I read through the most recent few years of posts to get a general sense of what is recommended. Looking for some detailed assistance from this experienced forum.
We have 3 nights and 2 full days in Venice at the end of May. We will arrive on a Saturday afternoon via train from Verona. We will be staying at Hotel Al Ponte Mocenigo. Traveling with my husband and three young adult children. My family won't tolerate hours of crowds, museums and churches. We are very active and don't mind walking and exploring.
We have a tour set up for Sunday and there is still some flexibility with the timing. Our tour guide is willing to meet us late morning or really any time of the day. She will do a 3 hour tour with a couple of main highlights but mostly some hidden neighborhoods/corners.
Other things that I think are on my list (but I'm willing to have this challenged) are one of the Row Venice rowing lessons and a Vivaldi concert. I've read so much about Burano and Murano but I'm not sure I want to spend that much of our two days for one or both of the islands. I would much rather get lost in Venice as so many folks recommend.
As we are there on a Saturday evening and full day Sunday and Monday, I'm looking for suggestions on how to structure our days. I read that we should book Row Venice as early as possible in our stay in case rescheduling needs to occur due to weather.
1) Suggestions for Saturday evening when we arrive?
2) Row Venice - back canals vs Grand Canal? My kids really want to see beautiful views of Venice during sunset. Row Venice has a Grand Canal evening lesson. But are we better off doing the back canal lesson and taking a Vaporetto in the evening to catch the sunset on the Grand Canal?
3) Suggestions for vaporetto/walking itineraries for Monday would be appreciated
4) Am I thinking about this correctly in that Murano/Burano should be saved for another trip or when my kids come back on their own since our time in Venice is short? Or do you feel this is a must? I would love to see the islands for the scenery (if this is a thing) but we don't need to buy glass or lace.
5) Any restaurant suggestions near our hotel appreciated.
Initial thoughts are:
Saturday evening - arrive by train, check in, Vivaldi concert, dinner
Sunday morning/midday- breakfast at hotel, meet with tour guide, see couple of main sights and focus on hidden corners
Sunday late afternoon/evening - Row Venice, dinner
Monday - ? suggestions
Thank you in advance! This forum was very helpful for planning the Lake Garda portion of the trip. I look forward to your recommendations.