. So, the four of us with no baggage except clean understuff and tooth brushes walked. The route is well marked with plenty of chances for cafe' and lunch. A good way to see the real Venice.
The hotel in January was $99 / night...a great place. Call Best Western directly you will get a better rate and tell them you saw the low rate on the Web.
By the way, the prices for Gondola rides are negotiable. Talk to Concierge before going. We ended up at about 30e/EA. We started at a lower rate and my friend negotiated the higher rate....don't ask! We also walked from hotel back to the Train Station. The walk is probably 30 minutes without stopping, which can't be done because of the shopping and eating.
I had read here on Fodors that the walk from the Train Station to San Marco was kind of fun. So, the four of us with no baggage except clean understuff and tooth brushes walked. The route is well marked with plenty of chances for cafe' and lunch. A good way to see the real Venice.
The hotel in January was $99 / night...a great place. Call Best Western directly you will get a better rate and tell them you saw the low rate on the Web.
By the way, the prices for Gondola rides are negotiable. Talk to Concierge before going. We ended up at about 30e/EA. We started at a lower rate and my friend negotiated the higher rate....don't ask! We also walked from hotel back to the Train Station. The walk is probably 30 minutes without stopping, which can't be done because of the shopping and eating.
Feb 19th, 2006 | 05:19 AM
#5
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 6,098
Likes: 0
Many have done it, and some have even enjoyed it. But Venice is not a particularly good destination for a day trip.
However, if you must: Leave Florence early enough that you arrive in time to see the sun rise over the city. Magical. Leave around midnight.
Do a lot of research on what you want to see--there's enough in Venice to keep you busy for a good 4 or 5 days easily, but you will have to prioritize. Since you'll be there before most daytrippers arrive and after most leave, you will be able to get to some of the more popular sights when the crowds are at their lowest ebb--just plan ahead.
If your list of must-sees turns out to be short, then you'll have time to just explore the streets and a campo or two.
However, if you must: Leave Florence early enough that you arrive in time to see the sun rise over the city. Magical. Leave around midnight.
Do a lot of research on what you want to see--there's enough in Venice to keep you busy for a good 4 or 5 days easily, but you will have to prioritize. Since you'll be there before most daytrippers arrive and after most leave, you will be able to get to some of the more popular sights when the crowds are at their lowest ebb--just plan ahead.
If your list of must-sees turns out to be short, then you'll have time to just explore the streets and a campo or two.
