Blog - Life in Italy

Many of our clients are asking us how to go from Rome to Venice or from Venice to Rome,
how far is Venice from Rome and if they should go by train, by flight or by car.

The distance between Rome and Venice is about 520 kilometers.

By Train
By train it takes about 4 hours and a half station-to-station for something between 60€ (2nd class) and 90€ (1st class).
You basically leave from Rome Termini Station, which is the main central station in Rome and located in the city center, and end up in Venezia Santa Lucia Station which is on the island of Venice and you are ready to go!
Between Rome and Venice the train also stops in Florence and Bologna, a 5 to 10 minute stop each.
Eurostar trains are very comfortable, power supply for your laptop or to recharge your phone are available onboard, the journey itself is pleasant as the train crosses the Italian countryside and you can enjoy some nice views from your window from time to time.

You can check and book online your tickets with the official Italian Railway Company which is called Trenitalia http://www.trenitalia.it (english available).
You are supposed to choose the exact time and date of your train according to the schedule and your seats.
Pay attention as the dates you book can't be changed and if you are found travelling on a different train from the one you booked you'll be fined, controls are very strict.

You are not necessarily supposed to buy your tickets in Italy, or by an Italian travel agency company, you can book the tickets online, Trenitalia will send you an email or text message to your phone (or both) with the reservation number. Print your receipt and reservation number and bring it with you, wait for the ticket collector to come to your place (they check the train regularly back and forth) and you are all set.

Both when booking and when travelling our advice is make sure to look for Venice 'Santa Lucia Station' and not (Venice) Mestre Station, Mestre is in fact a different city from Venice and still on the mainland, you are most probably going to visit the island of Venice.

By Flight
From Rome to Venice it's about 1 hour flight. Prices really depend on the time and season and are subject to special offers. You might end up finding good deals even though it's usually more expensive than by train.
You are most probably travelling from Rome Fiumicino Leonardo Da Vinci Airport (the largest italian hub in Rome) and San Marco International Airport in Venice. Check out Alitalia website for availability and rates.  http://www.alitalia.it (english available).

Chances are that you can find flights from Rome Ciampino International Airport and Treviso Sant'Angelo Airport, usually this are operated by low cost companies and namely Ryanair. This route is equally convenient as Ciampino Airport is as close to Rome as Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport and Treviso airport is about 1 hour by bus from Venice.

In both cases however you should consider that you'll have to be in the airport in advance (from 1 to 2 hours), go through all of the check-in security procedures and controls. The airports in Rome and Venice are not just as central as the railway station are so you have to consider the traffic, the additional time needed to go to/from the airport and the city center and the additional cost of taxi and transportation.

What's best?

Our advise is to use the train better than a flight since, at the end of the day, by flight it should be a little shorter but we consider it a more stressful and pricy option compared to going by train, but then it's up to you....enjoy your journey!

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Daniel Birnbaum explains the meaning of Art Biennale in 2009, which he titled Making Worlds / Making Worlds.

The exhibition is the centerpiece of the 53rd International Art Exhibition of the Venice Biennale, from June 7 to 22 November 2009

 

(check out more on La Biennale Channel )

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Venice is a unique city and there is no other like it anywhere else in the world. It is built on 117 small Islands, 150 canals and 409 bridges. Venice is a city where you can walk very easily from historical site to another. Some of the best walks are the ones you do on your own, get lost within the narrow streets, find your way out again, this is the best part! Start in the area (Santa Croce). A location where you can soak up the authentic Venetian neighbourhood atmosphere and still close to the city’s main attractions. It's a very pleasant area to take an evening stroll! A lively square full of people and music where sometimes couples can dance in the middle of Campo San Giacomo dell'Orio Square. You must visit the Jewish quarter,  Madonna dell'Orto Church and Gesuiti Church.
A highly pleasurable and recommended tip to get your curiosity running wild absorbing the incredible work of art this city's unique structures have to offer is to take a Vaporetto (public transportation small ferry) down the Canal Grande and pass under the Rialto Bridge. You will be looking at more than a hundred Venetian built style mansions along the way dating from the 12th to the 18th centuries including the Fondaco dei Turchi, Ca' Pesaro and the Ca' d'Oro – Venice’s most beautiful Gothic building. Get off the Vaporetto at any stop at your own leisure to explore it better on foot and get on again to the next interesting spot that catches your attention. Enjoy a walking along the non-tourist path.
When you have exhausted visiting Venice's beautiful churches and palaces, take a last stab at the elegant Piazza San Marco and the Bell Tower and the Clock Tower, you might have to wait a little bit in line, but it will be all worth it. Visit the Basilica containing St. Mark's tomb and incredible gold mosaics which was completed in 1094. Be prepared to wait a little bit in line but it will be worth it once you’re inside as it is one of the most magnificent cathedrals in Europe… walking along is the pink and white marble Doge Palace, where the elected Doges lived and governed the city.Visit also the Palazzo del Cinema where Venice's international film festival is held each September. At the end of the day, you will be a bit exhausted from the long and exciting day you had. Reward yourself in one of the city's local and cheerful restaurants tucked away in a side street. You’re in Venice therefore you must devote yourself to Italian’s most rich and famous dessert of mascarpone cheese, Marsala, sponge and chocolate called Tiramisu, which was invented here.

Also if you have time, try to witness Venetian glass-blowing, they show demonstrations sometimes

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Did you know...?

Venice is known to be expensive, but don’t despair… I have created a list for you to enjoy Venice to the maximum without spending a fortune!

1) … Piazza San Marco is excellent place to stroll around the square? Do some window shopping, take amazing pictures of the great architecture and if you like pigeons, then join them in the middle of the square as they love to just stand on people.
 2) … Basilica di San Marco “St. Mark's Basilica” is the greatest of all Venice's churches? To enter and visit the Basilica of San Marco is free (expect lines, don't try to enter with a rucksack or indecent clothing).  If you also wish to visit the Pala d’Oro, there is a very relatively inexpensive fee to see it.

3) … Venice Churches Santa Maria della Salute most part to visit the church is free? The sound of the Organ music is simply amazing. San Vidal – Near the Accademia Bridge is free to enter only during the day time. In the evening is used for local classical music concerts. The church's treasure is above the high altar; a painting by Vittore Carpaccio of San Vitale. I Carmini (Santa Maria del Carmelo) – Is free to enter and it includes paintings by Lorenzo Lotto and Cima da Conegliano.

4) … the Rialto Bridge is a great place for people watching and you get a beautiful view of the Grand Canal for both sides? Look down and watch the Vaporetto boats and Gondolas slowly making their way through under the bridge just beneath your feet. Make sure you watch the sunset from Rialto Bridge. A must see!!!

5) … the Rialto Bridge markets are immense? Vendors here yell out many sorts of things selling their products. You can find the Venetian Carnival masks, beautiful Murano glass pieces, clothing, leathers, shoes, fruits, vegetables, fish and meats. Sometimes even a strong wonderful aroma of herbs and spices.

6) … the streets of Venice are a narrow, winding, maze easily making you feel lost very easily? This is the fun part! Try to find your way back!!!  Best point of reference, ask for Piazza San Marco and start all over again.

7) … window shopping in Venice is like no other? The Murano Glass stores are like museums exposing beautiful pieces of Art. Chances are you have already found one free thing to do.

8) … canal watching on one of the many bridges in Venice and wait a few minutes is a lot of fun? Watch how the locals live their life totally different from ours. It is amazing to see furniture, ovens and refrigerators being moved aound on boats like you and I would use cars. The strange boat manoeuvres they do and to us would be so difficult to even try. My favourite is the firemen and ambulance service!

9) … if you notice, the city/Island of Venice can be a very interesting place! You can hear sea gulls, gondoliers slowly skimming on top of the water, motor boats putting along, water splashing against the side of some sinking building and tourists speaking a world of languages. What you won’t hear are cars, buses or scooters.

10) … to see Murano Glass is not necessarily free as you must take the Vaporetto to get to the Island! But the fun ride is worth the small fee you pay. Once you are there all is free… spend the day exploring one of the Lagoon Islands, walk around and look into one of the workshops as you will see glass maker artists at work. This will definitely make up the fee for the Vaporetto ride.

Venice is considered an unique paradise and a wonder of the world. Its canals, bridges, Byzantine architecture, lagoons and gardens, can be visited totally free. We all know that eating, sleeping, shopping and travelling are expensive, this is one way to balance yourself out for the things you don’t pay. If you are looking for a cheap holiday, we recommend you concentrate your budget on one key element: Accommodation!!! 

Our Advice:
Avoid eating in restaurants in Venice, they are more expensive and lower-quality than what you might expect compared to the rest of Italy. By eating snacks it will get you through the day and you'll save lots of money without missing much. Try slices of pizza to go, get a heated sandwich in a bar, etc… (look for somewhere packed with people) these little things will fill you up and energize you enough for the long day’s journey! The thekeytoitaly.com can help you find the perfect rental apartment in Venice for you! Their English speaking staff is well trained and able to answer any questions thrown their way.

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"Aqua alta" floods Venice regularly in the winter, when the water level in the Adriatic rises with tidal surges. But this time it was so high that a guy went waterboarding right in Piazza San Marco!

Look at this video it's unbelievable and beautiful!

 

 

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Piazza San Marco: Go to Cafè Florian or Quadri for live music. Crowds gather to listen to popular classical music. Tables and chairs laying outside will definitely give you a better feel for the ambience while sipping on a cocktail but enjoying the magical scenery of Piazza San Marco lit at night. You can't miss it!

Casanova Music Cafe: This is Venice's only Disco, located on the busy Calle Lista di Spagna in the Cannareggio district. Although the space can feel somewhat cramped at times, it still offers some convincingly diverse music, such as Rock, instrumental, House and even Latin American Music.

Piccolo Mondo: Opposite side of the Accademia Cinema theatre, this small club attracts a young crowds and is usually crowded full of life and energy. Calle Contarini Corfu, Dorsoduro 1056/A

Martini Scala Club Piano Bar: A place where class and style is highly welcome. Enjoy live ambience music while you dine in this elegant establishment. Dress appropriately. Campo San Fantin, San Marco 1980.

Le bistrot de Venise: Venitian Cusine at its best with some very ancient and luscious recipes at a costly price.  Enjoy a local, diverse cultural programme from cabaret to poetry readings while you eat. Calle dei Fabbri, San Marco 4685

Casino Municpale: Located in the elegant Palazzo Vendramin Calergi, on the Grand Canal (Vaporetto Stop: San Marcuola). For a 10 Euros entrance fee (Includes a 10euros free casino chip), you'll get to familiarize yourself in the magnificent 18th century setting Palace. Truly a memorable evening in Venice. Even suitable for those who don't like to gamble.

947 Club: A club with live DJ and an amazing lounge atmosphere offering excellent service. It also has an upscale restaurant part of the establishment, 947 Club Restaurant. Castello 4337.

Campo Santa Margherita - The most lively Square in Venice. 10 minutes walking distance away from Piazzale Roma. Live music, young people, people dancing, good music and fun atmosphere.  Around Carnival time, it's full of people, live shows and tents of all sorts. Bars are open until 3 or 4 in the morning.

Stazione Marittima - A large club and beer/wine hall by the river on the south of the main island. Only a few minutes walking distance from Piazzale Roma Square. You can't miss it as you can hear the music and see the lights from the distance. Very popular during the Carnival time. A must see!  Open until 3 or 4 in the morning.

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Many people wonder when is the best time to come and visit Venice! We have gathered useful information to provide you with a sneak preview of activities and weather conditions for each and every single month throughout the year in Venice.  

January in Venice is cold but magical, dress up warmly. The streets are quiet, and the locals live their normal everyday lives or stopped to chat in the little Venetian Squares. This is the hot chocolate season; time to retreat into a snug cafe, sip a steaming hot chocolate and maybe read a Venetian book about the history of Venice. January is the perfect time of year to really feel connected to the city and its past. Good points: Quiet streets, cheap accommodation apartments, authentic local atmosphere, hot chocolate in cosy cafès, atmospheric photographs.  Bad points: It can be cold,  you may spend a lot of time outdoors.

February is Carnival time, so the city is very busy, lively and colourful. Renting an accommodation may be hard to get as they are heavily-booked as tourists arrive to enjoy the spectacle, so book early. In Rialto Bridge and St. Mark's area are most fun and exciting. Stepping away from the masks and costumes, the outside local areas of Venice are still quiet and peaceful. Good points: The Carnival.  Bad points: The Carnival.

March and April the air can still be crisp and the streets are quiet in Venice. During Easter, Venice is invaded with tourists arriving for Easter weekend  from all over the world- every European country is on holiday, and feels most of them come to Venice. Although it can still be cold at night, spring makes itself felt with small hidden walled gardens and breaks of sunshine ripping through the clouds. Locals gradually get rid of their thick winter coats. Good points: Sunshine, small crowds (except) for Easter.  Bad points: Crowed on Easter, March and April is still a bit cold.

May is a happy and exciting month. The cold slowly drifts away and the sun becomes a daily visitor. The air is still fresh but warm enough to hit the beaches on the Lido (where some businesses are still closed). May is really the best month for visiting Italy, with its warm sunshine, comfortable temperatures, dry and humid air and flowers begin to open. Good points: Sunshine, comfortable climate. Tourist services are fully operational but without excessive crowds.  Bad points: Practically none.

June in Italy (Venice) is the start of summer and Italy braces it with open arms. The weather is usually fine, although sometimes it reaches hot temperatures. This is your last chance to visit your favourite spots before the peak of the summer season starts. Space on the beaches can still be found especially on the week-days. In odd-numbered years Venice hosts its Art Biennale in the Castello District, which runs from early June to November. Good points: Warm weather, plenty of sunshine, no rain.  Bad points: High Temperatures.

July the hot weather is customary, the summer has arrived. The Lido and the seaside resorts near the lagoon fill up with sunbathing families from tourists all over the world. The "Festa del Redentore" is a massive party and celebration for Venetians, which takes place on the third weekend of the month. Tourists will gladly enjoy watching the show, but it may get frustrated by the on going transport disruptions and early-closing businesses. The lagoon's mosquitoes are at their peak as well. Good points: Festa del Redentore, sunshine.  Bad points: Crowds, hot, mosquitoes.

August is a strange month in Venice for tourists. Some tourists don't come to Venice in August scared away by stories of smelly canals, domineering heat and horrible crowds. Nowadays, the city is reasonably hygienic and safe from all hazardous. Some tourists, many of them families still come to Venice in August. Italians pack up and go on holiday in July and August, sometimes for more than a month, when many businesses (not all) are closed. If you are looking for a restaurant of choice or regular shops, it can become a bit frustrated. It's not really recommended to come to Venice in August, especially if it is your first trip and you plan to visit the main tourist sights. You won't be able to see the best of the city and what it has to offer. Good points: Hot.  Bad pointsCrowded, hot, mosquitoes, locals go on vacation (many businesses closed).

September, when the locals return from their summer vacations re-opening their business and Venice takes on a whole new life. It's also when the Venice Film Festival takes place on the Lido at the end of August / beginning of September, lasting for a week and a half. Most of the expensive hotels are booked by film industry staff. The weather is at a mild comfortable temperature. You may enjoy a late burst of summer, but temperatures can get much cooler, especially at night. Sudden rainstorms are common during the Autumn season in Italy, and some are overwhelmingly heavy at times. Mosquitoes are another hazard of the season; and visitors are well-advised to take precautions against bites. This is the beginning and the best time to see Venice. You sunshine and blue skies, cool temperatures and less crowds or heat of the summer. Good points: Best time to visit Venice; local businesses re-open; the Film Festival.  Bad points: Occasional heavy rains, mosquitoes.

October is a transitional month, between the cool/warm and cold/crisp air (winter). The "Acqua Alta" season starts and there will be the occasional flooding during high tides (around a full or new moon). Visitors may want to bring warm clothing, coats (especially for the evenings) and rain boots. Venice is a university town therefore you will see waves of students hanging outside the Dorsoduro bars. Good points: Fewer tourists.  Bad points: Beginning of the cold nights; not many mosquitoes.

November is the start of the winter, but generally less harsh than January and February. This is when the wonderfully rich drinks of hot chocolate that Venetians have enjoyed for centuries take full affect (Casanova swore by it). The Art Biennale (in odd-numbered years) begin to die down and close for the year until the next event. On  November 21^st, the festival of the "Salute" is celebrated, a temporary bridge is built over the Grand Canal to the Salute church served with a special mass.  Good points: Venice turns into a "local" town.  Bad points: Cold temperatures, grey cloudy skies.

December,  the weather is overwhelmed with grey skies, breaks of sun and cold temperatures. Venice gets very cold in winter and you'll need lots of layers of clothing and a hoodie. Though you will enjoy a mix of different events, such as: Grey shadow photographs, although they can also be superbly atmospheric: misty views, snow falling on the Grand Canal, and the shallow floods in St. Mark's Square. Definitely something you want to experience. Again, bring your rain boots. Good points: Quiet streets, cheaper accommodation rates, local atmosphere; hot chocolate.  Bad points: It can be cold, most of the time indoors, grey cloudy skies, mist and fog.

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Ristorante La Caravella: This restaurant serves great cuisine, mostly known for its excellent service and ambience. Quality is tremendous but quite expensive. They serve large portions and you will get your money's worth considering the price range in Venice. Good choice for picky eaters.

Osteria Da Fiore: If you enjoy Italian food and specially the Venitian Seafood Delicatesse, then you must visit Osteria Da Fiore!!... It's cooked simply to perfection, allowing the freshness of the seafood come through. The scampi (my favorite) and the "Moleche" (soft shell crab from Veneto) is delicious and ligh. The "Alghe" pasta (Colored Green is homemade with spinach) deliciously combined with fresh mussels. If you have a chance, buy their book... you can make Fiore dishes at home for yourself. Cuisines: European, Italian, Seafood

I Figli Delle Stelle (Giudecca):   Located on the Giudecca Canal, overlooking a sensational sunset, the lights of the city and all the boats going by. Most recommended dishes are the Little ears (pasta) in tomato sauce, and the Rissoto, simple but delicious. Seating is available on the banks of the Lagoon providing a romantic ambience and atmosphere. Only open 5 months out of the year. In May they make their own "Lemoncello". Cuisines: Italian, Mediterranean.

Alle Testiere (Castello):  It's run by two young men, a very small place near Campo Formossa in Venice. The menu is small and everything is fresh mainly serving seafood. It is an incredible little find - 22 seats, 2 seatings per table. You must book preferably for the 9.00 pm slot, otherwise, risk waiting in line. These logistics are important because despite the intimate and very friendly nature of this restaurant, it is absolutely professional. At Alla Testiere, the food was sublime, generous and passionate. The dishes are creative but not overdone. Closed in August.

Al Marca (Santa Croce): Located in the San Polo/Santa Croce area is known to locals and many tourists along the years to be the place of the best sanduiches, aperitifs in Venice. The prosciutto is a must have in this place. Try the spritz!

Cipriani (Giudecca): Known for exquisite menu and very expensive!  It provides a beautiful view of Venice as you dine offering a great ambience and comfort.

Met Restaurant: Just steps away from the main strip was this little quiet garden area with lovely plants, flowers and trickling fountain. Beautifully decorated with a calming garden dining area. A perfect place to step away from the chaos of San Marco Square area. It was charming, relaxing, excellent service, delicious food beautifully presented. Cuisines: Italian, Contemporary.

Vini da Gigio (Cannaregio): Lovely restaurant a stone's throw from S.Felice Vaporetto stop. It has tables by the windows looking out onto the canal. The portions are generous for Venetian standard, specializing in Venetian cuisine (both fish and meat varieties). It's very hard to find, even when you have the address. I would recommend booking in advance.

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When arriving in Venice you might feel a little confused at the beginning…this city after all has no cars, no taxis and you’ll immediately start feeling the unique (and charming) atmosphere of a city living on the water.

It worths to make up your mind in advance on how to get around in Venice so that you can feel yourself immediately at home at your arrival.

Here below is a short-guide about “vaporetti/waterbuses”. Please take a look at it as we believe it will make your acquaintance to the city much quicker and smoother!

We also recommend not to bring too many heavy luggages/trolleys with you on your trip, in fact you’ll soon find out that Venice requires a good amount of walking, getting on waterbuses and crossing bridges. Keep your luggage to a reasonable and comfortable level!

Waterbus or “Vaporetto”
The public boats called vaporetti and motoscafi run almost constantly, and you'll seldom have to wait more than a few minutes for one to come along.
For convenience, "vaporetto" is often used as a generic synonym for "water bus," but technically there are different types of boat:

• the "vaporetto," a flat-decked boat used on routes such as No. 1 (Grand Canal) and No. 2;
  
• the "motoscafo" (used for routes that go into the Lagoon);
  
• and the "motonave" (a large double-decked vessel that looks like a ship and is used for commuter service to the Lido, Punta Sabioni, and Treporti).

Vaporetto Line No. 1: The waterbus line you'll use most often is the No. 1, it runs up and down the Grand Canal and stops more than 20 times from Piazzale Roma (close to our Venice Office) to Santa Lucia Train Station, and then towards Rialto Bridge and Piazza San Marco. It's popular with tourists because it offers a leisurely tour of the Grand Canal and offers a quick way to get from one side of the canal to the other.

Vaporetto Line No. 2: This express line runs from San Zaccaria (above the Piazza San Marco) through the Giudecca Canal to the Piazzale Roma, and the railway station. It has fewer stops compared to line #1 so you can prefer it to line #1 (if your destination stop is on the line #2 as well as line #1) as it takes shorter.

Other Vaporetto Lines: There a number of other Vaporetto lines: Circular Routes (41,42,51,52,61,62), Seasonal Routes, Lagoon, etc please refer to Actv (the Venice public transportation system) printed timetable (orario) booklet that you can get at any ticket booth.

Where can I buy tickets for Vaporetto?
You have different ACTV booths (local transit company):
•    outside the Train Station of Santa Lucia (Ferrovia stop)
•    very next to the main bus station (Piazzale Roma stop)
•    at other major vaporetto stops: San Marco/Vallaresso, Rialto, Accademia, San Tomà and San Zaccaria.

How much does it cost?
The standard waterbus or autobus fare is about €6,50.
However, if you plan on traveling extensively by public transportation, you can save money with a 12h/24h/36h or 72-hour "tourist travel card”.
The validity starts from the moment in which you validate the card for the first time.
With Travel Cards you’ll be able to use almost any vaporetto line in Venice for the duration of the card. Ask at the booth for a vaporetto map and the supported lines.

How does the whole thing work?
Along the canals are the vaporetto stops. You’ll see some landing docks (which is not the vaporetto itself) where you are supposed to wait for the next vaporetto to arrive.

Before entering the waiting area you are required to pass your ticket or travel card on some dedicated machine. Just tap your card on it, no need to punch it. The reader will show a green light and will show on the display the validity of your card (i.e. the expiry time/date).

Inside and outside the waiting area are some panels that will tell you which vaporetto is approaching and at what time is it supposed to arrive. If there is more than one landing, you’ll first need to identify the correct one, then board when the boat arrives.

You might also be requested by the conductor to show your ticket when onboard the vaporetto. Always make sure to validate your ticket before boarding the boat.

If you board at a stop that doesn't have a ticket office, approach the conductor immediately after boarding and ask for a ‘biglietto’ (ticket) otherwise you could be fined for traveling without a ticket.

How do I get from here to San Marco/Rialto/etc?

Again, you basically will have to identify by which vaporetto stops you are, which vaporetto line will get to your destination stop (most probably you’ll use line n.1) and the direction to your destination. The vaporetti have little signs on the front of the ships telling you which line they are and where they are going.
Once on the vaporetto the attendant will be announcing the approaching vaporetto stop name loudly before stopping, giving you enough time to prepare and get off. A schedule with specific times, stops, and direction is located at the entrance of each landing.

Enjoy Venice!

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Italy enjoys a typical Mediterranean climate of the Mediterranean coasts of Italy. It is at its most comfortable from April through June, and again from mid-September to October, which are also known as the "beautiful October days" for its sunny and warm days. By August, the temperature during the heat of the day often exceeds 32 °C (90 °F).

 

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