Venice questions

We were there the first week of October last fall and unfortunately the mosquitos went after my husband at night so we had to keep the windows shut and the AC on. They didn't like me; he must be sweeter. No rats, and we were out at night quite a bit.

I was there in mid July last year and had no problems with Mosquitos. Maybe I was lucky but there were not any issues. I never saw a rat during my 3 night stay. I guess if you are unlucky you might see one but that can happen in any city. Can't help on the trains.

We've been in Venice 3 times in early June and saw neither mosquitos nor rats, just an incredibly beautiful city. Enjoy!

Haven't been in June so can't help with mosquitos. Have never seen a rat anywhere in Venice. You can take the train from Venice to Pisa with a change in Florence. The train from Florence to Pisa will be a regional train so if you want to book tickets ahead of time just book the Venice to Florence leg to get the mini fares. You can buy the ticket for the regional train once you get to Florence. These trains don't take reservations, never sell out and have several an hour between the two cities. Donna

IMHO you should be routed thru Firenze (Florence).

My husband and I were in Venice at the end of June and early July. No problems with mosquitos or rats.

nope

Have never had a problem with mosquitos anywhere in Italy and have never seen rats in Venice. Can't comment on the train.

For those of us who bemoan how crowded parts of Venice have become with other tourists, I suggest a different approach: It's true. The mosquitoes in Venice are as big as grasshoppers. And the rats are bigger than cats. Oh, and Venice smells really bad as well. (I'll go back to verify next year, for our fourth trip to Venice.) :-) As for the train route, I imagine you would indeed do Venice to Florence and change trains there.

When I was in Venice in late May 2010, I did not have problems with mosquitoes. However, in early November 2011, there were lots of mosquitoes. Out walking on the street we were fine, but when we left our windows open to help air out the humid room, we were granted the lovely present of lots of huge mosquitoes. We learned from then on to keep the window close, even if it was stuffy. Haven't seen rats. As others have said, the easiest route should be Venice to Florence to Pisa.

LP, my snarky response was not intended to be aimed at you. It was just that I find it funny how many horror stories get circulated about a city that so many people want to visit. Good for you for checking them out instead of just accepting them as true. Venice is one of our favorite places on the planet. Check out some of my photos if you're interested in seeing some of our pictures of Venice, in case you're interested. You're going to have a great time. Happy travels.

A very big thank you to those of you that responded with positive feedback as you were very helpful. I have already booked our trip, but am traveling with children and had heard about mosquitos and such and wanted to be prepared prior to arrival. For the negative reponder, please don't post a reply if you feel the need to be sarcastic there really is no point to commenting in such a way. Again, my thanks to all.

LP, I think Michael was just a few days late with an April Fool's Day response (this forum lit up on 4/1). Actually, I thought it was a funny response, in the vein of "Venice is so good let's keep it to ourselves" but I can see how the sarcasm could bother you, since your question was sincere (and I imagine you are concerned for the children in your party). Have fun in Venice!

I don't know about the mosquitos in June but in mid-May last year there were none. We were told by restaurant staff in Milan that when the city floods (usually in winter) rats come out of everywhere. I can't help on the train but would suppose you change in Florence.

Thank you for the tempering....maybe I did over-react, just sensitive as I will be traveling with children and really did need some feedback to obviously misguided information I received from someone else. I very much look forward to our trip to Venice. I have been to other regions in Italy previously but not Venice and I am excited!

I've been to Venice 7 or 8 or 9 times (forgot) mostly in early June and the mosquitos will ALWAYS get you at night...especially in a hotel room if you leave the window open.