Regarding "the smell", there is an interesting article in today's WSJ about Venice and constructing a hidden seawall to control flooding.

I don't know how to link it as I don't subscribe online, but it states, "Remember, Venice has no traditional sewer system; waste flows from homes and businesses into the city's canals, where it waits for the twice daily, cleansing tides."

It also says that there are @ 100 floods/year now, compared to 7/year in 1900.

"Lifelong residents are escaping to the mainland, gradually turing their city over the the 12-15 million tourists who visit annually."

I read some where else that the population of Venice is only 70,000.

What's the most economical way to get from VCE-MXP (milan)?

Also are there cheaper/better places to stay/see enroute?


Thanks!

[This message has been edited by vickh (edited 05-31-2003).]

Please email/post more details.

Thanks!

vickh, YGM.

Is there something to do see/do around AMS during our layovers?

I just booked a stay in Venice and found some useful resources.

You can check out available hotels and apartment rentals at www.placestostay.com or www.travelangel.net.

We will be staying at Hotel Abbazia which used to be a Venetian Abbey. You can e-mail the hotel for rates on their website at www.abbaziahotel.com. We got single rooms for 90 Euros/night (breakfast included).

Rick Steves recommends Hotel Caneva. The pictures of the hotel look like it is a very clean and efficient small hotel. You can find it at http://www.hotelcaneva.com/. Singles look like they go from 60-100 Euros per night for doubles with breakfast included. The website says that there is a discount for cash payment.

I can't wait to see Venice for the first time!!

TF

[This message has been edited by TropicalFlyer (edited 06-01-2003).]

If it were me...I'd definitely take a side trip to Florence.

Vickh -- the easiest way to get from VCR to MXP --- Venice to Milan is by train.
They run often and are fast ---

You might even consider stopping off for a visit at Verona and then continuing on.

There is an "airport" train from the center of Milan to Malpensa Airport (MXP) but not from Central Station. There is a Bus from Central Station to MXP.

Just wanted to share this farm place near Venice with anyone interested. It is near a bus stop for transportation into Venice. I highly recommend farm stays as an alternative to hotels. You get a chance to meet locals and hear what they have to say. Also very affordable and usually unique settings.

http://www.villamocenigo.com/page6.html

Another interesting site below.

http://www.it.laterooms.com/sr.php3?...3&d=10&n=1&b=1

This link is directly to Venice area where site appears to be geared toward last minute bookings. I liked seeing the amts charged by various level hotels all the way from farm stays to 4* and ability to search by various data points.

Anyone have luck finding a car for less than $300/week? Thanks

Try: http://www.arac.com/
Advantage Rent-a-Car
$258usd for the week

Curious as to what your plans are...I think - of the FT crew - we are the only ones who have said they are going to be there these dates?

Just got my FT luggage tags today!


[This message has been edited by timid_trnchcoat (edited 06-04-2003).]

Does that include all the taxes, etc? According to the (very) fine print, it looks like, depending on class of vehicle, the insurance fees are mandatory and ~25EU/day. It also explicitly states that CC provided insurances are not valid.

Also, the place is only open 8a-10p. I was considering renting a car so that I could get back to the airport at 5a for our 6:30a departure and not have to deal with water taxis and the like (the rental car would actually be cheaper), but the hours of operation pretty much killed that idea.

S.

I believe this does include insurance - but didn't rent so not positive.

__________________________________________

If anyone would like to share a water taxi on 8/28(arriving 11:50) - lemme know.
We already have 4 - but I believe you can have up to 6.

bump.

any thoughts on the des bains? any updates on people having success with priceline?

thanks.

Who is flying out on the 8/27 - 6:05pm flight?
Mabey we have a cocktail or two, or three, or five?
: )