Venice - worth a quick day trip from Volterra or save for another trip?

That's a tough questions. Long way to go for a short visit, but when will you be that close again? I think the answer boils down to how soon will you be returning to Italy? How old is your teen daughter, and will she likely be with you when you return to Italy someday? Although you are committed to the Villa in Tuscany for two weeks, I'm sure there would be no problem with leaving there a day early, if you would like to spend two nights in Venice. While that would mean double paying lodging for one night (the lost night at the Villa, plus an extra night in Venice for a hotel), but having two nights could make for a more relaxing trip segment). Incremental cost for extra lodging: (maybe) an extra E500 +/- ? The look on your daughter's face in Venice: Priceless :) If she's a good kid and this is REALLY important to her............................................... (can you tell I'm not a parent?) Does the rest of your family also want to see Venice, too? I've not been to Venice yet myself, so maybe I'm just a pushover on this topic...LOL :) Tell your daughter to send me a postcard,
if she gets to go.

If you can do an overnight, it would be much better then just a few hours - it is a real magical place at night - stay in the city itself and wander - it's very safe. I am sure you can park at Mestre, but we took the train everywhere so not really sure...it is such (for me anyway) an amazing place. Have been twice, and managed to finagle my husband into squeezing it into this years vacation for 2 nights...we have visited at end of Sept both times - very crowded then, but even more so I guess in July and Aug, along with the heat can be a big turn-off...that is why it's nice to stay a night and wander when all the day-trippers have left.

Thanks Nicole and Margaret! I appreciate your opinions. Margaret, you totally got me on the daughter - she is a GREAT kid! And she will totally appreciate the effort and will be off at college in a couple of years and who knows whether she would be with us or not if we go back:) So we will probably go - now I just have to figure out the logistics:) Anyone have good suggestions for easiest way to get there from Volterra?

Here's another vote for two nights in Venice. Here's a link to a clip that shows you the view when you step out the front of the train station, facing the Grand Canal. Forgive the slight shakiness. Cheap camera. :-)

Thanks to everyone for your help! You have me convinced that it is worth the effort... I will continue to research cost for train vs. car and see which way comes out ahead:) At that time of year (late June) does it make a difference either in crowds or cost if we go during the week vs. on the weekend?

Deanna, definitely an overnight. The vaporetto or water taxi trip from the train station or the parking garage takes some time. I tried to do a day trip to Venice last summer (I've been to Venice several times), and it was a bad decision on my part. The best thing about an overnight (I would take the train instead of the car, parking is exhorbitant) is that after the daytrippers leave, you'll have a pleasant chunk of time in Venice when it's far less crowded. I hope your daughter has a great time and goes back again and again.

Take a bus into Florence, and a train for 158 miles into Venice. Trains are very frequent. I would certainly suggest spending one night in Venice. It's a very unique place if you've never been there, and a must see.

I agree with the previous posters, generally. Overnight, particularly if coming this distance, is magic. I disagree about the cost of parking. The question was about Mestre where the multistorey car park across from the station is not silly money. Those actually at Tronchetto and Ple Roma on the major islands are much more expensive. If you did manage to ditch the car and train from Florence it is a simple, quick, and if planned in advance can be quite reasonably priced. IMMHO it is worth the hassle and can provide a huge reward. Get off the main flow of tourists and get lost in Venice. You can't really get too lost - Venice is surrounded by water! Go for it!

Venice in the summer will be jammed packed weekdays or weekends. I concur that you should go, just saying once you've seen St Mark's sights, walk away from the square and get lost. The summer crowds can be disconcerting but wandering away from the masses offers a wonderful POV of this unique, magical city. Personally, I found the far end of the island by the Parco dell Remembranze to be less touristy unless the ugly cruise ships are in port. Idyllic spot to watch the sunset. Have fun!

Without a doubt.... Go...
If you do decide to drive there are a few hotels right outside the city where you can stay and park your car and take the bus in for the day. Not as ideal as staying right in Venice, but better than not going at all. But, if you can get rid of the car in Florence and take the train it will probably be easier. If at all possible, stay right in Venice, but if you can't enjoy it anyway.

Definetly not worth it as a daytrip. Overnighter at least. If you decide to drive park in Marco Polo airport. They have lots for 5 euro a day and then catch the bus into town. 5 euro tickets and about a 20 min ride on the express bus, about a half hour on the ACTV bus. Both drop you in Piazzale Roma.

Thanks to everyone for the great responses and suggestions! I appreciate the help:) And my daughter thanks you for supporting her in her desire to see Venice!

quite simple.Another time.You cannot do it all especially this itinerary.