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Extending our Classic Italy trip in Venice
I am going on the May 4th Classic Italy Tour. I was wondering if there is enough time to see the sights in Venice. The first day in Venice goes to the Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica and St. Mark's square and a gondola ride. The following day is free to see Venice on your own. Do we need more time in Venice?
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On one of my visits, I really wanted to explore Murano. Some had cautioned not to take a glass tour as they had a reputation for high pressure sales. You can take the public vaporetto to Murano, which I did, and wander around. I probably spent half--3/4 day wandering and stopping at some of the many glass factories that offered opportunities to watch them blowing and forming exquisite glass objects -- and no high pressure sales. I did buy beads and glass necklaces at some of the factories.
Even though I have visited Venice more than once, I still have not visited Burano which I understand is picturesque and is known for its lace. The Guggenheim and the Galleria dell'Accademia are great museums and depending on one's interest, you could devote a day seeing those two museums. I can only remember great meals in Venice -- dining both outside and inside. The ghetto area is fascinating if that interests you.
Personally, I enjoy wandering around finding some offbeat stores and shops, little parks, etc. If you are a reader, consider Behrendt's "City of Falling Angels" as providing some background about Venice, their opera house, and their glass industry. While I like to wander there is something disconcerting if I feel I am 'lost.' It is an island and not that big and you really cannot get 'lost' but if Rough Guide still publishes their map of Venice, it is the best. The 'streets' are literally sidewalks, but with names, and their map had print large enough for middle age eyes to read and to follow if one had a destination in mind.
Perhaps you should thumb through an Eyewitness Guide for Venice with all of their photos which really gives you an idea of what is there, and then you can decide if it is what interests you. Enjoy, and happy travels.