Venice

lostinrates

Tiglath wrote: »

I know what you're saying but I still disagree. By your definition, a real MSEr would stay at home!

I've never arrived at Venice by air, despite having had many visits there. We lived in another part of Italy and it was a train journey. I don't feel its been any less wonderful. Never done a gondola either actually. I have had taxi journeys around the place ( meeting friends/ family for supper/ drinks on tight schedules when I have been less mobile) but personally I just love vaporetti and walking. Venice IMO the joy is not San Marco etc, but rather the quiet corners and getting lost and finding dead ends that are beautiful.

It is very hard for the less mobile, and really almost impossible for the immobile. I'd love to go back .

pollypenny

I agree, LiR. Our first time in Venice was on an Easter Sunday, where we were herded over the bridge by the st. Marks vaporetto stop.

I was so disappointed and it wasn't until we got off the beaten track that we relaxed and the 'wows' started. The little squares are so much better.

lostinrates

pollypenny wrote: »

I agree, LiR. Our first time in Venice was on an Easter Sunday, where we were herded over the bridge by the st. Marks vaporetto stop.

I was so disappointed and it wasn't until we got off the beaten track that we relaxed and the 'wows' started. The little squares are so much better.

There are wonderful exhibitions etc worth seeing in the 'main' areas, but yes, its the quiet places, Getting lost in the mist, the fish market, chatting to venetians with that wonderful accent that is the aural version of the place its self...

Biggles

I have to confess I've never known the lagoon to pong. I've always assumed that's a story dating back to an age when the sewerage system was poor.

As regards San Marco, I can recommend pre-booking online for a tour of the Basilica. We found that you went straight in (avoiding all the queues snaking around the piazza), it was a relatively small party, and you got personal service. There are several tours, I went for the high level one, which gets you up on the roof afterwards near the four bronze horses. Wonderful!

Biggles

And if you are looking for great beer in Venice, rather than the ubiquitous wine bars, Il Santo Bevitore Pub (www.ilsantobevitorepub.com) has about a dozen beers on tap, mostly but not all Belgian, and lots more in the bottle. As well as a good pub-style atmosphere. Situated by a quiet canal bridge just far enough off the beaten track.