Our cruise ship debarks in Venice and we are thinking of staying at the Hotel Bellini. This is the one place I am most excited about visiting having never been before. Please let me know if this sounds do-able. Our arrival is 5am, but Im sure we won't be able to disembark until at least 7? My plan is to use the people mover from stazione marittima to Piazzale Roma, dragging our luggage with us towards the Constitution bridge (ponte della costituzione). Would it be easier to purchase the vaporetto that is located near that bridge, or is it just as easy to walk the bridge to the Hotel carrying our luggage? Ive heard the vaporettos can be a challenge with luggage.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23238 posts
The cruise ship assigns debarking so I would take the latest -- maybe 9, 9.30?? It just depends on how much and how heavy is your luggage and are you comfortable carrying it up and down the stairs for the bridge. Either way works.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
16171 posts
I would think that high arched bridge would be more of a challenge than the vaporetto with luggage. Not many people board at Piazzale Roma; most join at Ferrovia and you will be getting off there.
Posted by
Ontario, Canada
4822 posts
I would opt to cross the bridge on foot, since the hotel is do close to it. But you'll have to decide for yourself, based on how much luggage you have and how able you are to get it across the bridge, bearing in mind that it has no ramps; it's all steps. Have a look at it on Google images to base your decision.
Posted by
Reno, Nevada
1025 posts
The bridge is a disaster or a breath-taking work of art, depending upon who you ask.
With that said, it isn't difficult to navigate and the steps rise only about 2 inches in the highest place. Avoid drinking or taking narcotic drugs before attempting the bridge and you should be okay. Just look down to see where your feet are landing on each step--I watched a man do a header because he didn't see where his shoes were as he walked.
Posted by
Atlanta
4794 posts
Unless you have a tremendous amount of luggage, I'd say simply walk it as the steps on the bridge are not that bad and the distance is not that far. If you do have a great deal of luggage you might have a problem getting it on and off the vaporetto. And taking the vaporetto will only save you about 100 meters or so. Go to googlemaps.com and type in your hotel name. You can get map views, birds eye views, and street views. Takes a bit of getting used to in order to work it well, but you can "walk" the route before you leave home.
Posted by
OP
5 posts
Thank you so much everyone, Ive enjoyed reading each reply! Husband doesn't see a problem with walking the bridge, ha ha. We will each have at least one large suitcase and unless its raining, I think we will be walking the bridge. (very carefully!) Thank you all!