My husband & I are meeting a couple in Venice on 8/4/11 for the day while we are staying in Florence. Do you recommend that we book the tickets on line or wait until we arrive in Florence on 7/31? Also, it looks like there are two ports in Venice. Any suggestions on which one?
Posted by
Pa and Italy
4152 posts
Personally, I wouldn't do Venice as a daytrip from Florence. It would be much better to do it as an overnight. As for the port, you'll need to ask your friends. Larger ships use the main port- Marittima terminal and smaller ships use the smaller port- San Basilio. Without knowing which cruise line and which cruise it's hard to specify which port to go to. Donna
Posted by
Nevada
176 posts
I agree with Donna. A day trip is just not enough time for Venice. Two or three nights minimum are needed to really experience it.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32384 posts
Laurie, I'd suggest buying your tickets when you arrive in Florence, either from a staffed ticket office or one of the automated Kiosks. If you buy a few days before you'll be travelling, you may be able to get the cheaper "Mini" fares. Check This excellent Website for details on the "Mini" fares, and the Trenitalia website for train departure times. Rather than meet your friends at the port, why not meet somewhere convenient in Venice (ie: the rail station, Rialto Bridge or whatever). Note that there are two rail stations in Venice. Your destination station will be Venezia Santa Lucia. You'll go across a long causeway before arrival at Venezia S.L. I agree with the others that Venice deserves at least one night, but you'll have to balance that against your overall travel plans. Happy travels!