I'm a newbie to Fodor's site, so I am hoping to get some great advice from the experienced travelers. I am taking my family of 4 (including 2 teens) on a tour of Italy this July.

(1) How do I get the best rates on foreign currency conversion/purchases? Should I take Travelers Cheques or US cash, buy some Euro in the US before I leave, use my debit card, or apply for a Capital One card as others have suggested?

(2) We will be driving to Venice, so I will have to park the rental car for our duration (3 days). I see that some have suggested parking at Mestre because of the more affordable parking rates. Does the vaporetto provide service to any of the Mestre car parks, or do I have to take the bus into Venice and then catch a vaporetto? If they exist, how do I locate a car park that has vaporetto service?

(3) Where do I get a vaporetto pass? I see they are available at the airport and train station, but I am hoping to avoid any unnecessary excursions for something so simple. Can I buy the passes in Mestre, like at the car park?

(4) How much should I expect to pay for a gondola ride for 4 people? How negotiable are the rates?

Thanks in advance for your help! Any info you can provide would be greatly appreciated!

sfrane

Hi S,

1. Bring no more that $150 worth of Euros, which you can get at the departure airport.

Charge everything you can and cash from ATMs.

2. Where are you coming from and where are you going to after Venice?

Parking at the train station in Mestre is cheaper than the garage at Piazzale Roma. Mestre is on the mainland. You take the train.

3. Since you have to take the train, buy your pass at the train station in Venice.

4. Price is negotiable.

Enjoy your visit.

Hi, Ira:

Thanks for your speedy advice. Prior to arriving in Venice, we will be in Milan and Verona. Afterwards, we will be headed to Assisi. Overall, we will be flying into and out of Rome, with several stops while circling Italy.

Any idea how much the train tickets cost from Mestre to Venice? It's a short trip, so I don't think it would be much, but I just want to consider how much I would be saving in parking versus the convenience.

Thanks!
sfrane

>Any idea how much the train tickets cost from Mestre to Venice?

3 years ago it was 1 Euro p. p.

From what I saw in Dec '04 and what I've seen on travel shows, the gondola rides are regulated and the prices are not negotiable. There are different fees depending on the number of passengers and if you go at sunset also.

Hi sfrane,

One important note about Euros - make sure you always have a good supply of small denomination notes with you (5E & 1E). Many of the sites and museums don't take credit cards and cannot provide change for all the large denomination notes dispensed by ATMS to tourists.

Same when using taxis. Be prepared to give near the total amount. Sometimes getting change back is a major issue (rip off).

Sounds like your kids are very lucky. Buon viaggio!

We passed up 2 gondoliers and their prices before we found a gondolier with a price we liked. If the prices are regulated, that's taken effect since I was there 3 years ago. I think we paid $100 for one hour/4 persons.
I've always paid parking at Piazzale Roma and didn't think it was out of line and it was super convenient.
We take a couple hundered dollars in Euros purchased at our bank and then use ATM the rest of the trip.

We paid 100 euros for 4 people for a gondola ride at night from behind St. Marks square. We tried to negotiate and even walked away, they would not budge. We later went back as our friends really wanted this experience.
dave