Venice on your own

[judybo57]

Is it possible to see Venice without booking a Thomson tour. If so how easy is it,and is the water bus station near the cruise terminal. Any information would be really appreciated.

[rosiebee]

We went to Venice on the Emerald, G'Bless her, two years ago. We booked to go on with Thomson on a water bus to the main area near St Mark's Square. You could then do your own thing for a half or full day. BUT as we were walking to get to the water bus, there was an ordinary water bus there which we could have got on and it would have been a lot cheaper. Don't use the water taxis. They are expensive. Either way, Venice was magical. Every corner you turned round was a picture. We walked to St Mark's Sq and then followed signs painted on walls until we got to the Rialto Bridge. Had a bottle of wine in a lovely cafe near the fish market. After the Rialto we hopped on and off water buses, exploring lots of little squares and alleys on the way, until we eventually got back to where we were picking up the boat back. We were there in the August and it has hot, hot, hot! Hope to go again in a cooler season.
You will love it!
R

[kruzseeka]

Hi - have a look at this link where doing Venice on your own has been discussed at some length. It may be useful.

http://cruiseforums.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1213781&highlight=venice

[chipmaster]

Venice is one of the easiest ports to DIY. All the wonder is in walking the narrow streets that border the Canals. Unless one is truely in need of someone to tell you a story at every corner I'd take the money you save from a tour and book a Gondola ride. The water bus system is easy and cheap to use but in two days there we just used our feet to get everywhere.

ENjoy venice

Is it possible to see Venice without booking a Thomson tour. If so how easy is it,and is the water bus station near the cruise terminal. Any information would be really appreciated.

[taffNo1]

Is it possible to see Venice without booking a Thomson tour. If so how easy is it,and is the water bus station near the cruise terminal. Any information would be really appreciated.

Have heard today that the people carrier is up and running. you can get from the cruise terminal to Pz Roma for 1E, make life a lot easier.

[judybo57]

Thanks for the advice, will definitely do Venice on our own.

[Tutoraway]

We were on the Spirit in April but as soon as I saw that Venice was on this itinery I had to book it.

Will take the advice of others and do Venice on our own.

Can't wait to go.

Barbara

[kruzseeka]

We were on the Spirit in April but as soon as I saw that Venice was on this itinery I had to book it.

Will take the advice of others and do Venice on our own.

Can't wait to go.

Barbara

It's a stunning itinerary, Barbara. Venice is the jewel in the crown but the other ports have some considerable sparkle too. I'm sure you won't be disappointed. Enjoy! :)

[grannymags]

Hi

We were on the Spirit at the beginning of May for 2 weeks and it's a wonderful itinerary. We walked into Venice from the ship and back again. unfortunately it was raining. It was very easy to find our way, just followed the signs all the way. As long as it isn't too hot when you go you'll be fine doing it independently.
Enjoy:)

[Cruise Nannie]

Hi

Was on Spirit in June and it was lashing rain the day we docked in Venice which I feel spoiled it for us we paid 19 pound each for the launch through Thompson into Venice which we found out too late was a bit of a rip off as you can get a little train from the docks into the centre for a couple of euros
Enjoy your trip hop u have better weather:rolleyes:

[mtt]

Can anyone recomend a good guide book for venice, thinking we will do diy, want to visit the hard rock cafe though

[Cruise Nannie]

Don't know where you could get guide book probably in Venice itself did see the Hard Rock Cafe it was down side streets to the right of St. Mark's square just came across it while looking for a pharmacy was given v good directions by 2 lady police who had v good english even understood my Dublin accent hope u have better weather than we did lashing rain the whole day we were there:(

[kruzseeka]

Can anyone recomend a good guide book for venice, thinking we will do diy, want to visit the hard rock cafe though

We used the AA guide - not a comprehensive tome but helped us find our way around (and not too big to carry around) and gives recommendations for best sights/restaurants etc. and ICECREAMS!!!!! Nico's on the Guidecca Canal (near the Accademia Bridge) is highly recommended - and tried and tested by me!!!!! Excellent! Great flavours, double scoop 1.70E - bargain!

I find the pop-up maps good to stick in your pocket too - they aren't available for every large city but there are quite a few. You can Google and see what's available on-line. Since our Borders shut, I'm not sure which high street stores stock them.

Have a great time, mtt - it's wonderful. :D (Sorry your day was such a wash-out, Cruise Nanny - that was a shame. :( )

[mtt]

Thanks a lot, will look for that online

[kruzseeka]

The ones I meant are Pop OUT maps not pop-up. Here is an Amazon link for the one I was telling you about;

http://www.amazon.co.uk/popout-maps-Books/s/qid=1278530156/ref=sr_pg_2?ie=UTF8&keywords=popout%20maps&rh=n%3A266239%2Cn%3A!1025612%2Ck%3Apopout%20maps&page=2 (http://www.amazon.co.uk/popout-maps-Books/s/qid=1278530156/ref=sr_pg_2?ie=UTF8&keywords=popout%20maps&rh=n%3A266239%2Cn%3A%211025612%2Ck%3Apopout%20maps&page=2)

There is a 'used' one advertised (No. 17) but No.20 are new @ £3.79 with free delivery.

[mtt]

i got the aa book £4.19 on waterstones website, seen those maos before used to have an orlando one, they are good

[Tutoraway]

It's a stunning itinerary, Barbara. Venice is the jewel in the crown but the other ports have some considerable sparkle too. I'm sure you won't be disappointed. Enjoy! :)

I am so looking forward to this and counting the days until Friday will let you know how I got on and if I managed to find my own way round Venice without getting wet either through the rain or falling in the water:)