You're welcome. Have a great trip.

<i>"Is the trip to Murano something we should try and fit in?"</i>

That depends. Are you staying a week? If you are only in Venice for a few days, then no.



<i>"Any moderate restaurants you'd recommend?</i>

One persons "moderate" is another persons "expensive".

I can, at any rate, heartily recommend this place:
http://www.hostariadafranz.com/
Depending on what you order, you can get a VERY nice meal for two for under 75E all in. It is a great value - you're paying only for the ingredients and skill of the chef. It's not near any tourists sites, so you are not paying extra for: a view, location, or "tourists premium".

Wonderful, wonderful food, exquisite service, and a relaxed and casual atmosphere. Highly recommended. It's about a minutes walk from the "Giardini" water bus stop.

Agree about taking water taxi -- especially with a group (divides the cost). Alaliguna boat is fine but takes a long time and not economical for a group relative to time and trouble.

I've done that early flight thing since I fly back to the west coast and sat waiting for staff, and I agree you don't need 3 hours ahead -- I would plan to *be there* (airport) by 90 minutes ahead, however, a bit more if you want to minimize travel stress. The hotel can help you estimate when you need to leave and arrange the water taxi.

A gondola will be very reasonable for a group compared to one or two people, since it's a flat rate and you divide it among more people. (They take up to 6 people I believe).

I'm in the camp that prefers Locanda Orseolo (small locanda about 5 minutes from San Marco Piazza) and think it would make for a wonderful experience of Venice; it's within your budget so check it out on Tripadvisor.com.

As to Sunday, there will be services going on in the morning at the Basilica, but at other times it is worth viewing. Sunday is in some ways a perfect day -- walking around, having espresso, and the like. Get a day (or 48 hours if you extend) vaporetto pass (water busses) and take the #1 or 52 (I think!) around the Grand Canal and back. Other than the vaporetti be ready to walk and walk -- also be advised there are small bridges and stairs/steps around town.

Unfortunately the Rialto fish market will be closed. Venice isn't known for great cuisine (except for interesting fish) but there are some decent restaurants-- have a look at Chow Venice or again at TripAdvisor for recommendations.

Between museums (hours should be with info available on line) and churches with art in situ, as well as cafes, long walks, and the like, you can have several splendid days there if you want to make the time.

Hi! We are doing the same itinerary and I was wondering if it might be the same dates. We are doing Ruby Princess sailing 9/13. We are also doing 2 nights pre cruise Barcelona and 1 night post cruise Venice. Any info you find I might like just pass it along.