Every book I've read says that you should get a GOOD map of Venice - very detailed, and mentions places IN Venice that you can get them.

I'd like to get one before we leave. Can anyone recommend a good map and source?

On a different note, we like to travel with carryons only. Last time we traveled, the airlines were borderline on wanting to check our bags, because stuffed, they are a little large, although were sold as regulation carry-on size.

Does anyone have a good, sturdy, lightweight carry-on with wheels that they like, one with a handle as well (or shoulder strap) so that it can be carried OR rolled?

Here's a recent thread on this subject:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34508911

Just get any ole map of Venice pre-trip and pick up a good one once you arrive. Some of my best city maps have been freebies from stores or hotels.

As far as carryon luggage these days, check with your transatlantic carrier (assuming from the US) for their weight allowance (not size). British Air is strict about weight and my 22" roller, even though regulation size, is always too heavy and must be checked-thru. Knowing this ahead of time, I simply pack knowing it will be checked and take only a true carryon... on (the plane).

Just got back from Venice. I loved my Cognoscenti Venice Map! I looked at 6 or 7 maps and this one had the best combination of detail and readable (without magnification) graphics. On top of that, it is made of a flexible, synthetic paper that won't tear or be damaged by water, even canal water...

BelTib -
Where did you get you map?

Wanderer,
I bought StreetWise Venice before we left on our trip. It was great. We wandered tons of back streets and we never got lost once. I would recommend anyone using this map.

I bought it at Barnes & Noble, but I think Borders had it as well. It was much better than the map we got from our hotel Pensione Accademia. Their map only had major streets named. The Streetwise had all streets listed.
Good luck!

I also like the streetwise guides. Available at www.amazon.com.

Another vote for Streetwise. I purchased a set of 4 for about $20.00 from Borders. The set included Rome, Florence, Venice and I believe southern Italy (they are currently in Italy with a friend). They are easy to read and laminated. For those who feel the need to mark a route, you could use a dry erase pencil.

Anyone have other suggestions on luggage (see what we are looking for above)

wanderer, in case you don't get any responses re: the luggage, I recall there was a thread here about luggage this last spring.

Although the Streetwise maps are pretty good in a broad sense, we did not feel the Venice map was detailed enough. When looking for specific shops & restaurants, it did not reflect the streets we were looking for. I recall that NYCFoodSnob had referred to a map she'd received for Venice and I am trying to locate, called: The Illustrated Venice Map by Magnetic North.It is published by Draughtsman Ltd out of London (this info was provided by NYCFS).

I highly recommend finding this map as NYCFS indicates it shows every Calle and is extremely detailed and well marked. If you intend to spend time exploring and searching out specific places, it may be worth your while. Since this is a return trip I am planning, I want to find this map.

DAJ

DAJ,

Look up at my first message; I posted a link to another thread. That thread has NYCFS's map.

Happy 4th everyone.

Whoops! I just read your post more carefully. Now I see that you already know the name but just can't find the map. Can't help you there.

DAJ -
Just found that map.

You can order it at travelguidewarehouse.com for $9.95.

I really disliked the streetwise map of Venice. Its index is virtually unworkable, as you have to know what neighborhood your objective is in in order to look it up. It also lacks a single view of the entire area (and I think this is common to streetwise maps) so you are reduced to finding inserts, and are unable to get the big picture.

Good afternoon, wanderer
A Pianta Di Venezia, (Venice map) is available FREE from the Venice Tourist Office located at the NW entrance to the Pza S. Marco. That along with the ability of being able to read the major signs placed above the ground level...(www.elmoro.com) (www.goeurope.com)has street guide information as well as WC locations. Part of the enjoyment is going from one place to the other without the use of a map, you learn the city much ...faster. However this is my opinion and have followed it for many trips to Venice and other locations...
Also with the purchase of the Venice Card you get a more detailed map of the city..Much sufficent. Richard of LaGrange Park, IL>..Both are pocket sized....rjv

To: Wanderer......Thank you, Thank you, Thank you.

This is a great site and I have just ordered the map. There is another map I may order for Rome from Michelin, which is similar to the arrondisement map for Paris that they put out, but that map I believe I can find in the book stores.

According to my husband, you'd better buy a stronger pair of glasses for those Venice maps.

He did.. Still had a hard time with the tiny print. We still got lost.

Part of the fun..
Byrd