Can anyone give me some advice on planning a trip to Carnivale 2008?

Question

I am very interested in going in 2008, but don't even know where to start. I can only be there approximately 7 nights 8 days, should I go at the beginning of the festivities or at the end? Please help!!!

Answer 1

This year reported record attendance I would start booking now for 2009

Answer 2

It depends.  How rowdy do you like it?  If you want to see a more sedate, classy carnevale, go towards the beginning.  If you want to experience a louder, more extravagant party, go towards the end.

Definitely book your hotel well in advance.  I'm assuming you're going to Venezia.  The hotels there book up FAST.  Carnevale is also celebrated elsewhere, like Viareggio, but it's not as famous.  It is really good there, however, and less touristy.

Here's the official website of the Venice Carnevale: www.carnevale.venezia.it.  If you click on the Union Jack on the left side, you can get the site in English.  Obviously, the site still reflects the 2007 Carnevale, which is still going on.  But it will be updated for the 2008 Carnevale eventually.

Answer 3

First of all, if you're going for carnevale, you must go to the MOST FAMOUS carnevale parade, which is in Viareggio.  If you arrive by train, you get a deduction off you ticket.  Here's the website, with an English link: http://www.viareggio.ilcarnevale.com/car...  Now, if you want to go to Venice, here's a link to that: http://www.visitvenice.co.uk/venice-carn...  In venice you can find masks/costumes for the event, from cheap to unbelievably expensive.  7 days should give you enough time to do both places.  In Viareggio, you are very close to Lucca, a nice small town to visit, but Florence is only an hour away (by train) - and it is the best city in Italy!  Good luck!