Venice in March or April-OT
 

Was considering a trip to get away from stress with wife. What is Venice
like in March or April?

Is it worth spending time in that time of year?

I don't mind cold weather provided that all attractions are open.

Venice in March or April-OT
 

In article et>,
dick > wrote:
>
>Was considering a trip to get away from stress with wife. What is Venice
>like in March or April?
>
>Is it worth spending time in that time of year?
>
>I don't mind cold weather provided that all attractions are open.



Venice, Italy? ;)


Dimitri

Venice in March or April-OT
 

In nk.net,
dick > typed:

> Was considering a trip to get away from stress with wife. What
is
> Venice like in March or April?
>
> Is it worth spending time in that time of year?
>
> I don't mind cold weather provided that all attractions are
open.


Venice is busy (and everything is open) pretty much year-round.
It's a little less busy in March-April than in the summer, and
for that reason I prefer it then.

--
Ken Blake
Please reply to the newsgroup

Venice in March or April-OT
 

Yes. Sorry that I forgot to clarify--Italy.

Venice Florida is to crowded this time of year.

"D. Gerasimatos" > wrote in message
...
> In article et>,
> dick > wrote:
> >
> >Was considering a trip to get away from stress with wife. What is Venice
> >like in March or April?
> >
> >Is it worth spending time in that time of year?
> >
> >I don't mind cold weather provided that all attractions are open.
>
>
>
> Venice, Italy? ;)
>
>
> Dimitri
>

Venice in March or April-OT
 

"dick" > wrote in message
nk.net...
> Was considering a trip to get away from stress with wife. What is Venice
> like in March or April?
>
> Is it worth spending time in that time of year?
>
> I don't mind cold weather provided that all attractions are open.

I'd suspect that the weather is nicer in April than it was when I was there
in November several years ago, but be warned: Venice is a _major_ tourist
trap. The sharks are all _above_ the canals, on dry land!

Don't get me wrong. Venice is an interesting city with a rich cultural and
artistic tradition. However, if you're looking for a place to unwind and
decompress, somewhere in the countryside might be better. Trading domestic
stress for different stress isn't a great idea IMO.

If you're hell bent on going to Venice, I'd recommend that you follow the
same advice I'd give you if you were bound for Las Vegas: leave your
checkbook at home and take a credit card with a low limit.

Tom S

Venice in March or April-OT
 

Ciò che ha detto
dick )
è così interessante, che devo dire la mia:

Was considering a trip to get away from stress with wife. What is Venice
like in March or April?

>April is definitely the best for visiting Venice. Anyway try to avoid the
Easter Holidays period.

Is it worth spending time in that time of year?

>If you are an art addict it is worth always visiting Venice. Maybe it is
expensive stay there, but you can seek for a room in Chioggia, or Burano or
other beautiful and less expensive villages in the surroundings. If you are
not an art fan, Venice is a small city, and a couple of day is enough for a
basic visit. In this case you can rent a car and visit the region of Veneto.
Just a few suggestions:
Verona and Garda lake, Cortina d'Ampezzo (in the mountains), Colli Euganei
and a lot of other places you can easily find in any handbook. Let me
mention some wines you can not miss maybe visiting directly the producers:
Amarone and Valpollicella, Recioto of Valpollicella and Recioto of Soave,
Soave (this last is also a beautiful village with one of the best producers-
Pieropan- in the center), and -way not- Raboso of Piave.

I don't mind cold weather provided that all attractions are open.

>Attractions? Venice is not Disney Wolrd :-))
Usually April is pretty warm there.

Luk

Venice in March or April-OT
 

Hi Dick

hope you don't mins if a Venetian answers you...

On Mon, 12 Jan 2004 01:19:09 GMT, "dick" > wrote:

>Was considering a trip to get away from stress with wife. What is Venice
>like in March or April?

April tends to be rainy, but you get some splendid days. Avoid Easter
at all costs and, personally, avoid Carnival, it is overrated, tacky
and it's bloody cold and damp. March is nice at the end of the month,
springtime tends to show up on time.

The ideal time IMHO is May or September.

>
>Is it worth spending time in that time of year?

Any time of the year is worth spending time.

Avoid tourist traps, they are all over the place.

When in Italy, go to a book store and buy the Slow Food guide to
Venice, if you read basic italian it is very well done. Anyhow,m just
don't trust your instincts, do research, be prepared, or else you have
a 90% chance of being disappointed.

For eating, stick to the little "bacari" or other places where you can
eat "cicheti", the venetian equivalent of tapas, or the trattorie and
osterie where you will eat well for a decent price.

Around the SS. Giovanni e Paolo area, on the Calle Lunga Santa Maria
Formosa at number 5525, Al Mascaron, 25-30 Euro not incl. wine, no
cards accepted, but you will find delicious local food, little squid,
scampi, minuscule octopus, sardines, pasta, grilled fish. And a very
very good wine selection. Try not to act too foreign...

Do not miss going to the island of Burano (forget about Murano, unless
you like glass, it is not pretty), and do try eating at the Gatto
Nero, up to 40 Euro without wine, but the fish is divine and really
fresh. Have not tried Da Romano recently but I am told it is also VG.

I hear good things about La Colombina, on the Campiello de l'Anconeta,
not far from Rio Tera San Leonardo, the big street coming from the
station.

Continuing along the main artery, by now called Strada Nuova, you come
to the magnificent Ca d'Oro palace, but near it in a minuscule street
called Calle del Pistor there is a place officially called Osteria Ca
d'Oro but best known as La Vedova, 20 Euros max, very ancient place,
you cannot get more typical than this.

Alla Patatina, a place for"cicchetti" around 11 o'clock, on the Ponte
San Polo.


For higher class eating (book well ahead), try:


Corte Sconta, haven't been for 3 years, damn good and damn hard to
find, on the Calle del Pestrin at number 3886 it is not far from the
San Zaccaria vaporetto stop, 50 Euro and up, great food and local
wines.

Fiore, two Michelin stars, expensive but veeeery good on the Calle del
Scaleter, not far from the Rialto bridge and market, which you must
see in the morning during trading hours.

Pastry shops: Venice spent a small period under Austrian domination, a
sad chapter in its history with lasting delicious results: Venice has
a pastry tradition in the austrian style, and they make Sachertorte
better than in Vienna (shhh, don't say anything to Michael P.). Pastry
shops are places to stop and have tea or coffee. Try Marchini, on the
Calle del Spezier, between Campo Santo Stefano and Campo San Maurizio,
This places prepares the breakfasts for the Orient Express.


Ice cream. Great at Paolin on the Campo Santo Stefano.


Cafes: must stop at Florian on St Mark's square, and go for a drink in
the early evening at Harry's Bar (the original) on the Calle
Vallaresso, near the vaporetto stop by the same name. Watch the
beautiful people, be part of the scene ;-))) and try his famous
"bellini" (er, a bit early for peaches in april...), but don't stay
for dinner, prices are horrendous.


Have fun

Mike

Venice in March or April-OT
 

I have spent 5-10 days in Venice in Feb. for the past 8 years or so,
and spent a few Feb weeks in 89 or 90.

The city is now year around. No closing in Jan or Feb or March.
Early March is still "brisk" . I would prefer to go in April or May,
but I tie the trip to a trade show.

The single biggest problem with Venice is that very fresh fish and red
wine are not the greatest combo. What to do witth the Brunello and
Barolo.

I do not find the place to be that big a tourist trap, but then, I
live in Wash DC. I have only had 2 bills jacked up.(one added a zero
on the lira, which would have changed the pizza luncl from $40 to
$400$). We are remembered at most places, and I am quite forgettable.
We are treated like "special", even at the place we do breakfast.

I find a number of the places that serve locals, even a block or two
from San Marco to be very decent, reasonable, and honest. Some even
have a menu in very many languages(french, italian, english, russian,
chinese, japanese, and polish)

I find very good wines at very low prices(particularly when the euro
was at 0.83 US$).

Find Trattoria Aciugheta. They have cicchetti, but they have the most
phemonominal wine list, and look at those prices. From the north side
of San Marco, go two blocks east. It is on the north side, with a guy
outside trying to get you in.

Get a coppy of Access guide to Venice. Go to every Pallazo(except the
Fiat Museum one) that is open.

Go to San Zacaharria, get to the front of the line,get in the front of
the boat, and ride the #1 up the Canal to the end(1hr or so) Get off
at the end, wait to get to the front of the line, and ride back. The
new boats do not have seating in the bow(front).

Whatever you do, do not stay in Lido, Meister, or any other off Island
place. $150 buys a crummy place to stay, and is worth every penny.
That is like going to NYC, and staying in far rockaway, or going to
Hawaii, and staying in a LA suburb.

On Mon, 12 Jan 2004 01:19:09 GMT, "dick" > wrote:

>Was considering a trip to get away from stress with wife. What is Venice
>like in March or April?
>
>Is it worth spending time in that time of year?
>
>I don't mind cold weather provided that all attractions are open.
>
>

Venice in March or April-OT
 

On Mon, 12 Jan 2004 18:49:41 -0500, gerald > wrote:

>The single biggest problem with Venice is that very fresh fish and red
>wine are not the greatest combo. What to do witth the Brunello and
>Barolo.

There is life beyond Barolo and Brunello, and nothing goes with fish
like many of the new wave of whites out of Friuli or Slovenia, quite
available in Venice.

>Find Trattoria Aciugheta. They have cicchetti, but they have the most
>phemonominal wine list, and look at those prices. From the north side
>of San Marco, go two blocks east. It is on the north side, with a guy
>outside trying to get you in.

Agreed, good place, but remember it is divided into two sections, when
you first arrive you think you are in an average cheap pizza dive, and
that is what it is, but in parallel they run an authentic osteria, one
of the best in Venice.

>Whatever you do, do not stay in Lido, Meister, or any other off Island
>place.

Avoid Mestre, yes, but Lido? You can find a decent hotel at a good
price 2 minutes from the boat stop, and you are in San Marco in 10
minutes, a lot faster than from many places in Venice proper. Plus if
you have a rental car, you can park outside your hotel, and not get
taken by the outrageous parking fees in the big garage in Venice
itself. No need to trudge around town carrying your bags for miles. I
would say that Lido is a perfect option. Try the hotel Villa delle
Palme.

Mike

Venice in March or April-OT
 

>
>>Find Trattoria Aciugheta. They have cicchetti, but they have the most
>>phemonominal wine list, and look at those prices. From the north side
>>of San Marco, go two blocks east. It is on the north side, with a guy
>>outside trying to get you in.
>
>Agreed, good place, but remember it is divided into two sections, when
>you first arrive you think you are in an average cheap pizza dive, and
>that is what it is, but in parallel they run an authentic osteria, one
>of the best in Venice.
>
Show up at noon, choose your wine, have it opened to breath, and get a
table in the back. My wife and I are usually given one of the tables
for 4.


>>Whatever you do, do not stay in Lido, Meister, or any other off Island
>>place.
>
>Avoid Mestre, yes, but Lido? You can find a decent hotel at a good
>price 2 minutes from the boat stop, and you are in San Marco in 10
>minutes, a lot faster than from many places in Venice proper. Plus if
>you have a rental car, you can park outside your hotel, and not get
>taken by the outrageous parking fees in the big garage in Venice
>itself. No need to trudge around town carrying your bags for miles. I
>would say that Lido is a perfect option. Try the hotel Villa delle
>Palme.

Still do not like Lido, with all the bus traffic, etc.
>
>Mike

Venice in March or April-OT
 

On Tue, 13 Jan 2004 07:13:39 -0500, gerald > wrote:

>Show up at noon, choose your wine, have it opened to breath, and get a
>table in the back. My wife and I are usually given one of the tables
>for 4.

Aha, a regular!

>Still do not like Lido, with all the bus traffic, etc.

Of course, but .... well, I see it from the point of view of someone
who spent 10 years in Cannaregio and 4 at the Lido.

Agreed that a big part of the charm of Venice is being in a world that
is free from automobiles, so the Lido might seem to defeat that. And
being able to shop for food at Rialto market is, still today, a rare
privilege, so the shops at the Lido might seem ordinary.

It's just that I know that may people are (horror!) disappointed when
visiting Venice, and so unless you have the means to arrive in Venice
and take an ultra-expensive water-taxi to the Danieli, having the
ability to drive up to your hotel is a lesser but significant luxury
at a small price. At the Lido you can do that, and still be very close
to the busiest parts of Venice, in fact, closer than if you are
staying, say, near the station.

bye

Mike

Venice in March or April-OT
 

thanks...these are great tips.

I will reconsider and look at May.

"Mike Tommasi" > wrote in message
...
> Hi Dick
>
> hope you don't mins if a Venetian answers you...
>
> On Mon, 12 Jan 2004 01:19:09 GMT, "dick" > wrote:
>
> >Was considering a trip to get away from stress with wife. What is Venice
> >like in March or April?
>
> April tends to be rainy, but you get some splendid days. Avoid Easter
> at all costs and, personally, avoid Carnival, it is overrated, tacky
> and it's bloody cold and damp. March is nice at the end of the month,
> springtime tends to show up on time.
>
> The ideal time IMHO is May or September.
>
> >
> >Is it worth spending time in that time of year?
>
> Any time of the year is worth spending time.
>
> Avoid tourist traps, they are all over the place.
>
> When in Italy, go to a book store and buy the Slow Food guide to
> Venice, if you read basic italian it is very well done. Anyhow,m just
> don't trust your instincts, do research, be prepared, or else you have
> a 90% chance of being disappointed.
>
> For eating, stick to the little "bacari" or other places where you can
> eat "cicheti", the venetian equivalent of tapas, or the trattorie and
> osterie where you will eat well for a decent price.
>
> Around the SS. Giovanni e Paolo area, on the Calle Lunga Santa Maria
> Formosa at number 5525, Al Mascaron, 25-30 Euro not incl. wine, no
> cards accepted, but you will find delicious local food, little squid,
> scampi, minuscule octopus, sardines, pasta, grilled fish. And a very
> very good wine selection. Try not to act too foreign...
>
> Do not miss going to the island of Burano (forget about Murano, unless
> you like glass, it is not pretty), and do try eating at the Gatto
> Nero, up to 40 Euro without wine, but the fish is divine and really
> fresh. Have not tried Da Romano recently but I am told it is also VG.
>
> I hear good things about La Colombina, on the Campiello de l'Anconeta,
> not far from Rio Tera San Leonardo, the big street coming from the
> station.
>
> Continuing along the main artery, by now called Strada Nuova, you come
> to the magnificent Ca d'Oro palace, but near it in a minuscule street
> called Calle del Pistor there is a place officially called Osteria Ca
> d'Oro but best known as La Vedova, 20 Euros max, very ancient place,
> you cannot get more typical than this.
>
> Alla Patatina, a place for"cicchetti" around 11 o'clock, on the Ponte
> San Polo.
>
>
> For higher class eating (book well ahead), try:
>
>
> Corte Sconta, haven't been for 3 years, damn good and damn hard to
> find, on the Calle del Pestrin at number 3886 it is not far from the
> San Zaccaria vaporetto stop, 50 Euro and up, great food and local
> wines.
>
> Fiore, two Michelin stars, expensive but veeeery good on the Calle del
> Scaleter, not far from the Rialto bridge and market, which you must
> see in the morning during trading hours.
>
> Pastry shops: Venice spent a small period under Austrian domination, a
> sad chapter in its history with lasting delicious results: Venice has
> a pastry tradition in the austrian style, and they make Sachertorte
> better than in Vienna (shhh, don't say anything to Michael P.). Pastry
> shops are places to stop and have tea or coffee. Try Marchini, on the
> Calle del Spezier, between Campo Santo Stefano and Campo San Maurizio,
> This places prepares the breakfasts for the Orient Express.
>
>
> Ice cream. Great at Paolin on the Campo Santo Stefano.
>
>
> Cafes: must stop at Florian on St Mark's square, and go for a drink in
> the early evening at Harry's Bar (the original) on the Calle
> Vallaresso, near the vaporetto stop by the same name. Watch the
> beautiful people, be part of the scene ;-))) and try his famous
> "bellini" (er, a bit early for peaches in april...), but don't stay
> for dinner, prices are horrendous.
>
>
> Have fun
>
> Mike

Venice in March or April-OT
 

Mike Tommasi > wrote:

> Avoid Mestre, yes, but Lido?

Hey, what about (Trattoria dell')Amelia?! A few years ago they had
perfect seafood, and one of the best wine lists in Italy, the owner
being the former president of AIS (Associazione Italiana Sommerliers)
and A.S.I. (Association de la Sommellerie Internationale).

M.

Venice in March or April-OT
 

On 14 Jan 2004 13:21:24 GMT, Michael Pronay > wrote:

>Mike Tommasi > wrote:
>
>> Avoid Mestre, yes, but Lido?
>
>Hey, what about (Trattoria dell')Amelia?! A few years ago they had
>perfect seafood, and one of the best wine lists in Italy, the owner
>being the former president of AIS (Associazione Italiana Sommerliers)
>and A.S.I. (Association de la Sommellerie Internationale).
>

Still supposed to be a great place. Cannot speak from experience, but
I will try and change that soon.

Mike

Venice in March or April-OT
 

Mike Tommasi > wrote:

[On "Dall'Amelia" in Mestre]

> Still supposed to be a great place. Cannot speak from
> experience, but I will try and change that soon.

Do that - and please report! When I was there the last time (10
years ago), the wine prices were extremely reasonable. I guess
that has changed, alas ...

M.

Venice in March or April-OT
 

In ,
Mike Tommasi > typed:

> On 14 Jan 2004 13:21:24 GMT, Michael Pronay >
wrote:
>
>>Mike Tommasi > wrote:
>>
>>> Avoid Mestre, yes, but Lido?
>>
>>Hey, what about (Trattoria dell')Amelia?! A few years ago they
had
>>perfect seafood, and one of the best wine lists in Italy, the
owner
>>being the former president of AIS (Associazione Italiana
Sommerliers)
>>and A.S.I. (Association de la Sommellerie Internationale).
>>
>
> Still supposed to be a great place. Cannot speak from
experience, but
> I will try and change that soon.


I've never been there either, but my favorite restaurant in
Venice is Da Franz. Do either of you know it?

--
Ken Blake
Please reply to the newsgroup

Venice in March or April-OT
 

I cannot find this restaurant, even on the list of 1500 Venice
restaurants(includes Meistre). Where is it.

On 14 Jan 2004 13:21:24 GMT, Michael Pronay > wrote:

>Mike Tommasi > wrote:
>
>> Avoid Mestre, yes, but Lido?
>
>Hey, what about (Trattoria dell')Amelia?! A few years ago they had
>perfect seafood, and one of the best wine lists in Italy, the owner
>being the former president of AIS (Associazione Italiana Sommerliers)
>and A.S.I. (Association de la Sommellerie Internationale).
>
>M.

Venice in March or April-OT
 

On Fri, 16 Jan 2004 08:08:49 -0500, gerald > wrote:

>I cannot find this restaurant, even on the list of 1500 Venice
>restaurants(includes Meistre). Where is it.

You have your spelling wrong, try MESTRE, google gives 100s of answers
for TRATTORIA AMELIA MESTRE

Mike

Venice in March or April-OT
 

gerald > wrote:

> I cannot find this restaurant, even on the list of 1500 Venice
> restaurants(includes Meistre). Where is it.

Feed google with "amelia mestre". The first hit gives everything.

M.

Venice in March or April-OT
 

Mike Tommasi > wrote:

> On Fri, 16 Jan 2004 08:08:49 -0500, gerald >
> wrote:
>
>>I cannot find this restaurant, even on the list of 1500 Venice
>>restaurants(includes Meistre). Where is it.
>
> You have your spelling wrong, try MESTRE, google gives 100s of
> answers for TRATTORIA AMELIA MESTRE

And the first (with "amleia mestre") sais it all. And the e-mail
address even gives the clue to the owner: Dino Boscarato.

M.

Venice in March or April-OT
 

"dick" > wrote in message ink.net>...
> Was considering a trip to get away from stress with wife. What is Venice
> like in March or April?
>
> Is it worth spending time in that time of year?
>
> I don't mind cold weather provided that all attractions are open.

My husband and I were in Venice the first week of May, 2002. The
weather was lovely, in general, with a bit of a drizzling rain for a
few hours on a few days. The churches and museums were all open, as
were the shops, of course :)

However, I caught the most HIDEOUS cold that stuck with me for the
next two weeks through Vienna and Prague... and I sneezed so hard the
first day in Prague that I threw my back out for the the rest of the
trip and spent a week staring at the ceiling of the apartment we'd
rented.

I mention this misery for a reason. For gods' sakes, bring DayQuil
and NyQuil. I looked in vain for decent cold medicine in three
countries with no luck at all. Didn't help that I had trouble reading
recommended dosages in Czech.

Venice is a beautiful walking city. Have a wonderful trip!

Venice in March or April-OT
 

Michael Pronay > wrote:

> And the first (with "amleia mestre") sais it all. And the e-mail
^^^^^^

Ooops - "amelia", of course.

> address even gives the clue to the owner: Dino Boscarato.

M.

Venice in March or April-OT
 

>However, I caught the most HIDEOUS cold that stuck with me for the
>next two weeks through Vienna and Prague... and I sneezed so hard the
>first day in Prague that I threw my back out for the the rest of the
>trip and spent a week staring at the ceiling of the apartment we'd
>rented.
>
>I mention this misery for a reason. For gods' sakes, bring DayQuil
>and NyQuil. I looked in vain for decent cold medicine in three
>countries with no luck at all. Didn't help that I had trouble reading
>recommended dosages in Czech.


I have found western Europe to have excellent Pharmacies. I ask the
person in charge for something to fix my problem. Many items that are
much stronger are available in Europe. Although DayQuil and NyWuil
may not be available(Europeans are not as suseptable to advertising),
I found Delsym in Bologna, and it is very good.

Venice in March or April-OT
 

"dick" > wrote in message ink.net>...
> Was considering a trip to get away from stress with wife. What is Venice
> like in March or April?
>
> Is it worth spending time in that time of year?
>
> I don't mind cold weather provided that all attractions are open.



Dick,

My wife and I spent part of our honeymoon in Venice during the third
week of March 2003. It was a wonderful experience. The temperature
was just starting to warm up (mostly in the 50's IIRC), but very damp.
We didn't see any rain while we were there.

Our hotel was right on Piazza San Marco. What we noticed was that
most of the restaurants around Saint Mark's are for tourists.
There's even a McDonald's there if you're craving a cheeseburger.

Harry's Bar is just off the Piazza San Marco vaporetto stop. They
invented the Bellini cocktail. It's a wonderful concoction of peach
puree and prosecco. While it sounds harmless, one of these drinks
will set you back about 16 Euro. Makes the drink prices in Manhattan
seem affordable.

While there be sure to check out Vino Vino!
(http://www.vinovino.co.it/) It's a wine bar attached to the
restaurant Antico Martini. Vino Vino serves cheap, but very good food
for lunch and dinner with lots of wines by the glass or bottle. I
have fond memories of savoring a pork hock with a glass of Barolo for
around 12 Euro. The price can't be beat.

You can get there by traveling west from Saint Mark's, over the
bridge. If memory serves me correctly, there's a Tod's shoe store on
the left. The next right has may have a sign on the ground that point
towards Antico Martini. Vino Vino should be on the left just up about
200 feet.

Hope you have a good time.

-jim

btw: If you're into modern art, just on the Grand Canal is a
Guggenheim museum. It was Peggy Guggenheim's house where she
collected some wonderful art from the 20th Century. The collection
includes a few Jackson Pollocks, a few Picasso's and some other
fantastic pieces.

Venice in March or April-OT
 

On Sat, 17 Jan 2004 08:48:45 -0500, gerald > said:

]
] >However, I caught the most HIDEOUS cold that stuck with me for the
] >next two weeks through Vienna and Prague... and I sneezed so hard the
] >first day in Prague that I threw my back out for the the rest of the
] >trip and spent a week staring at the ceiling of the apartment we'd
] >rented.
] >
] >I mention this misery for a reason. For gods' sakes, bring DayQuil
] >and NyQuil. I looked in vain for decent cold medicine in three
] >countries with no luck at all. Didn't help that I had trouble reading
] >recommended dosages in Czech.
]
]
] I have found western Europe to have excellent Pharmacies. I ask the
] person in charge for something to fix my problem. Many items that are
] much stronger are available in Europe. Although DayQuil and NyWuil
] may not be available(Europeans are not as suseptable to advertising),
] I found Delsym in Bologna, and it is very good.

Certainly both Actifed and Pseudifed are widely available in europe. IIRC
this isn't much different from dayquil.

Often the problem one faces is not that the product doesn't exist, but just that
one either can't explain oneself, or doesn't know the name of the equivilent...

-E
--
Emery Davis
You can reply to
by removing the well known companies