Venice: Loving It & Why??!!

[TLCOhio]

From the London/UK Independent this past week, they have had several headlines, including: “Venice visitor tax is 'useless and damaging' - tourism minister”  and for this column "Why Tourist Taxes Will Never Solve the Problem of Overtourism".   Here are some of the first story highlights: “A tourist tax that Venice is to introduce in May has been criticised by Italy's tourism minister as "useless and damaging".  Plans to charge tourists €3 were announced by Luigi Brugnaro, the mayor of the city. The fee will rise to €8 during high season and €10 during the busiest times.”

 

This second article/column outlines support and reasons for these and more tourism taxes: "Destinations around the world are raising more tourist taxes than a medieval king preparing for war, and predictably, it’s causing controversy. I’m of the opinion that taxes are more than justified.  The tourism industry has consistently failed to acknowledge that it has a responsibility to destinations and their residents, as well as travellers.  The tourism industry has historically been regarded as essentially benign, but there is a growing realisation that this is rarely the case, that tourism is in fact freeloading – making money from places, communities, and the environment – without contributing to sustaining them.  Raising taxes is a natural consequence for an industry that hasn’t paid its way. I think it’s entirely legitimate and I think we’re only going to see more of it."

 

It is an interesting debate and series of questions for Venice and other popular, but fragile locations in the world.  From the third article are more details as to how this Venice tax will work: "Tourists entering Italy's popular lagoon city of Venice for a single-day trip may have to begin paying an entry fee starting in May.  The price would be 3 euros (S$4.63), said Mayor Luigi Brugnaro on Monday (Feb 4).  In the coming year the fee would increase to 6 euros and can be raised to as much as 10 euros on heavy tourism days.  Visitors staying in hostels are exempt from the payment. Hotel guests already have to pay a local tax for the stay."

 

Full stories at:

https://www.independent.ie/world-news/europe/venice-visitor-tax-is-useless-and-damaging-tourism-minister-37787147.html

https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/tourist-taxes-edinburgh-venice-amsterdam-overtourism-responsible-travel-a8769561.html

https://www.straitstimes.com/world/europe/venice-could-demand-tourist-entry-fee-starting-in-may

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Amazon River-Caribbean 2015 adventure live/blog starting in Barbados. Many visuals from this amazing river and Caribbean Islands (Dutch ABC's, St. Barts, Dominica, Grenada, San Juan, etc.).  Now at 62,894 views:

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2157696

[TLCOhio]

From the New York Times Travel Section coming this weekend, they had this headline: “When in Venice, Eat Like a Venetian”  with this subhead: "When they want a bite, locals head to their favorite bacaro for cicchetti, the Italian version of tapas. Here are seven of the best places to find them."

 

Here are some of the story highlights: “Each year, 20 million tourists visit Venice. The vast majority will pay too much for indifferent food eaten mostly in the company of other tourists.   But there’s one way to eat great Venetian food that’s thrilling, filling and authentic. You’ll find it at a place where you’re almost certain to rub and bend elbows with locals.”  YES, eating with "locals" is always fun, exciting and enlightening!!

 

As an example for one of the seven options suggested, Osteria al Squero, here are a few background details: "Squero refers to a boatyard where gondolas are built or repaired. This appropriately named osteria faces the Squero San Trovaso — one of the last such working boatyards in Venice.  Al Squero draws an animated crowd of art students from the nearby Academia Museum and tourists from around the planet. Wine bottles line the walls and cicchetti sparkle in the showcase.  Of course, they serve the ubiquitous baccalà mantecata (salt cod simmered in milk and whipped with oil to a snowy mousse) and sarde in saór (sweet and sour sardines). But you’ll also find such decidedly untraditional cicchetti as tissue-thin slices of lardo perfumed with honey, rosemary and pink peppercorns, and crostini heaped with roasted pumpkin, porcini and ricotta. There are meatless polpette for vegetarians, and in a nod to the ecological concerns of young Venetians, the cicchetti come on biodegradable plates."

 

Full story at:

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/27/travel/venice-cicchetti-small-plates.html

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

SE Asia/Mekong River, Etc.!  Live/blog from early 2018, first adventure through SE Asia, stops in Hong Kong and Bangkok, before exploring all over Vietnam and Cambodia, seven days sailing on the Mekong River. Now at 44,103 views.

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2591474

 

Here is one of the visuals featured in this interesting Venice food profile.  It shows Alessandra De Respinis, the owner of Cantine del Vino già Schiavi in Venice.  She tells her customers, “You eat, drink and pay standing up.”:

(Open your screen/viewer wider to see these pictures larger/better!)

[bennybear]

We have eaten at this place, one of our favourites,  we have taken several friends too.  Great memories, thanks. Terry!    How was your last trip?

Edited March 3, 2019 by bennybear

[bennybear]

Some photos of the area😄

[alrose251]

Anyone taken the Doge's Palace Secret Itinerary Tour?

 

For those who have taken this tour, how much do you encounter small spaces?  Is this only getting from one room to the next?  Or are you in a small tight area for a little while?

 

The tour list "The spaces have, in some cases, small size and are on different levels connected by steep and narrow stairs: are therefore not accessible to those with mobility problems and is not recommended for those suffering from claustrophobia, vertigo of cardio-respiratory disorders."

 

My BIL has a slight problem with claustrophobia.  He will be fine if it is just a tight space for a brief time moving from one area to another. 

I would appreciate any experience with this tour.

 

Thanks,

Rose

 

[Grandma Cruising]

It was a few years ago when we did it but as far as I can remember we didn’t spend too long in any one small area, but if the group moved slowly through the narrow staircases you might get caught in a small area for a while. We didn’t spend any time standing and listening to a guide in any small corridors or stairways though. If he can bear the thought of it, I’d encourage you to do it, it is a great tour.

[TLCOhio]

On 3/3/2019 at 12:54 AM, bennybear said:

How was your last trip?

 

Appreciate these various follow-ups and comments. Keep it coming!!  Great sharing!!

 

As to bennybear's question, our last trip, a 20-day Athens to Dubai sailing with Oceania, all worked super well.  As noted on the previous page in post #325 on this thread, I shared a number of highlight visuals.  So many great sites and sights in the Holy Lands, Egypt, Jordan, Oman, etc. It was our first trip to that region.  One interesting part of the "learning experience" from this exploring was that many of the Greek advances in design and construction were "borrowed" from Egypt.  Of course, certain of the innovations used during the high points of the Roman and Venice power periods were adapted from what the Greeks pioneered.  Lots of interesting historic links!!   Below is the link to that live/blog from our mid-November to early December travels. 

 

In July, for our first time, we will be seeing Jasper/Banff, doing the Western Canada Rocky Mountaineer rail adventure, having three days in Vancouver, sailing up to Alaska, Denali, etc. After that on our priority list is a first-time trip for visiting Galápagos, etc. Just need people to send money and/or arrange for me to get commissions as my posts inspire your future travel plans. Or, need to win a big Lottery for more money to explore the world.
 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

For my latest live/blog, see “the Holy Lands, Egypt, Jordan, Oman, Dubai, Greece, etc.”, with many visuals, details and ideas for the historic and scenic Middle East.  Check it at:

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2607054-livenautica-greece-holy-lands-egypt-dubai-terrypix’s/

[alrose251]

1 hour ago, Host Grandma Cruising said:

It was a few years ago when we did it but as far as I can remember we didn’t spend too long in any one small area, but if the group moved slowly through the narrow staircases you might get caught in a small area for a while. We didn’t spend any time standing and listening to a guide in any small corridors or stairways though. If he can bear the thought of it, I’d encourage you to do it, it is a great tour.

Thanks so much for your comments.  This is really helpful.    If he decides to come, I will make sure he is either at the beginning of the tour or the end so that he does not run the risk of getting stuck in the middle at the narrow staircases.

 

Anyone else that this tour?  Any other comment you can add?

[BarbinMich]

3 hours ago, TLCOhio said:

 

. . .

In July, for our first time, we will be seeing Jasper/Banff, doing the Western Canada Rocky Mountaineer rail adventure, having three days in Vancouver, sailing up to Alaska, Denali, etc. After that on our priority list is a first-time trip for visiting Galápagos, etc. Just need people to send money and/or arrange for me to get commissions as my posts inspire your future travel plans. Or, need to win a big Lottery for more money to explore the world.

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

Terry, where do you get on the train?  We've driven all the way to Jasper (stopping in Banff) from SE Michigan.  Probably wouldn't have done that if my mother-in-law hadn't grown up in Saskatchewan and all his cousins live in SK and AB!  Enjoy your rail adventure to western Canada--it's beautiful!  We've been to Banff itself several times and love it there.  Will this be your first cruise to Alaska?  Another beautiful place!

 

Barb (from boring, flat Michigan <g>)

[TLCOhio]

1 hour ago, BarbinMich said:

Terry, where do you get on the train?  We've driven all the way to Jasper (stopping in Banff) from SE Michigan.  Probably wouldn't have done that if my mother-in-law hadn't grown up in Saskatchewan and all his cousins live in SK and AB!  Enjoy your rail adventure to western Canada--it's beautiful!  We've been to Banff itself several times and love it there.  Will this be your first cruise to Alaska?  Another beautiful place!  Barb (from boring, flat Michigan)

 

Hi, Barb!  Appreciate your wonderful follow-up and good questions. We will get on the Rocky Mountaineer rail at Jasper, then we will have two days in going west to Vancouver.  Yes, this will be our first cruise to and in Alaska.  Plus, a first for Vancouver and these great Western Canada parks.  Very excited and looking forward to this wonderful "ADVENTURE"!!  Will do a live/blog and share lots of visuals from this trip.  These types of areas should be perfect for capturing lots of scenic and dramatic settings and locations.  

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Barcelona/Med: June 2011, with stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik. Great visuals with key highlights, tips, etc. Live/blog now at 244,542 views.

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1426474

[BarbinMich]

50 minutes ago, TLCOhio said:

 

Hi, Barb!  Appreciate your wonderful follow-up and good questions. We will get on the Rocky Mountaineer rail at Jasper, then we will have two days in going west to Vancouver.  Yes, this will be our first cruise to and in Alaska.  Plus, a first for Vancouver and these great Western Canada parks.  Very excited and looking forward to this wonderful "ADVENTURE"!!  Will do a live/blog and share lots of visuals from this trip.  These types of areas should be perfect for capturing lots of scenic and dramatic settings and locations.  

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Barcelona/Med: June 2011, with stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik. Great visuals with key highlights, tips, etc. Live/blog now at 244,542 views.

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1426474

We stayed at a motel in Jasper that was across the street the RR station so we saw a few trains while there for several nites.  Have never done a scenic RR trip--just a few to get from point A to point B and that was 50 years ago!  My husband loves to drive and is frugal so we've driven to western Canada multiple times going/coming various ways--most scenic is going up to Sault Ste Marie and then around Lake Superior (we've done it in both directions).  Also, have combined with a return trip thru Glacier NP and spending a few nites there.

[bennybear]

Waterton NationalPark in Canada and Glacier national park in the US form an international peace park that is magnificent!  Another one for the list?   Enjoy your adventures!

[TLCOhio]

14 hours ago, bennybear said:

Waterton NationalPark in Canada and Glacier national park in the US form an international peace park that is magnificent!  Another one for the list?   Enjoy your adventures!

 

Great follow-ups and comments from bennybear and Barb.  Visited both Waterton and Glacier parks in 2002.  Each is wonderful and so much fun with their great sights.  Stayed overnight in both parks.  Excellent memories!!  Very windy staying in that iconic hotel in the middle of Waterton.  Was there on July 1, Canada Day!!  Looking forward to making many new memories from Canada this summer.  

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise from Copenhagen, July 2010, to the top of Europe. Wonderful scenic visuals with key tips. Live/blog at 234,151 views.

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

[TLCOhio]

From Forbes magazine in mid March, they had this headline: “17 Great Tips for Visiting Venice”  with these highlights: “As one of the world’s most visited cities with 20 million tourists arriving each year (often seeming as if they are all there when you are), Venice is a destination that can be as overwhelming as it is magical. To help deal with the ever-increasing crowds, the city is even imposing an entrance fee for day-trippers starting this May, but it’s hard to imagine La Serenissima’s byways will be empty any time soon.  Venice is too alluring too skip, but what’s a traveler to do?”

 

From a key Italy travel expert, these various tips and ideas are outlined.  Many of the tips deal with hotel options and uses there.  Many of the suggest best for those arriving by cruise ship include: "Keep in mind there is more to Venice than the Grand Canal. 'If someone visited Times Square in New York City and reported that it was crowded, is it fair to say it is crowded all over Manhattan? The same with Venice. For a varied representation of the city, be sure to visit some of its other sections, such as Giudecca, or Castello, where there is less foot traffic.'   How to avoid tourist-packed restaurants?  'Go to Venissa on Mazzorbo; Locanda Cipriani on Torcello; Gatto Nero on Burano; or Harrys Dolci on Giudecca.'  While there really is no off-season in Venice (or one of any length), the best good-weather time to travel is 'from early September to early October. It’s still warm enough to dine al fresco, and weather permitting, you may be able enjoy lunch in the piazza into mid-October.' "

 

Full story at:

https://www.forbes.com/sites/catherinesabino/2019/03/13/17-savvy-tips-for-visiting-venice-now/#7d29eea695dd

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Sydney to NZ/Auckland Adventure, live/blog 2014 sampling for "down under” wonders. Exciting visuals with key highlights.  On page 23, post #571, see a complete index for all of the pictures, postings.  Now at 219,551 views.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1974139

 

Here are just three of the visuals of Venice used to illustrate this series of tips in Forbes magazine.  Looking colorful and interesting?:

(Open your screen/viewer wider to see these pictures larger/better!)

 

 

[BarbinMich]

Terry, enjoyed your post on Venice!  We visited there in mid Oct 2011 prior to embarking the Ruby Princess for a WB TA.  Stayed at a small hotel for 3 days, just one bridge away from St. Mark's Square and close to the Grand Canal.  Prior to this trip I had read John Berendt's The City of Falling Angels, Marlena de Blasi's A Thousand Days in Venice, and several of Donna Leon's mysteries set there so visited many places mentioned in those books <g>.  Also had Rick Steve's book on Venice and followed his commentary as we went down the Grand Canal on our first vaparetto ride. Just loved it!!  One afternoon took the vaporetto over to the Lido (island where de Blasi lived)--so different from Venice.  Then the crowning event was arising early to walk over to the GC and watch as our ship approached--course it turned to go around the far side of Guidecca to reach the dock, but it still looked pretty large from where I stood.

[TLCOhio]

On 4/2/2019 at 12:20 PM, BarbinMich said:

Terry, enjoyed your post on Venice!  We visited there in mid Oct 2011 prior to embarking the Ruby Princess for a WB TA.  Stayed at a small hotel for 3 days, just one bridge away from St. Mark's Square and close to the Grand Canal.  Prior to this trip I had read John Berendt's The City of Falling Angels, Marlena de Blasi's A Thousand Days in Venice, and several of Donna Leon's mysteries set there so visited many places mentioned in those books <g>.  Also had Rick Steve's book on Venice and followed his commentary as we went down the Grand Canal on our first vaparetto ride. Just loved it!!  One afternoon took the vaporetto over to the Lido (island where de Blasi lived)--so different from Venice.  Then the crowning event was arising early to walk over to the GC and watch as our ship approached--course it turned to go around the far side of Guidecca to reach the dock, but it still looked pretty large from where I stood.

 

Great follow-up, details and ideas from Barb in Michigan.  Appreciate your nice sharing!!

 

From the Lonely Planet publication three days ago, they had this headline: “most popular destinations in the world to propose”.  Venice was the winner!! Ranked number one ahead of Paris.  

 

Here are some of the highlights: “It is no surprise that beautiful Venice came top of the list of romantic proposal spots. Romantic proposal spots include the Piazza San Marco and Grand Canal, and of course, a gondola under the Italian city’s fuschia-pink sunsets has to be one of the most perfect places imaginable to ask that most important question.”

 

Full story at:

https://www.lonelyplanet.com/news/2019/04/04/most-popular-destinations-propose/

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Amazon River-Caribbean 2015 adventure live/blog starting in Barbados. Many visuals from this amazing river and Caribbean Islands (Dutch ABC's, St. Barts, Dominica, Grenada, San Juan, etc.).  Now at 63,454 views:

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2157696

 

Here is the picture featured in the profile to illustrate a great location for Venice.:

(Open your screen/viewer wider to see these pictures larger/better!)

[TLCOhio]

 From the Wall Street Journal this morning, they had this headline: “Modern Side of Ancient Venice: A Traveler’s Guide”  with this sub-head: "For those who think they’ve ‘done’ Venice, think again. As the Venice Biennale—the world’s biggest art fair—kicks off this weekend, we highlight the city’s newer, must-see attractions."

 

Here are some key story highlights: “Starting this weekend, Italy’s most magnetic tourist town plays host to the Venice Biennale, the vast international art show that runs through November. Unsuspecting vacationers expecting to binge primarily on Renaissance painters and gothic palaces are in for a surprise.  They may, for example, find themselves at an artificial beach, serenaded by opera singers crooning about sunburns (an art installation/performance piece from this year’s Lithuanian representatives). Or, they may stumble across faux pine trees with speakers transmitting the names of extinct birds and defunct countries, compliments of New Zealand artist Dane Mitchell. As it has in years past, the art festival galvanizes this ancient city, sparking several recent projects with a distinctly modern edge.”

 

It is a different "art scene" coming up in traditional Venice.  Additionally, here are a few other options to consider in visiting Venice: "After a two-year renovation, the 9th-century Church of San Lorenzo has been reborn as Ocean Space, a cultural center focused on marine preservation.  Opened last spring, the lively Sudest 1401 is a cafe and bar housed in the Italian headquarters of the V-A-C Foundation, a cultural exhibition space in the 19th-century Palazzo delle Zattere."

 

Full story at:

https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-modern-side-of-ancient-venice-a-travelers-guide-11557510181

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

AFRICA?!!?: Fun, interesting visuals, plus travel details from this early 2016 live/blog. At 45,435 views. Featuring Cape Town, South Africa’s coast, Mozambique, Victoria Falls/Zambia and Botswana's famed Okavango Delta.

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2310337

 

Here is one of the visuals featured as a part of this article.  It is of Le Stanze del Vetro, a modern glass museum.:

(Open your screen/viewer wider to see these pictures larger/better!)

 

[Lois R]

Hi everyone...….Terry,  I sailed out of Venice last summer and will be taking a river cruise from Venice this coming October. I will have to try and re-read this thread (if I can get through it all).

 

I know everyone has their own opinions about accommodations and I have used the search feature on the board but was wondering about hotel preferences for one night. I put a deposit down at the JW MARRIOTT and it looks really beautiful.

Last year I stayed at the Bauer....just wondering what places other folks have stayed in as  their favorites. 

 

Thanks so much.

 

 

[BarbinMich]

2 hours ago, Lois R said:

Hi everyone...….Terry,  I sailed out of Venice last summer and will be taking a river cruise from Venice this coming October.

. . .

Lois, interesting that you're taking a river cruise from Venice.  When we visited Venice a few years ago, we saw several river boats moored.  As Venice is in the Adriatic, I wondered what the itineraries were for these river boats.  Hope you will share what your itinerary is and company you're sailing with.  Thanks!!

[Lois R]

1 hour ago, BarbinMich said:

Lois, interesting that you're taking a river cruise from Venice.  When we visited Venice a few years ago, we saw several river boats moored.  As Venice is in the Adriatic, I wondered what the itineraries were for these river boats.  Hope you will share what your itinerary is and company you're sailing with.  Thanks!!

Hi Barb, I am sailing with Uniworld. It is called "Gems of Northern Italy".  From researching quite extensively, I think Uniworld is the only company who does this.....(well, I haven't looked at every river cruise line) but from what I have seen, not many do this one. It is not the same as a "normal" river cruise since Venice is in and around lagoons.  Last year I sailed from Venice to Nice on Silversea. It was fabulous

 

Did I see a post about where you stayed? I can't seem to find it.

[TLCOhio]

On 5/12/2019 at 11:46 AM, Lois R said:

Hi everyone...….Terry,  I sailed out of Venice last summer and will be taking a river cruise from Venice this coming October. I will have to try and re-read this thread (if I can get through it all).    I know everyone has their own opinions about accommodations and I have used the search feature on the board but was wondering about hotel preferences for one night. I put a deposit down at the JW MARRIOTT and it looks really beautiful.

Last year I stayed at the Bauer....just wondering what places other folks have stayed in as  their favorites. 

 

YES, there are many, many options and opinions as to where to stay in Venice.  It's all very "PERSONAL", depending as to your budget priorities, interests, style, etc.  Wow!!  The Bauer has a great location and is very high-end (with a price to match).  I am sure the JW Marriott will be very nice.  For us, our personal priorities in Venice are not about how fancy and nice is the place where we would stay.  Both times we stayed in Venice, it was more of a smaller, more "local" place with a decent location.  First was in December 1970 at a small, traditional hotel near their opera house.  Second was in May 1999.  Don't remember the name of either hotel and not sure as to how those locations are rated and operating now.   The third time we were overnight in Venice in June 2011 while our ship was docked there.  

 

Neither of our places were top local and/or international "names". More the "basics" were our choices during those much earlier times.  That allowed us more "budget" for focusing our money on dining and other interests.  As mentioned, it is highly "personal" as to what best fits YOUR needs and interests.

 

As I might have mentioned earlier, I would search some of the top booking sights, looking for best "value" and a decent, handy location.  Get something booked and then check back to see if a better option at an improved pricing would become available closer to your travel time.   

 

Keep reading and researching as to Venice.  So many different and interesting options there.  My number one tip for Venice is to do lots of "WALKING AROUND", trying to get lost, enjoying the  discovery of unique sites and sights, seeing unique locations, etc.  It's a fun and historic city with so very much to experience. 

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

SE Asia/Mekong River, Etc.!  Live/blog from early 2018, first adventure through SE Asia, stops in Hong Kong and Bangkok, before exploring all over Vietnam and Cambodia, seven days sailing on the Mekong River. Now at 46,559 views.

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2591474

[Lois R]

Hi Terry, after much thought, I have actually cancelled my room at the Marriott and will be booking something more "VENICE".....if that makes sense. One of the gals I chat with on here stayed at Hotel Antiche Figure and really enjoyed it.  Smaller, Boutique...it gets really good reviews on Trip Advisor.  I think I am going to being staying there. It is less $$ than the Marriott too.  I put it in the search bar on here and it gets good replies on here as well.

Here is a link to the hotel:

https://www.hotelantichefigure.it/

 

[TLCOhio]

14 hours ago, Lois R said:

Hi Terry, after much thought, I have actually cancelled my room at the Marriott and will be booking something more "VENICE".....if that makes sense. One of the gals I chat with on here stayed at Hotel Antiche Figure and really enjoyed it.  Smaller, Boutique...it gets really good reviews on Trip Advisor.  I think I am going to being staying there. It is less $$ than the Marriott too.  I put it in the search bar on here and it gets good replies on here as well.  Here is a link to the hotel:

https://www.hotelantichefigure.it/

 

Agree!!  Only one night at that location in Venice does make it harder BOTH to enjoy such a luxury property as the JW Marriott and also sample the charms and character of historic Venice.  Keep up you excellent research and planning.  Let us know any added questions and info needs.   Being in a "local" place will offer some key advantages for making that "adjustment" to being in Italy and preparing for your cruise.  .  

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Dubrovnik!  Nice visual samples, tips, details, etc., for this super scenic location. Over 45,399 views.    

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1439227

[BarbinMich]

15 hours ago, Lois R said:

Hi Terry, after much thought, I have actually cancelled my room at the Marriott and will be booking something more "VENICE".....if that makes sense. One of the gals I chat with on here stayed at Hotel Antiche Figure and really enjoyed it.  Smaller, Boutique...it gets really good reviews on Trip Advisor.  I think I am going to being staying there. It is less $$ than the Marriott too.  I put it in the search bar on here and it gets good replies on here as well.

Here is a link to the hotel:

https://www.hotelantichefigure.it/

 

Happy to hear you'll  be "in town", so to speak and not on one of the nearby islands.  Right on the Grand Canal, too, so easy to hop on the Vaporetto (water bus), if you don't walk to St. Marks, which is just beyond the opposite end of the GC.  Have a wonderful trip!!

[gfkcruiser]

We had been to Venice a few times for cruising.  Once to start a cruise and another as a stop.  A year and half ago we decided to spend 4 days there at the end of a family trip to Tuscany.  Loved staying in Venice and not worrying about getting lost and missing the ship!

 

Since we were taking the train from Florence I was interested in location and easiest access with no bridges or just a few steps.  Also cost was a factor.  Stayed at a great place on a canal not too far from train station and no bridges to cross.  It was a converted villa and the staff was so nice.  It was also across the canal from Alilaguna stop to Marco Polo airport.  So convenient.  I will add that we each had only a carry-on 21" case.