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Venice sightseeing is done individually. Bear in mind that you are not allowed to guide.
· No bare shoulders or backpacks allowed in St Mark’s Basilica. Back packs can be checked in nearby (check map posted in front of basilica entry to see location of bag check).
· Unless entry here has been specifically requested Stateside, and therefore pre-booked and pre-paid, there is no expectation that entrances are included. Entrance to the basilica is free but with long queues if not pre-booked.
On BEL entrances to the Doges Palace are included and paid by voucher. You exchange the voucher for tickets at the entrance, then distribute to the group along with the ACIS Doge’s Palace Walking tour. The ticket also includes entrance to the Correr Museum (well worth it, especially the ancient artifacts!), which covers the history of Venice. This is situated on the far west side of Piazza San Marco.
· As the Doges Palace is NOT a state-run museum free admission to under 18 passengers is not provided.
Distribute the vaporetto passes and tell your group to validate them at the machines. They must keep the passes on them at all times whilst in Venice. They can become demagnetized if placed close to phones, so be aware. Before you board the vaporetto tell your group that they will be getting off at San Zaccaria (San Marco).
Make sure everyone knows how to get back to the hotel. You do not have to take them all back as a group. It is easy to get lost, but you can always find your way back to St Mark’s Square by following the yellow signs.
Public (pay) toilets are located at the far west end of the square, through the colonnade (near entrance to Correr Museum).
FACTS AND FREE TIME
TRANSPORTATION
Between the islands of the lagoon, transportation is by water using vaporettos and ferries (operated by ACTV).
Line 1 travels slowly down the Grand Canal making many stops but giving a great view of Venice. Always check before boarding that the boat is going in the right direction – especially if you have forty people with you!!
Water taxis are private launches that can take up to 10 people. They are extremely expensive.
Gondolas are principally a tourist attraction, but there is a gondola service, available at several points along the Canal Grande, to ferry people across for 2 euro each. Look for the ‘Traghetto’ signs.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Publications Numerous flyers, advertising concerts and other events are distributed in the streets. The Tourist Office has monthly listings and comprehensive information.
THINGS TO DO
Sights and Museums
The Doge’s Palace, if not included. The symbol of Venetian power and glory. The visit includes the Bridge of Sighs and the Prisons.
The Accademia, the most important collection of Venetian art. Works by Bellini, Mantegna, Titian, Veronese etc.
The Scuola Grande di San Rocco, decorated with scenes of Old and New Testament by Tintoretto.
The church of the Frari, with the splendid Assumption of the Virgin by Titian.
The Peggy Guggenheim Foundation, containing an eclectic collection of modern art.
The Ghetto. Interesting guided tours in English of this fascinating section of town, offered at various times (not Saturday).
Campo Santa Margherita. The University district. Lots of students, clubs, snack bars and eateries.
Take the elevator to the top of the Campanile for a breathtaking view.
The group will usually be interested in seeing glass blowing in action. You could call the Vecchia Murano group, who have several shops in Venice and
will be pleased to arrange a visit for your group. If time allows you can arrange a visit to their factory on Murano island. They provide a transfer by boat from Lido or San Marco free of charge.
A gondola ride is a must in Venice and most groups will want to do one. Each gondola takes a maximum of 5 people. You should find out how many people want to go and call the gondoliers to check on the price. You may want to do a musical ride in which case the cost is higher and you have to allow for two musicians when you calculate the number of gondolas you will require. Charge your group a fair price per person. You pay per gondola. The gondola company usually used is the one in front of the Hotel Danieli. Another convenient one is by the Doge Orseolo hotel, through the colonnade off Piazza San Marco.
If you need to escape from the crowds, you could suggest a trip across to the island of San Giorgio with its Palladian church, Tintorettos, and cloisters. Continue by vaporetto to the other side of Venice called the Zattere: lots of café terraces and great views over the Giudecca canal.
The other islands around Venice are worth a visit. Vaporettos for these islands leave from the Fondamenta Nuove on the northern side of Venice. The island of San Michele is the Venice burial ground, which contains the grave of Stravinsky. Murano Island is the traditional home of the Venetian glass industry and has many glass shops and factories including the Glasswork Museum. Burano has a fishing village famous for its lace and Torcello has the Romanesque church of S. Fosca and a Cathedral with Byzantine mosaics. You should plan a good three hours for this excursion.
SHOPPING
Apart from the (expensive) lace and glass shops that you will find everywhere, the major shopping area is between Rialto and San Marco. Venice is not, however, the best place to do major shopping.
Fast food, bars and pizzerias are everywhere. Restaurants tend to be expensive.
The famous cafes on the Piazza San Marco (Quadri and Florian) have prohibitive prices but, with their orchestras and unbeatable chic, are part of the scene.
Recently there has been a revival of typical eateries, called Bacari, serving “cicchetti”, or snacks of all kinds of different local food. They are very typical and usually cheaper than average restaurants.
EVENING ACTIVITIES
The gondolas operate until around 10 pm. Be aware that evening rides are more expensive.
You could offer to take your group on an evening stroll. Take the vaporetto up the Grand Canal as far as Rialto and walk back on a scenic itinerary taking in canals, piazzas and bridges (good idea to prepare something in advance) to St Mark’s Square.
There are frequent evening concerts in some churches. Almost every hotel is well equipped with listings and programs.