Temperatures in the summer average around 73 degrees Fahrenheit, but it is much hotter when the Sirocco (a warm, humid Mediterranean wind) blows. The climate in spring and autumn is more pleasant with temperatures between 59 and 68 degrees Fahrenheit and water temperature at about 63 degrees Fahrenheit. In the winter it is much colder and the water level higher. In February, however, there is very little rain.
HEALTH:
Vaccinations are not required for traveling in Italy, but bear in mind that most of southern Europe is a designated risk area for contracting traveler's diarrhea. Taking some form of medical insurance is advisable prior to your trip. If you require medical attention during your stay, most embassies carry a list of English-speaking doctors around the city. Alternatively, refer to the International Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers before leaving your home country. They can supply travelers with a list of recommended English-speaking physicians and private clinics. There is an international hospital where English is spoken at Viale delle Mura Gianicolensi called the Salvator Mundi (586-041). Government hospitals accept any emergencies.
The Italian word for drugstore is `farmacia' - they sell only medicines and toiletries. For cosmetics or any other such items, look for a `profumeria.'
Tap water is generally safe in Venice, although many Venetians still prefer bottled water. It is not especially cheap, so those on a tight budget need not be wary of asking for tap water in restaurants or hotels.
CURRENCY:
Italian currency is the lire. Notes are broken down into denominations of 100,000, 50,000, 10,000, 5,000, 2,000 and 1,000. Coins are broken down into 500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and five lire. In November, 1991 the exchange rate was 1,335 lire to US$1.
All major credit cards and travelers' checks are accepted in Venice; pickpocketing is not uncommon in the city, therefore it is wise to rely on the latter if possible. The most widely accepted travelers' checks are those issued by Thomas Cook, American Express, Citibank and Barclays Bank. Keep an eye on the exchange rate as it can vary substantially. If possible, avoid cashing travelers' checks in hotels or restaurants, as the rates are not as favorable.
VISAS:
Anyone traveling to Italy requires a valid passport. Citizens from the United States, Canada and the European Community do not need visas to enter Italy if their stay does not exceed three months. Travelers are advised to carry some form of identification like a passport or driver's license at all times. Remember that police registration is necessary for all visitors within three days following arrival. For those staying in a hotel, this is generally done automatically by the management. The permit issued by the police expires after three months, but it is possible to renew it.
WEIGHTS & MEASURES:
The metric system is generally used in Italy.
ELECTRICITY:
The electrical current in Italy is 220 volts/50 cycles. Travelers will need adaptors for small appliances such as hair dryers and travel irons.
COMMUNICATIONS:
Post:
Stamps can be purchased at tobacconists (tabaccaio) bearing a blue `T' sign and post offices (posta or ufficio postale). Post offices also handle telegrams and money transfers. Mail boxes are red. Mail for Venice only should be posted through the slot marked Per la citta, and mail for elsewhere is Altre destinazioni.
Poste Restante is known as Fermo Posta in Italy and it is possible to have mail sent to the following address: Posta Centrale, Rialto, Venice. It is necessary to show some identification when collecting your mail.
Telephones:
The most convenient and least expensive place to use a telephone is the `Telefoni' office found in most cafes and bars around Venice. They are indicated by a sign showing a telephone dial and receiver. A lot of the hotels charge unnecessary commissions for placing long-distance calls, whereas the Telefoni offices will provide you with your own booth and any assistance you may need for no additional charge. Telefoni offices also sell phone cards (in packs valued at 3,000, 6,000 or 10,000 lire) for the new `scheda' telephones. The older telephones take coins or tokens which can be purchased at a token machine usually situated nearby or from a store in the vicinity.
Media:
Most English-speaking international publications are available in Venice, including news magazines such as `Time' and `Newsweek,' English dailies `USA Today' and the `International Herald Tribune.' They can be bought at the airport, railway station and at newsstands near the Rialto Bridge and the Piazza. Bear in mind that they are usually a few days late, but Rome's English-language `Daily American' arrives the same day.
Radio and television are both state controlled and broadcast in Italian. During the tourist season, the Italian state radio and TV network occasionally broadcasts news in English mainly about Italian affairs. Vatican Radio carries foreign-language religious news programs at various times during the day. Shortwave radio reception in Venice is excellent throughout the night and part of the day. British (BBC), American (VOA) and Canadian (CBC) programs can easily be picked up.
TRANSPORT:
Transportation in Venice is mainly by water, and nearly every kind of [I 002 / water transport] go through the canals - waterbus (vaporetto) , the smaller bus(motoscafo), water taxi (motoscafo di nolo) or gondola. [M 007 / Waterbuses] are operated by ACTV (Azienda del Corsorzio Trasporti Veneziani). [N 001 / Lines 1 and 2] and [N004 / Line 5] go along the Grand Canal and shuttle between the islands. Water taxis can be caught from a taxi station of which there are approximately ten. There are twelve permanent gondola stations (imbarcadero) and about 450 gondolas.
BY AIR:
Marco Polo International Airport is on the western side of the lagoon, about six miles north of the city. ATVO and ACTV (Venice City Transit) buses make the 25 minute trip from the terminal into Piazzale Roma. From there it is possible to catch a vaporetto ( bus) on to other parts of the city.
Direct flights to Venice are possible from Frankfurt, Munich, Duesseldorf and Vienna. The following serve Venice:
AIR FRANCE: 541-5148
ALITALIA: 541-5160
BRITISH AIRWAYS: 541-5629
LUFTHANSA: 541-5347
BY SEA:
Venice can be reached by ship from the larger Adriatic ports such as Piraeus or Rhodes in Greece. Cruise ships moor at the Stazione Marittima. Information about cruises can be obtained at all travel agencies and through the Italian Tourist Department, ENIT. There are romantic tours from Padua in small motor boats through the Brenta Canal, passing the summer villas of the Venetians and approaching Venice from the sea.
BY RAIL:
There are direct rail links with Venice from all the larger cities in West Germany, Austria and Switzerland with sleeping-couchette and dining-car service. Travel bureaux and railway stations can provide timetables. Since 1846 Venice has been linked to the mainland by a railway bridge. The trains run to the Stazione Santa Lucia on the Grand Canal. From there, at the vaporetto station Ferrovia, Line 1 goes to the city center.
Tickets should be purchased and reservations made at the main Santa Lucia railway station on the Grand Canal (Ferrovia vaporetto stop). Italian State Railways offer fare reductions for large families. The BTLC Tourist Ticket (Biglietto Turistico Libera Circolazione) is valid for 8, 15, 21 or 30 days.
BUSES AND CARS:
Buses:
Line 5: Airport
Line 6: between Venice and Trieste
Line 11: between the Lido, Santa Maria Elisabetta and Pellestrina
Line 17: between the Pizzzale Roma and Tronchetto
Lines A, B and C also run to the Lido
Cars:
Venice can be reached by car via freeways in [M 001 / Italy], Austria, West Germany and Switzerland. During winter, mountain passes in Switzerland and Austria are often closed. Motorist should check with the local Automobile Association during snow season (ADAC in West Germany and ACI in Italy) if roads are open.
The old city can be reached by causeway but cars must be left in parking lots outside the city at:
Piazzale Roma
Tronchetto (across the Ponte della Liberta).
Fusina (outside the industrial zone at the mouth of the Brenta Canal).
San Giuliano (on the mainland near Mestre).
Punta Sabbioni (near Mestre).
Punta Sabbioni (near Jesolo).
HOTELS:
Price categories: (for a double room)
Expensive: over US$150
Moderate: US$75-150
Inexpensive: under US$75
Expensive:
CIPRIANI: Giudecca 10, Venice (52-07-744)
This hotel is regarded as one of the most luxurious and romantic in
Venice.
HOTEL GRITTI PALACE: Campo Santa Maria del Giglio, 2467, San Marco, Venice (522.6044).
Overlooking the Grand Canal, this old fashioned hotel offers excellent service and a relaxing atmosphere.
LONDRA PALACE: Schiavoni 4171, Venice (52-00-533).
Beautiful views over San Giorgio and St Mark's Basin; an excellent restaurant and tasteful decor make this a popular luxury hotel.
METROPOLE: Riva degli Schiavoni 4149, Venice (52-05-044).
Rooms are large and well-decorated and many overlook the lagoon.
A 17th century villa converted into a charming hotel.
LA RESIDENZIA: Campo Bandiera e Moro 3608, Venice (52-85-315).
A popular hotel located near San Marco.
SCANDINAVIA: Campo Santa Maria Formosa 5240, Venice (52-23-507).
This hotel is decorated in the traditional Venetian style.
Inexpensive:
ALBORETTI: Rio Terra Sant' Agnese 882, Venice (52-30-058).
A small, charming hotel with lounge and bar.
HOTEL MADONNA DELL' ORTO: Fondamenta Madonna Dell' Orto 3499, Cannaregio, Venice (71-99-55).
SAN STEFANO: Campo San Stefano 2957, Venice (52-00-166).
This tiny hotel, with only 11 rooms, is well-equipped and furnished.
RESTAURANTS:
Expensive:
ANTICO MARTINI: Campo San Fantin, near the Teatro La Fenice (52-24-121).
LA REGINA: Calle della Regina 2330 Santa Croce (53-41-402).
TAVERNA LA FENICE: Campiello Fenice 1938 San Marco (52-23-856).
Moderate:
ALTENELLA: Guidecca 268 (52-27-788).
FIASCHETTERIA TOSCANA: Campo San Giovanni Grisostomo (52-85-281).
TRATTORIA CITTADI VITTORIO: San Marco 1591, in a side street off the Frezzeria.
TRATTORIA ROMA DI POVELEDO: Lista di Spagna 122.
Inexpensive:
AL MASCARON: Calle Lunga Santa Maria Formosa 5225 Castello (52-25-995).
TRATTORIA AI TOSI: Ponte delle Spade 1586.
TRATTORIA DA PINTO: Calle Racchetta 3728 Cannaregio.
PLACES OF INTEREST:
Piazza San Marco (St Mark's Square), Basilica di San Marco (St Mark's Basilica), Palazzo Ducale (the Doge's Palace), Campanile di San Marco (St Mark's Bell Tower), Rialto Bridge, Ca' Foscari, Fondaco dei Turchi.
ART GALLERIES AND MUSEUMS:
ACCADEMIA: Canal Grande / Ponte dell' Accademia, Line 1. Open work days 9am - 2pm; Sundays and holidays 9am - 1pm.
An enormous treasury of paintings that developed around the Art Academy.
CA' D'ORO: Canal Grande, Line 1. Open work days 9am - 2pm; Sundays and holidays 9am - 12 noon.
Finest example of a Venetian Gothic palace.
CA' REZZONICO: Rio di San Barnaba / Canal Grande, Line 1. Open work days except Fridays 10am - 4pm; Sundays and holidays 9am - 12:30pm.
Exhibits 18th-century Venetian history.
COLLEZIONE PEGGY GUGGENHEIM: Canal Grande / Fondamente Venier Line 1. Open April - October, weekdays except Tuesday 12 noon - 6pm; Saturdays 6pm - 9pm.
Houses one of the most important collections of modern art.
GLASS MUSEUM: Isola di Murano. Open work days except Wednesdays 10am - 4pm, Sundays and holidays 9am - 12:30pm.
Shows the history of glass making from Roman times in around 4000 exhibits.
