2 Weeks in Venice

What You Should Know Before Going On A Venice Tour

Venice Weather

Venice’s weather is seasonal, with temperatures soaring to the high 80’s in the hottest months of summer, June and July, and dropping to the low 40’s in the heart of winter, December and January. With this being said, the best times to visit Venice are not determined by weather, but by the number of tourists.

Tourist numbers peak in the summer, and then rise again (though slightly less) in the winter. As a result, the best time for you to make the most of a trip to Venice, without getting caught in lines or paying a premium for hotel and tour fees, is in the autumn and the spring.

Vencie Travel Tips

• If you get a Vaporetto (water taxi) pas, consider spending the extra 10 euros to get a Vaporetto Dell’Arte pas. These are much more comfortable, and much less crowded. If you tour doesn’t include a boat ride, taking a nicer water taxi is the discount version of a tour -- your seat back will have a small map pointing out significant buildings on your route, and you will get complementary headphones for a brief explanation.
• One good way to save money, as in most places, is to avoid dining in major touristy areas, particularly around St. Mark’s Square. Instead, try picking up a picnic lunch if you plan on going out to dinner. Try picking up some delicious local cheeses, bread, and cold cut meats instead -- this will create “farmers plate” good enough to be served in a restaurant, just a lot cheaper!
• Be prepared that it may take a long time to commute anywhere within the city. Venice’s many canals can create detours, and crowds mean it’s slow going even when you’re on land. Get an early start wherever you’re going, or ask your tour guide for advice.
• You’ll do a lot of walking in Venice -- public transport is inconvenient, and so is traveling by car at times! -- so be prepared with a small backpack and comfortable walking shoes.

Venice Tours For Families

Venice is a great destination for families -- it is safe, with tons of activities, and no matter where you’re from the landscape of a city built on water is sure to be a change of pace. When it comes to learning the fascinating (and at times, dark) history of the place, the right Italy tour will make all the difference with children.

If you are alright with splurging a little, another option many families opt for is taking a private Venice tour. This way, your tour guide will be completely focused on your family and make sure to engage with your children, as well.

It’s easy for kids to lose attention in a big group where the guide is focusing on communicating with the adults who make up the majority of most trips, but with a private tour guide, you don’t have to worry about this.

Some kid-friendly activities to do in Venice include:

1. Visiting the Peggy Guggenheim Collection. Children under 10 enter for free here, but it’s recommended for all ages. This now-museum was once Guggenheim’s home, and the impressive art was all in her collection. Because this collection is smaller, your kids won’t become overwhelmed and bored. Besides, Peggy herself is buried in the backyard with her dogs!
2. St. Mark’s Cathedral. While a typical trip to a medieval church might be boring, St. Mark’s Cathedral is anything but. It’s one of the main attractions in Venice, and even when you’re traveling with children, it is a must-see.
3. See the Doge’s Palace. This grand palace is luxurious on both the interior and exterior of the castle. If your children aren’t too young, the Doge’s Palace also has a set of grisly prison rooms in the castle’s basement.
4. Gondola at Night. Taking a gondola during the day is peaceful, leisurely, and usually considered one of the most romantic experiences in Venice. With that being said, children can sometimes become bored on these trips. To make sure you get that mandatory gondola-ride in, make it interesting by going for a ride at night. You will get a whole different view of city life, and it makes any ghost stories that much spookier. 
5. Watch the Glassblowers. Venice is known for its beautiful glass works, and one of the coolest things you can do it watch the process of glass being made by visiting the glassblowing workshops on the island of Murano.