We are traveling to Venice in November. At the moment, we'll arrive on Nov. 23. But should we make a change in our plans to be there by Nov. 21 to see (and use) the pontoons across the Grand Canal? Is this a very busy time and one to be avoided or a special moment in a special place that we shouldn't miss? Thanks for your help!
Posted by
Land of La
8680 posts
What pontoons are you talking about?
Posted by
Palm Beach, Florida, United States
536 posts
Susie - Not real busy that time of year. Not sure what you're referring to as "pontoon"? Things to see. The Rialto Bridge area with it's Markets and cafes, The Grand Canal with all it's vendors, street performers, restaurants, and cafes and splendid views.
The Piazza San Marco, of course, with all it's activity. At night catch "The Battle of The Bands" , as the cafes compete for your attention.
All Hotels give out free tickets to go by water taxi to The Islands of Murano and Burano. Very Nice!! The glass-blowing on Murano is amazing - you can sit and actually watch it being done. On to Burano, famous for lace and embroidery and a very quaint and picturesque Island.
Simply wandering the streets and getting lost is a Rush. Look up on the buildings at each intersection and you will see directions such as "per San Marco with an arrow. That's how you'll find your way back .
Enjoy Venezia, Ciao, Greg
Posted by
Carbondale, IL, USA
1201 posts
Susie - I would be inclined to re-arrange your trip and get to Venice during the festival. Festa della Madonna della Salute is a uniquely Venetian celebration. One of two that celebrate the end of a bout of plague in Venice.
the other, the Redentore, in July is more "touristy" just because more tourists are in the city then.
there will likely be a lot of people taking part in the celebration, but it would give you a very Venetian experience.
Posted by
DC
209 posts
Interesting, I wasn't aware of this holiday... but it's on a Saturday so if we aren't already on another trip I might go check it out. I think if it doesn't cost you anything or not much to change your flight, it might be a very charming experience for you. It seems that the path in to the church is very crowded, but then there is a festival that the crowd spills out in to and that part should be easier to move around in (see the blog entry linked below for more information).
Here is some information I found on this event. (Scroll down to the second half)
And here is a blog entry I found about one traveler's experience at this event. (Scroll down to the December 11, 2005 entry)