I saw reference to Rick Steve's "baggage check trick" along w/a slew of other suggestions. Can't find it, again. Would someone please pass that info on. Thanks.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
7737 posts
I'm guessing you mean the baggage check trick to cut to the front of the line for St. Mark's in Venice. You can check a bag at a deconsecrated church near St. Mark's for 1 euro (I believe). They give you a stub that allows you to go to the front of the line to get into the basilica.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
7737 posts
It's probably not so much the size as the style of bag. We noticed in some churches in Italy that they let purses and messenger bags through, but a backpack of the same size or smaller was not allowed. That said, when we were in Venice in 2008 we checked a messenger bag with no problem. It probably depends on how busy they are and the mood of the worker. Happy travels.
Posted by
Secaucus, NJ, USA
148 posts
Just make sure your bag is big enough. They wouldn't let us check my husband's messenger bag since it was small enough to be allowed in. I'd guess a typical backpack would be large enough to check.
Posted by
Buffalo, NY, USA
8 posts
If we have 2 travellers and only one backpack, could we still check it and have both of us go to the front of the line? Also, I read that Ateneo San Basso in Calle San Basoo 315A is the place to check it.
Thanks!
Posted by
NEW IBERIA
39 posts
In May, we were a group of 4, checked one backpack and used the stub to get all of us in. DO NOT GET BACK IN LINE AFTER YOU GET THE STUB!!! We showed the guard the ticket stub and he waived us in. The line for entry was very long and the guard was turning people away with bags. Thanks Rick!!