ARRIVING IN VENICE
Venice is a cluster of over 100 islands located in the centre of a lagoon extending over an area of approx. 135,000 acres. It is connected to the mainland by a causeway.
FLYING.
Venice Airport “Marco Polo” is situated on the mainland on the edge of the lagoon, approx. 17 Km (8 miles) from the island city. You can reach Venice from the airport by mainland on public bus or taxi, or by water on “Alilaguna” public waterbus or private water-taxies.
Venice Airport:
http://www.veniceairport.it/
http://www.marcopolo2002.com/
BY TRAIN .
If you arrive in Venice by train, wait until the train has crossed the causeway on the lagoon and reached the final stop "Venezia Santa Lucia". Venice Railway Station is situated right in the island city and as you leave the station you will be right on the Grand Canal. There you can easily make your way to a private watertaxi or the ACTV stops where you can take a "vaporetto" (the public waterbus).
For train schedules :
http://www.trenitalia.com/
BY CAR
If you are driving to Venice, once you have crossed the causeway you reach Piazzale Roma, the car and bus terminal. Here you can find several options to park your car (public or private car parks) or you may proceed to the nearby Tronchetto car park. If you are staying on Lido, a public car ferry connects the island from Tronchetto.
Both Piazzale Roma and Tronchetto are served by private water-taxies and public transportation.
Car Parking in Piazzale Roma:
Tronchetto:
THE PORT OF VENICE.
Venice Port (Venice Terminal Passeggeri) is located on the northern part of the city, within easy reach from Piazzale Roma and Tronchetto. The port is connected to the city centre by private watertaxies or regular shuttleboats to San Marco operated by "Alilaguna".
Porto di Venezia:
http://www.vtp.it/
VENICE TRANSPORTATION
Public Transportation via land or water:
http://www.atvo.it
http://www.actv.it
http://www.alilaguna.it
.
Private water-taxies:
SAVE ON PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION AND MUSEUMS
Visitors staying in Venice for a few days should know that there are several opportunities to save on museum or public transportation costs by purchasing a “one” ore “more” days pass.
Check the following web-sites:
http://www.venicecard.it
http://www.actv.it
THEATRES IN VENICE
Opera Theatres
- Gran Teatro La Fenice
- Teatro Malibran
Information: http://www.teatrolafenice.it
For reservations: http://www.hellovenezia.it
Teatro Carlo Goldoni- Tel: +39 0412402011
Concerts
THE WEATHER
Venice can be charming all year round in all its seasons.
If you wish to have detailed information about the weather conditions in Venice, check in on the web:
http://www.veniceguide.net/meteo.htm
Winters in Venice can be quite cold and damp, yet not necessarily rainy. At times the city can be enveloped in a thick fog, but that adds to the romantic, mysterious charm of the city. At this time of year you won’t find crowds of tourists and you will find several convenient offers and packages to enjoy the city more. The only inconvenience could be “acqua alta”, that is the occurence of high tides that might flood parts of the city.
If you wish to find out more about this, check the web-site of Venice Municipality (Comune di Venezia):
http://www2.comune.venezia.it/maree/previsione.asp
Springs may have rain and the temperature is mild and pleasant. Make sure you pack an umbrella and a raincoat! When planning your visit, remember that May is one of the busiest months.
Summers are hot and humid. This is certainly the most crowded time to visit Venice, with thousands of visitors arriving in the city in the early morning hours and leaving in the late afternoon. After dark, the city gets quite again, the temperature is pleasant and for those who decide to stay overnight it will be a unique experience!
Autumns/Falls are usually mild but rain should be expected. Again, this is when the city can be affected by the occurrence of high tides. Don’t forget to pack your “wellies”!
RECOMMENDED CODE OF CONDUCT
Venice is an art city, and as such suitable and respectful clothing is recommended. Walk bare chested, as well as littering, sitting and eating in undesignated areas, are liable to a fine.
When visiting churches you should make sure your clothing is appropriate: make sure your shoulders are covered and avoid very short trousers or skirts (down-to-the-knee is acceptable). For security reasons, backpacks, bulky bags, as well as drinks are not allowed inside churches or museums. Most sites have deposits or lockers where you can check in your belongings free of charge.
Venice is virtually “crime-free”. However, remember that pickpockets know exactly that they can act almost undisturbed in the crowd when tourists are not paying attention! Make sure you keep you purse somewhere safe!
10 registered Venice tour guides