Coming to Venice and want to take a gondola ride? We highly recommend Row Venice. We did it today and it was a wonderful experience. Jane met us at the dock and for the next 90 minutes we learned how to row and steer a gondola. She took us skillfully thru canals into the lagoon and then when we got our feet under us we rowed down the grand canal. Our twelve year old daughter loved it! Turns out the money goes to a foundation for promoting women in sports and rowing in Venice. 90 minutes for 120 euro which is less expensive than a regular gondola and so much more fun. (Rowvyenice@gmail.com) or http://rowvenice.org
we also recommend the Al Duca di Venezia hotel for a great stay. Very helpful and kind staff take great care of you. Ask for gold rooms when you reserve as the red( which we booked) were pit much on the decor side of things, but still very clean with large bathrooms.
Osteria Mocenigo for dinner was very flavorful. Located around the corner from the hotel right on the path to the Vaperetto at S. Stae behind the church. Staff is full of life and it is very casual but the food is great. Get a reservation as it fills fast. Squid Carpaccio and the muscles and clams are great.
La Patatina was also very good and in the same area filled with locals, reservations also required. Beef tartare prepared tables side is great service is attentive. Gelateria Naturale is as good as you will get. Better than Groms any day.
Places not to eat:
Antica Besetta Restaurant: Stay away from this place, it was recommended by a person at our hotel and it was not good. The staff acted like they were serving a prison sentence and were not happy to see anyone local or visitor. We told the server that we did not want bread at our table and he said I have to put it here or the owner will doc my pay. Food less than appetizing. Prices moderate.
Tour the clock tower in St. marks if able. Follow Ricks recommendation on the bag check at the basilica for sure.
What a great place this is.