Mark
DH and I plus 4 of our friends went to Venice earlier this year and had a brilliant time. We flrw into Marco Polo which is a nice new airport. You have a few options getting from the airport:
Bus: Two buses leave from outside the airport terminal and go to Piazzale Roma: the Blue Bus (30 minutes - buy a ticket from the driver) or the slower and cheaper No 5 (50 minutes - buy a ticket from the newsagent in the terminal). Validate your ticket in the machine on the bus.
Taxi: From outside the airport terminal to Piazzale Roma (30 minutes, 25).
Water-bus: Hourly service from the airport to Piazza San Marco. Buy a ticket from the booth to the left of customs at the airport (60 minutes, 10).
Water-taxi: From the airport to Piazza San Marco (40 minutes, around 70). You may be charged extra depending on luggage, time of travel and the number of people in the party.
We took the water taxi which was well worth it as you get to see some great sights but only do if it if you don't get sea sick easily as is does get rather choppy when you are in the wake of other vessels
The best view of Venice is from the bell tower (Campanile) in St Marks Square or should I say Piazza San Marco
The Basilica di San Marco very close to the campanile in Piazza San Marco is a beautiful C11th Byzantine church. The mosaics on the exterior are fabulous. As with most Church's make sure you are suitably dressed before going in - no bare shoulders or skimpy shorts!
We didn't go to the Doges palace as we had a very busy few days but it might be worth a look. If you want to walk across the Bridge of Sighs to the prison, you will have to go there.
We just had to do the corny Gondola ride - a lot of money but it was hilarious as we nearly knocked the Gondolier off balance and he was not a happy chappie!! We couldn't stop giggling for the next half hour
The ice cream (gelato) is to die for and we only paid about 1 for a large cornet but prices may be higher in the summer.
The Rialto bridge is a sightseeing must - some brilliant photo opportunities.
There are some fabulous boutiques if you want to treat yourself and prices are not too bad IMHO.
Food and drink can be expensive but we found some quite reasonably priced resturants/bars. Make sure you try a bottle or two of Prosecco, the local sparkling dry white wine which is nicer than cava IMHO.
We did about three walking tours which took a couple of hours or so each (plus stopping off at the odd bar or two on the way!) which we found to be very interesting. They were in my friends Lonely Planet - Venice guidebook. I also borrowed a DK Venice guidebook which I highly recommend.
I'd certainly go back to Venice as it was a very beautiful city.
Enjoy
Fi
