We have planned the following for Venice please help me or correct me to make this most efficient considering the heat and the crowds :
7/25 - Reach Venice at 3.00
4.30 - 6 Rialto bridge area
6 - 7 Gondola ride
7 - 10 St Marco / Dodge's palace
7/26
9 am - 1pm St Marks Basilica & bell tower
2- 5 Murano
6 -8 Walking tour
I don't think the Doges palace won't be open at that time. Maybe you just want to hang out and listen to the caffe orchestras?
I haven't been to murano but I'd say unless you are really into glass you could spend more time in Venice proper.
Something else we really enjoyed was the Rick Steves grand canal cruise with the audio guide. It takes about an hour.
You're WAYYY overthinking this itinerary. Neither the Basilica nor Doge's Palace will be open at those times. Definitely omit Murano. Walking tour? As in following a guide around? I wouldnt want to do that. Just walk on your own.
You can save some time by making reservations for the Basilica directly withe their website and also make a reservation for the Doge's Palace Secret Itineraries Tour.
9 am - 1pm St Marks Basilica & bell tower
Might take 90 minutes, max. Perhaps you would like to go to the Doge's Palace with the remaining time in the AM schedule? As mentioned above, buy your Basilica tickets in advance to ensure entry,
@Lauren - 9 to 1 keeping in mind the lines :) the sooner we are done would be great more can spend time outside.
I would wake up on the 26th early and do St. Marco/Dodge palace (1st Secret Itinerary tour - reservation) then get to St. Marks for the lights between 11:30 and 12:30 (make a reservation at https://www.venetoinside.com/attraction-tickets-in-veneto/tickets/skip-the-line-saint-marks-basilica/). After you are done flee the area and tourist madhouse.
Hopefully you have another day to spend there. It is fascinating, especially off the beaten track. Do go beyond the grand canal. We have been 4 times and the last time we spent a day exploring all the back streets and had a great time. Also do splurge and have an nice meal on one of the canals. If you do not have another day Venice will draw you back on your next trip.
We are going to Italy next year and will probably bypass Venice for Padua.
Unless you have another day I would not do Murano but do the fish market area and explore.
Whatever you decide Enjoy.
Dear D.
The Rialto area is great for little bars for a pub crawl. Stay away from restaurants near the bridge as far as food is concerned. This can be your dinner for the evening. Gondola rides are great just after the sun goes down so you can adjust for that. Most gondoliers offer 30 or 45 minutes rides.
San Marco in the evening is awesome. As others have commented the Doges palace is a no go at that time. Save it for the next day. Murano is fun if you have time. There is a semi secret glass blowing place just steps behind San Marco square under the left facade facing the basilica. It is upstairs. You can join a tour there and purchase glass and never have to leave the island.
As for the walking tour I am sure they are full of fun facts but walking aimlessly in Venice is one of life's greatest joys.
Ciao. Joe
