Whether to spend our 1 extra day in Venice or Sorrento
 

Starting May 10 in Rome, we train to Sorrento to hike for a week. From Sorrento we train to Venice. We have one extra day and cannot decide between an extra day in Sorrento to visit the Isle of Capri or spend the extra day in Venice where we will stay on the Island of lido before our biking begins. Is Venice really worth seeing? Thanks so much.

"Is Venice really worth seeing?"

I think it's the most beautiful city in the world (and I've seen enough to know, or at least to have an informed opinion). But you may have different priorities.

How long do you stay on Lido? Where do you go to bike? How do you get there?

It sounds like you aren't visiting Venice at all, so I would have to say that yes of course, spend a day there.

But if you aren't interested in history or culture, or architecture or art, maybe Capri would be better, because the hiking there is very good.

Capri is nice, but pretty far down my list of great destinations. This is an easy one, go to Venice.

I couldn't agree more with MmePerdu. Venice is the most beautiful city I've ever seen. I'm an amateur photographer and always take more photos there than anywhere else. The faded grandeur is simply stunning. I've long since visited all the must see sights and now I simply stroll and breath in the beauty..... away from the crowds. I'm going yet again June 2017 and will be taking a photo/kayak tour of the canals. Maybe kayaking would be of interest to you. IMHO, I would not stay on Lido. I might suggest either the San Polo, Dorsodoro or Santa Croce neighborhoods.

<Is Venice really worth seeing?>

Yes, it is, but I wouldn't stay out on the Lido.

I'm glad I don't have to choose! And frankly, my opinion is irrelevant. ;-) But FWIW, you might give some thought to possible future trips.

For example, for many of us, Venice is easier to reach than Capri and so more likely to be part of a subsequent trip, and also (therefore) easier to give it several days (which, IMO, it deserves). If you think you might have reason to route through Venice on a future trip, then spending the time in Capri makes sense to me.

On the other hand, Naples is also a city that many of us can reach without much difficulty, and it affords easy access to Capri. So if you think you'll want to visit Naples at some point, and don't envision spending time in Venice on a future trip, then deferring Capri would make sense.

Your call!

Easy decision. Venice is a magnificent city. It takes your breath away.

I agree. Don't stay on the Lido. You miss the experience of living in a city with no cars, trucks, buses. And no vespas! Just water buses and water taxis and garbage scows, etc. No streets, just canals and pedestrian walking paths. Wandering around Venice getting a little lost is the best sightseeing. Whereas the Lido has cars and is at a distance from Venice. Not a huge distance but not right in the city.

Don't totally diss the lido - maybe they have no choice but to stay there (part of a tour / package?). We did stay on the lido as part of a tour and it is not at all difficult to get to Venice from there by the water bus system. Crossing the lagoon and approaching Venice by water is a magnificent sight!

I do love Capri but Venice is a great sight IMO. Even if you don't want to do the major tourist attractions, just wandering the city is such a pleasant way to spend a day. Do try to give Venice at least a day on your trip - it only takes about 20 - 30 minutes to get there from the lido - wander around, get a little lost, take the water bus down the Grand Canal. It will be a nice change of pace from hiking and biking :)

I like the idea of the Lido actually, if I had a month to stay in Venice it would be fun to stay out there for a week. But when you only have a few days, I don't think it is convenient for what most people want to see and do.

Venice - but then I would;t spend a week hiking in Sorrento.

So it really depends on what you want to see. We are city people and enjoy museums, historic sights and cafe siting - and you couldn't pay me to hike anywhere. (I will walk to see natural beauty spots - but anything vertical or requiring any special shoes is out.)

Thank you all so much. When reviewing the negative reviews about Venice being overwhelmed by day-trippers and getting lost and smelly lagoons and 80 euros for a gondola ride, we are really undecided about Venice. We must stay on Lido as part of bike package which leaves from Lido and bikes across Italy. our free day is between the train ride from Sorrento to Venice to Lido. Sounds like venice is the no-brainer choice. thanks again.

You can only get a little lost :) and no one will make you take a gondola ride - if you get away from the main sights, it shouldn't be too crowded. Find your way out to Guidecca canal - lovely place to hang out and watch the water traffic!