Like anything, not everybody is a big fan of Venice.<BR><BR>I've been there twice. The first is a must. <BR><BR>In general I find it a large shopping mall.<BR><BR>Other places I like better.<BR>

<BR>Been there 3 times, and disliked it 3 times.<BR><BR>Kept going back as I thought surely I was missing something with all the hype.<BR><BR>My memory is of eating lunch canal-side and watching a dead bird and trash floating by.<BR><BR>Different strokes for different folks

Venice a large shopping mall? I've seen and heard the city described as many thing, but never a large shopping mall!How sad to have that as a lasting impression of such a magical place.

What you 'experience' in any city/country/area is really a matter of your expectations before arrival meeting your attitude and behavior during the visit. Every place has it's pluses and minuses . . . Venice is not an exception.<BR><BR>Your question somewhat implies that your expectations for Venice may be 'too high'. If true, leaving it for last may end your trip with a disappointment; starting there may negatively influence the balance of your trip.<BR><BR>You may want to consider visiting Venice in the middle of the trip, just to be on the safe side.

I've decided to make Venice my last stop, downsize my expectations based on all the hype, and be very open minded. That was my first instinct, and I can almost always count on my instincts. I have a hunch that I will be smitten as well. After all, I am a romantic!

I would probably start with Venice. It would be a nice place to get into the European mood and plan to stay for several days. If not, you might be thinking: When I get to Venice, then... and you end up being let down with to high expectations and not fully appreciating other sights. When I first arrive I'm focused on the sights and really don't mind hordes of tourists. At the end however I have got enough and only want to be in a sleepy non-touristy small town.

I agree with Grasshopper. Starting in Venice ending up on the Sorrento Peninsula would be the perfect trip for me!