So this summer we have the chance to head over to Venice for a day while staying in Milan. I’d like to make the most of our day catching the early train to Venice then back later that evening.
Is it worth booking a guided tour once we arrive in Venice? We are a family of 4 (2 teenagers). Any recommendations are appreciated, thanks!
Posted by
Chicago
7839 posts
No You don't need a guided tour it is easy to navigate since it is small. It is better to go at your own pace so you can get a break from the crowded. All you need is do your own research beforehand and use a smartphone as a map
Posted by
California 🦋
5211 posts
ngc,
Have you considered spending at least an overnight in Venice instead of traveling 2.5 hours each way?
Wishing you a wonderful trip!
Posted by
Wyckoff, NJ, USA
7299 posts
"do we need a guide" is often asked here. It comes down to personal travel style, and (in the case of a private tour) budget. Since Venice cannot possibly be seen in a day, the question is whether you would rather roam around and see as much as you can, or do you want to be able to answer every cocktail party question with, "Yeah, we saw that and loved it."
My first trip to Venice was only an 8-hour day, and I had only an Italy guidebook, in the pre internet, pre-phone days. It's a magical place, and I'm so glad I got to see it in 1987. (It was crowded even then!) We've been back three times since then. Lots of well-off people go almost every year, if they love it. This is an opinion, but I believe you CAN see more in 8 hours without a guide than with one. Our guide experience is limited to a few cruise ship trips, with a new guide every day.
Edit: typos only
Another question is whether you are willing to do the advance reading to "make the most" of your visit. (Whatever that may mean to you.) That means finding out what you can't get into without a three months in advance timed ticket. It means finding out what, among things you like, is there. I mean, particular artists or types of art, temporary exhibitions, the Art or the Architecture Biennale, special monuments or buildings, photogenic sites, shopping opportunities, weekly rotations of markets ... You'll also want to learn how the Vaporetti work, and how to buy a ticket when you get there.
Posted by
Olympia, WA, USA
6502 posts
I totally agree with Tim about the value of research to make the most of your very limited time. A one-day vaporetto pass will save you time and steps, plus giving you great canal experiences. Here is our host's recommended itinerary for "Venice in one brutal day." I think it makes sense, but your interests may differ.
Posted by
OP
17 posts
Thank you everyone, the brutal day itinerary seems like it will be what we follow. Any tips on Gondola rides? It’s something we want to do but want to make sure we do it right.
Posted by
Bendigo, Australia
1223 posts
Gondolas are plying for trade all over Venice, just approach a gondolier when you feel like it. Cost is 85 euro (I think) for half an hour. The price is fixed, no need to tip.
Re using your smart phone to navigate. Do get a paper map, any news vendor has them, costs about 3 euro. I have spent months in Venice, yet I still carry a paper map.
Posted by
Knoxville, TN, USA
7209 posts
Just realize that you'll arrive into Venice with the hoards of other daytrippers and cruisers. It's definitely a recipe for "I didn't like Venice".
Posted by
OP
17 posts
Tim, our main trip is Switzerland and Germany, however we are flying into Milan for 2 nights. I guess we are looking to make the best of time being in Italy considering Milan seems a lot like New York City where we are from. We were considering Lake Como vs Venice vs staying in Milan and keeping two 14 year old entertained. We have been to Italy before but just Florence and Rome.
Posted by
Gettysburg PA
6052 posts
This sounds like a really bad idea- but that's just my opinion.
It appears you are flying into Milan from NY- Day 1- jet lag day- then planning to train to Venice for the day on Day 2?
Where is your next destination? Is there somewhere you can just go that is on the way to that next destination?
The train ride alone is 2.5 hours x2 then add 45 min or so each end to get to stations/ get your bearings etc. and you are looking at close to 7 hours spent in transit. You will end up hating Venice.
Not how I would want to start a trip and really can't see how that would keep a 14 yo entertained.
Lake Como is the obvious choice for a day trip - so much easier/closer/quicker but don't know where you will visit in Switzerland/Germany.
Or Bergamo? Turin? Verona? Somewhere that is about an hour away?
There must be a few interesting things in Milan that are "not New York"
Visit the Sforzesco castle, visit the Monumental Cemetery, and of course the Duomo.
With a bit of research I think you could easily fill a day in Milan
https://www.thespringbreakfamily.com/things-to-do-in-milan-with-kids/
Posted by
OP
17 posts
You have great points, especially about the extra travel to and from the stations. The Lake Como region (Varenna) seems like better choice. After we are heading to Jungfrau through to Munich over the next 12 days.
Posted by
Knoxville, TN, USA
7209 posts
How about landing in Milan and heading straight for Venice. Spend a couple of nights and take either the direct non stop train venice to Munich or the direct nonstop flight Venice to Munich on air dolomiti. Work south from Munich down into Switzerland.
Posted by
OP
17 posts
Our flights are booked into Milan and out of Munich so we have to travel north and east.
Posted by
Prior Lake, MN, USA
393 posts
The Tour Guy or The Roman Guy does tours. BUT, I like it that he/they do YouTube videos (as marketing) which actually inform people.
Here is their "how to do Venice in a day" video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KxqJ9sodVQo
He just released a video of the NW quarter of Venice
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DslFd6tmzyo