Tour Guide in Venice - Do I need it?

[lawilliams]

I am traveling with my husband and four children and will spend two 1/2 days in Venice. Do I need a private tour guide? Any recommendations? What should I see?:)

[aquilegia]

You certainly don't need to spend your money on a guide for Venice. Just get a guide book and wander around at your leisure. It's very compact and it's easy to get around on foot or by using the vaporetti (water buses).

[chipmaster]

Welcome to CC,

 

I agree with the other poster, Venice is all about walking the narrow walkways surround by canals and with a good guide book you are good.

Save your money for private guides/tours in other ports in some the private guided tour/vehicle really will enhance your experience!

 

I am traveling with my husband and four children and will spend two 1/2 days in Venice. Do I need a private tour guide? Any recommendations? What should I see?:)

[dileep]

I am traveling with my husband and four children and will spend two 1/2 days in Venice. Do I need a private tour guide? Any recommendations? What should I see?:)

 

Buy a good travel book.

[financialgrl]

Stayed an extra 2 days after an overnight cruise in Venice. A great place to wander and get lost. It was part of the fun!

[samavarcruiser]

Venice - Things To Do and See

 

http://www.slowtrav.com/italy/venice/re_todo.htm

 

You can definitely do Venice on your own :)

[Freckles_51]

Venice - Things To Do and See

 

http://www.slowtrav.com/italy/venice/re_todo.htm

 

You can definitely do Venice on your own :)

 

What a wonderful list! Thanks for posting...wish we were spending more time in Venice!:(

[Keith1010]

You defintely do not need a tour guide for Venice.

 

Keith

[rian90]

Rick Steves has audio tours for Venice. You might enjoy these if you have Mp3's with you...and they are free!

[grandbanksguy]

I am traveling with my husband and four children and will spend two 1/2 days in Venice. Do I need a private tour guide? Any recommendations? What should I see?:)

 

Since you have 2 half days in Venice, I'd suggest you get a copy of Frommer's Venice Day by Day. and follow there "The best in One Day" itinerary.

 

Definately include a full transit of the Grand Canal by Vaporetto. Buy Vaporetto passes so that you can get off and on at a number of stops. You can spend a half day just seeing the sites of Piazza San Marco including the Basilica, the Campanile (bell tower) and the Doge's Palace. Then there's the Rialto Bridge and just plain wondering around and getting lost for a while. It's about 100 euros, but don't miss out on taking a gondola ride around sunset.

[Crown Prince]

Venice is about twice the size of Central Park in New York City, except with no streets, no taxis, no smog.

 

It is a water-bus & walking city. So romantic. So different. Food and drinks are very expensive; however, you must eat the Gelato.

 

Have a great time.