Torn about cities to visit in Italy
Jul 13th, 2007, 03:37 PM
#21
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knickerbocker - love your screen name!
We also had 3 cruise ships in Venice when we were there. But found no line (or short line) at St. Mark's B. & other sites, when we got up early (which we always do!) & got there either when they opened or just after. The lines formed later. The cruise folks were probably at the breakfast buffet!! However, I realize that some travelers may not be early morning siteseers.
So each day we hit a main site early to avoid crowds & then explored the real Venice areas. We loved the real Venice areas & of course the crowds don't go there.
Julie
We also had 3 cruise ships in Venice when we were there. But found no line (or short line) at St. Mark's B. & other sites, when we got up early (which we always do!) & got there either when they opened or just after. The lines formed later. The cruise folks were probably at the breakfast buffet!! However, I realize that some travelers may not be early morning siteseers.
So each day we hit a main site early to avoid crowds & then explored the real Venice areas. We loved the real Venice areas & of course the crowds don't go there.
Julie
Jul 13th, 2007, 04:15 PM
#22
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Why thank you, Julie.
We didn't have any issues with lines per se as I'd made reservations well beforehand, it was more the wall-to-wall people that were an issue for Mrs. K moreso than myself. We were staying near Campiello San Stefano so were close to everything worth seeing but Mrs. K's not a crack-of-dawn type of person (as I more or less am) so getting anywhere before 9:30 had better be a matter of some great urgency). Perhaps the way to truly discover and enjoy Venice is to circumnavigate the Piazza San Marco and anywhere close to the Rialto Bridge.
We didn't have any issues with lines per se as I'd made reservations well beforehand, it was more the wall-to-wall people that were an issue for Mrs. K moreso than myself. We were staying near Campiello San Stefano so were close to everything worth seeing but Mrs. K's not a crack-of-dawn type of person (as I more or less am) so getting anywhere before 9:30 had better be a matter of some great urgency). Perhaps the way to truly discover and enjoy Venice is to circumnavigate the Piazza San Marco and anywhere close to the Rialto Bridge.
Jul 13th, 2007, 04:27 PM
#23
Well, the OP has been scared off. But if you're still checking in, karussell, I say that however you divide your days it's likely you won't want to leave wherever you are. At least that's been my experience. There isn't a place in Italy that I wouldn't want to return to and explore further.
Some like Florence more than Venice; some like Venice more than Florence. It's a personal thing, and you won't know which you are until you go to both.
Have a great time!
Some like Florence more than Venice; some like Venice more than Florence. It's a personal thing, and you won't know which you are until you go to both.
Have a great time!
Jul 14th, 2007, 05:42 AM
#24
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NeoPatrick, I understood, just feel differently. Venice has never been special or magical or any of the words used to describe it by its fans. I have been 4x and would prefer never to go back, however, I take small groups to Italy and most want to stop there. I personally get in and out as quickly as possible.
After more than a dozen trips to Florence, it is my favorite city in my favorite region of Italy. I feel like I am coming home when I arrive there and have made friends in the city and learned my way around.
I really enjoy Rome as well and sometimes stop there while in Italy. Sicily, the Dolomites, the Ligurgian coastline are all beautiful and I would choose all of the over Venice.
As is all things, beauty is in the eyes of the beholder.
On my fall trip, I will be flying into Venice with friends, then they will stay a day longer and I will out after less than 48 hours, more than enough for me.
After more than a dozen trips to Florence, it is my favorite city in my favorite region of Italy. I feel like I am coming home when I arrive there and have made friends in the city and learned my way around.
I really enjoy Rome as well and sometimes stop there while in Italy. Sicily, the Dolomites, the Ligurgian coastline are all beautiful and I would choose all of the over Venice.
As is all things, beauty is in the eyes of the beholder.
On my fall trip, I will be flying into Venice with friends, then they will stay a day longer and I will out after less than 48 hours, more than enough for me.
