Guided Venice?

Venice is a wonderful lovely place to just wander around in. We have never felt the need for a gudied tour, but lots of people do.

Rick' Venice book and some of the other guide books have waklking tours outlined, complete with paths and commentary on what you are seeing. You might want to take a look.

Top ten Venice is another small guide book that has lots of info.

Thanks Ron. We'll definitely want to explore on our own! We know that some of the most memorable events are the result of serendipity and embrace that off-the-beaten-path approach.

Neither of us speak Italian - despite 3 months of studying! And since we haven't been to Italy before and want to make the most of our limited time, well we just might signup for a 'tour' of some sort. We did take a look thru the RS boks on Italy and Venice but are soliciting personal recommendations if folks have any. Still gathering information and personal, anecdotal kind feel the most trustworthy.

Thanks again. I mean Grazie!

The thing to remember about Venice is that it has been a tourist town since about the 14th century. You will be pleasantly surprised at how at ease the folks in Venice will make you feel and you'll run into quite a few people whose English is significantly better than your Italian.

You''ll need to decide what you want to do, however many of the big sites are on Piazza San Marco, the Basilica, the Campanile and the Doge's Palace. For that matter you can walk the entire city from end to end in about an hour.

On your own in Venice - so fun.

2 tips. First, download Rick's audio tours to mp3 player, they are great. Second, take a compass. Seriously. Even with a good map, and a good sense of direction. . . .

Venice on your own is definitely fun!
But lately I've been thinking a specialty/theme tour might add to the experience. Like, this ghost tour for example: http://www.tours-italy.com/venice-city_tours-ghost_walk.htm

Hi Mark - Venice on your own - DEFINITELY!! - First, your Hotel will have free transportaion by water taxi or Vaporetto to Murano as well as Burano - two Islands you definitely should see. Watching the glass-blowing is amazing and on to Burano, trhe lace and embroidery Island that is so picturesque.
Back to Venice and as you wander out from Piazza San Marco look up on the corner of the buildings as you approach a turn and you will see , for example, "per Rialto", which means follow that arrow to the Rialto area - That area has a flea market section as well as the local fish and vegetable market - A fun Place.
Back to San marco and perhaps down the Grand Canal to one of many Restauarants. At night in the Piazza San Marco you will see the "Battle of the Bands as the several cafes entertain and try to draw you to their tables. Watch but don't sit down - very pricy even for a couple of drinks.
And Mark, if you happen to get lost for a few minutesa as you wander the streets of Venice - GOOD ! That's part of the fun.

Enjoy and Ciao, Greg

Thanks all.

I think we will forego a tour. We love the walking around to stumble into whatever catches us style so we'll be happy. Maybe a trip out to Murano/Burano. Those excursions do sound great!

Thanks all!

Make sure you "stumble" your way down to the tip of the island in St Elena. It's so VASTLY different from the jam-packed tourist section of San Marco. You'll see real Italian families out and about strolling around in the parks where they have large areas of real green grass and lots of trees...very uncommon around San Marco.

Hey Tim. Now that's a great hint. We'll definitely find our way to the tip of St Elena! Good idea.

Grazie Mark