Have you been to Venice, Italy?
Nov 22, 2013 09:17:52 #
Been there and we well return. City is beautiful, people are friendly. Don't let the bad press ruin your pre-conceived image of Venice before you get there to experience it for yourself firsthand.
Enjoy Life to it's fullest and see the world. All the cities in Italy are beautiful. Just one thing, watch your pocket for there are a lot of pickpockets not just in Italy, but throughout Europe.
Also, try the Pizza in Italy, since they are not like the greasy one's we get here.
Enjoy Life to it's fullest and see the world. All the cities in Italy are beautiful. Just one thing, watch your pocket for there are a lot of pickpockets not just in Italy, but throughout Europe.
Also, try the Pizza in Italy, since they are not like the greasy one's we get here.
Nov 22, 2013 09:31:40 #
Oh yes proper Pizzas and proper ice cream!
When my Son worked in Italy we went to Venice several times and it is not "smelly". Occasionally an algae bloom in the Lagoon causes the smell to which you refer but they have it pretty well under control now.
I agree with johneccles about the trains into Venice, they are cheap, fast, frequent and the station is slap on the Grand Canal. Think about a Tourist Travel Card (from 12hrs to 7day) for the Water Bus which work out cheaper as does a Tour of the Islands pass.
I do agree that your itinerary is a bit ambitious, there is just so much to see.
When my Son worked in Italy we went to Venice several times and it is not "smelly". Occasionally an algae bloom in the Lagoon causes the smell to which you refer but they have it pretty well under control now.
I agree with johneccles about the trains into Venice, they are cheap, fast, frequent and the station is slap on the Grand Canal. Think about a Tourist Travel Card (from 12hrs to 7day) for the Water Bus which work out cheaper as does a Tour of the Islands pass.
I do agree that your itinerary is a bit ambitious, there is just so much to see.
Nov 22, 2013 09:57:31 #
jeryh
Loc: Oxfordshire UK
It really does depend on when you go; my pal went on a trip to Venice in the Summer- big mistake ! It was overpoweringly smelly, very touristy, Very expensive, and a big disappointment to him; however, if you go in the late Spring, it is OK- no smell,
not hot, and no crowds, but still expensive ! Photographically brilliant.
not hot, and no crowds, but still expensive ! Photographically brilliant.
Nov 22, 2013 09:59:37 #
tombackman
Loc: RHODE ISLAND
My wife and I just returned from Venice, and had a wonderful time. We think it is a city you should not miss, even if you only have a few days. The city does not smell, but has a lot of tourists and wonderful restaurants. You will have many opportunities to take beautiful pictures. Because your time is short there I suggest that you go to Google or some other site to look at pictures of the city. This way you will have some idea from the start where to shoot.
Nov 22, 2013 10:07:48 #
A couple of years ago we did Venice, Florence and Rome. The art in Florence is incredible and Rome has the huge, almost overpowering attractions like the Vatican and the ruins.
But when I look back at the pictures, it's the ones of Venice that elicit the sighs of pleasant memories. It's a wonderful city to get lost in. We arranged a couple of private walking tours that were great, so look into those.
I don't think there's anyplace like it.
But when I look back at the pictures, it's the ones of Venice that elicit the sighs of pleasant memories. It's a wonderful city to get lost in. We arranged a couple of private walking tours that were great, so look into those.
I don't think there's anyplace like it.
Nov 22, 2013 10:09:50 #
John Stanier
Loc: Driffield UK
Don't forget the little door to the right of the main Entrance to St.Marks, up to the balcony.
Don't just follow the crowd!
Don't just follow the crowd!
Nov 22, 2013 10:12:13 #
My husband and I did all the places you have mentioned this past July. As a photographer it is fabulous. The canals and gondolas everywhere make for fabulous photos. Also, if you decide to go, don't miss the tiny Island of Burano which is a boat trip away. It may be the most colorful place on earth!
Now, I don't know your physical abilities, but you cannot drive up to your hotel and park and take luggage in as in this country. You arrive by water taxi to a pier near your hotel, and you walk , hauling your luggage on cobblestone to the hotel that is not always easy to find, or you pay someone to do it for you.
You walk everywhere...no cars or taxis....you walk or take water taxis.
I don't regret going there! Good luck no matter what you do!!
Now, I don't know your physical abilities, but you cannot drive up to your hotel and park and take luggage in as in this country. You arrive by water taxi to a pier near your hotel, and you walk , hauling your luggage on cobblestone to the hotel that is not always easy to find, or you pay someone to do it for you.
You walk everywhere...no cars or taxis....you walk or take water taxis.
I don't regret going there! Good luck no matter what you do!!
Nov 22, 2013 10:24:11 #
Venice is one of those places that should be on everybody's bucketlist.
Nov 22, 2013 10:36:04 #
bersharbp is right on with this suggestion - one of the very few books I've read twice!
2. Read the Agony and the Ecstasy. My appreciation of what I was looking at was GREATLY improved and I thought it was a good read.
:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:
2. Read the Agony and the Ecstasy. My appreciation of what I was looking at was GREATLY improved and I thought it was a good read.
:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:
Nov 22, 2013 10:37:17 #
I've visited Venice several times while on a cruise. Never had a problem with bad smells, or floods, but there were always major crowds. It is a lovely place to visit but one day will not really afford anything but some nice picture ops. My first visit was for 3 days and was able to devote a full day to touring the near-by islands by motorboat. The rest of the time we explored Venice itself. Expensive, yes, but memorable. We stayed at the Denali which is right on the Grand Canal next to St Marks Square.
Nov 22, 2013 10:46:05 #
ishootthings wrote:
I am going to Italy and am contemplating adding Venice to our itinerary, travelling with my husband and another couple. I have read and have been told Venice is smelly, over priced and very touristy. I realize that tourism is about all the Venetians have as far as "industry" but would like your opinion on the city as a destination. We have only nine days and will be in Florence, Rome and hopefully the Sorento/Pompeii area. Is going up to Venice worth it?
Thank you in advance.
Thank you in advance.
Depends on the time of year. Go to 500px to see pictures,
Nov 22, 2013 10:59:56 #
Venice is smelly and the water is very dirty, but it's definitely worth seeing. Whatever you do, do not miss the Amalfi Coast. If you do you will regret it the rest of your life. There is a small town on the Amalfi Coast called Positano. Do not miss it! Rome is at the top of the list. Take a walking tour of the highlights. You will fall in love with the city. My favorite in the world. Florence is beautiful. It has sights around every corner. Pompeii can not be missed.
Nov 22, 2013 10:59:57 #
You don't want to miss Venice or Rome. Florence and Pisa are great also. I went many years ago and took fabulous photos (take a zoom) and ever forgot the experience of my lifetime. Not one to miss!
Nov 22, 2013 11:07:04 #
I have been to Venice a bunch of times, and it is one of my favorite places. Yes, it is touristy; but remember, it has been touristy for several hundred years. That is part of its charm. Many 17th, 18th and 19th century painters earned their living painting Venetian images for tourists. Tiepolo and Canaletto among them.
By all means go to Venice. Italy itself is worth many trips, and my usual approach is to go on a first whirlwind tour of a place to get the "idea" of what it is like. I then revisit for a more in depth view of it.
By all means go to Venice. Italy itself is worth many trips, and my usual approach is to go on a first whirlwind tour of a place to get the "idea" of what it is like. I then revisit for a more in depth view of it.
Nov 22, 2013 11:13:25 #
jeryh wrote:
Honestly, Venice is rarely "smelly" any more and in September, when the OP will be in Italy, the heat is going out of the Sun although it will still be around 27C.It really does depend on when you go; my pal went on a trip to Venice in the Summer- big mistake ! It was overpoweringly smelly, very touristy, Very expensive, and a big disappointment to him; however, if you go in the late Spring, it is OK- no smell,
not hot, and no crowds, but still expensive ! Photographically brilliant.
not hot, and no crowds, but still expensive ! Photographically brilliant.
You're correct that Venice has plenty of Tourists, no surprise there and yes it is expensive in the hotspots but try Rome, it's probably worse. That's no excuse for not visiting though.
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