We're arriving at the airport in Venice at 9:30 the morning of the big Vogalonga rowing race (June 4 this year), and are concened about how to make our way to our hotel. It's Ca'Zose in the Dorsuduro area, which one would normally reach most easily from the Salute vaporetto stop (line #1 I think). Since I understand much of the Grand Canal is closed for the race (approx 8:00 AM to 2:30 PM), what's the best way to get to where we need to go? There appears to be a 51-52 vaporetto route that stops at Zaterre; we'd planned on taking the bus in from the airport. I e-mailed the hotel, and they suggested the Alilaguna from the airport to St. Marks, than vaporetto to Salute. However, they were not aware the race was on that day; After I e-mailed them again about the race date, they said they'd get back to us, but meanwhile I thought I'd check with the Venice experts. I did read the trip report that describes the race, and any other previous postings that mentioned it, and we're very happy we'll be there for at least part of it--if we can just get there!

I like this race much more than Regatta Storica. Everyone's practicing like crazy here, especially on the weekends, young and old, up and down beneath my window, drums beating to keep time on the bigger boats...it's grand!

Confirm this with the hotel, but I think your best bet will be the bus, then the 82 or 51 from Piazzale Roma to le Zattere, then walk (there's more than a bridge or two, btw) down the Zattere and back left to the hotel. Alilaguna might have an alternate plan (they run to the Zattere), but again, best to ask them directly at alilaguna.com.

The race will have begun early with a canon boom , and the boats will circle Murano and re-enter the Cannaregio Canal, but you're right, the Canal will be closed till mid-afternoon, so they'll be no Salute stop till then.

If you want info direct from the source, drop an e-mail here, at the ACTV.it site..