Your Italy Trip

The Absolute BEST Day Trips from Venice, Italy

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As it’s one of Italy’s most popular destinations, you might be interested what the best day trips from Venice are to maximise your time in Northeast Italy. Basing yourself in Venice and doing side trips from the canal-centric city will mean less hotel changes and more time to actually enjoy your holiday.

Venice, while a little pricy to stay in, is just so gosh darn beautiful. There is so much architecture to see and wandering to do among its pretty streets. It can be a little busy during the day but by basing yourself there you be able to experience the city at sunset and sunrise, where it will be quieter and more beautiful.

With the freedom to wander the city itself once the crowds die down, you can spend you days experiencing nearby cities in the region such as the my favourites below.

 

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Currency: Euro

Language: Italian

Daily budget: $65+ Euros

How to get to Venice: Venice is most easily reached by train, and you’ll get dropped off at Venice’s Santa Lucia train station. However you can also get there by bus or air.

How to get around: Walking is probably the best way to get around Venice for short distances, otherwise hop on one of the water buses if you need to travel further distances.

Electronics: In Venice, and the rest of the country, you’ll need a two pronged adapter (circular prongs). You may also need a transformer for voltage, with Italy using 110V products. Make sure you check what you devices use, especially for hair care products, as mixing voltages can damage your devices or even cause a fire.

Is Venice Safe?: Yes, Venice is pretty safe for travels. Watch your belongings, as you would anywhere, but you’ll feel pretty safe here.

 

Burano

Burano is a quaint little island that is probably the most common day trip from Venice. The island is a short ferry trip away and is famous for its coloured buildings that run along a smaller canal than the ones in Venice.

To get here you can hop on the regular ferries from Venice, just beware that it can get quite crowded as the day goes on. So if you want photos with less people in them, catch one of the first ferries out.

 

Verona

Made famous by Shakespeare’s setting of Romeo and Juliet, Verona is a charming town to visit. The ancient city is built between the meandering Adige River and only less than two hours ride by train or bus. If you are a lover of Renaissance art there are plenty of museums and churches in the city to spend your day.

One of the main attractions of the town is Piazza Delle Erbe which is in the heart of Verona’s historic centre. Another one is Verona Arena which usually hosts the Arena Opera Festival from June to September.

Day Tour Suggestions:

 

Siena

Siena is one of Italy’s loveliest medieval cities. Famous for its Palio that takes place twice in a year, the town is listed as a world heritage site by UNESCO. Filled with beautiful and interesting places, you should visit Piazza del Campo, one of the biggest medieval squares in the world. If you aren’t afraid of height, you should venture up the 88 meters (400 steps) of the Torre del Mangai.

From the top, you will have a great view of Piazza del Campo, Siena and the surrounding of the city. Keep in mind, you can travel from Vienna to Siena by train or bus with the train being the faster of the two.

 

Venice Lido

40 minutes ferry ride, Venice Lido is a great way to relax for some few hours. The beach has many kilometers long of sandy beach ideal for families. Apart from swimming, you can just lazily lie on the sand or read a book. Surfing and other water sports are of course very popular on the beaches of Lodo.

For more entertainment, you can spend an afternoon exploring the island by bike. Cycle along the lagoon and spot the myriad tiny islands and don’t forget to check out the impressive fortress of Murazzi which was built in the 18th century.

Day tour ideas:

  • Use an all day (or 2-3 day) public transport pass to visit Lido and other hotspots in Venice. See prices here.
  • Half day bike tour of Lido. Find out more here.
  • Hop on hop off bus (not public transport, but shared with others): See prices and stops here.

 

San Gimignano

One of Tuscany’s quaint towns, San Gimignano is known as the Town of Fine Towers. With plenty to keep its visitors occupied, you can start by exploring La Rocca di Montestaffoli, the ruins of 14th century fortress above the town. The lovely olive groves will provide great shade from the sun as you take in the views of the rolling Tuscany hills.

The top of Torre Grossa is another place you can view the picturesque countryside, the tallest tower is known to date from 1298. Although it takes a couple of hours from Venice, San Gimignano is accessible by train or bus.

 

Ravenna

Known for its colorful mosaics adorning many of its central buildings, Ravenna is an elegant town in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. One of the places to visit is Basilica di San Francesco which was built in 450. The church was dedicated to Saint Peter and Saint Paul.

However, if you are more into relaxation, visit one of the seaside resorts on the coast side of the town. There is nothing great like taking a swim or just dipping your toes in the sand as you enjoy the sound of the ocean. Note that, you can take a train or bus from Venice to Ravenna.

Day tours from Venice:

  • Private tour from Venice: see the best prices here.
  • Private car transfer between Florence and Venice with a stop in Ravenna along the way. Find more information here.

 

Lake Garda

Lake Garda is Italy’s most famous as well as the largest lake. Accessible by train or ferry, the crystal clear lake is surrounded by lemon trees, magnolia, cypresses, and olive trees. Since the lake stretches from the steep alpine foothills to the northern edge of the Po Valley, there are a lot of activities to enjoy.

You can take a boat ride across the lake, stroll along the shore or just relax in the cool atmosphere. If you have time, visit the nearby producers of olive oil, and learn about their traditional methods of production.

Day trips from Venice:

 

Padua

26 minutes by train, a day trip to Padua from Venice is a great option. Called Padova by the Italians, this wonderful town is known for Prato Della Valle, the second largest square in Europe. The square is popular with locals as well as tourists since its ideal for many activities. You can walk, run, roller skate or just relax while reading a book.

Another place you can wander for hours is the town’s former ghetto. Housing the synagogue which is still in use up to today.

Day trips from Venice:

 

Vicenza

Only 44 minutes by train, Vicenza is yet another town worth a day trip from Venice. Famed for its architecture, the historical town main attraction is the buildings designed by Andrea Palladio. The architect’s main buildings were Palladian Basilica and the Palazzo Chiericati, now home to an art gallery.

However, the Teatro Olimpico, constructed in 1580-1585 is the key attraction of the town and was the final design by the Andrea. Sadly, the theater was not completed until after the designer’s death.

Day tour from Venice:

  • Private day trip to Vicenza and Verona from Venice (luxury): Find the latest prices here.

 

Trieste

Offering something different from other day trips from Rome, Trieste is truly an amazing town to visit. From its castles to its square, it’s myriad to its seafront, there is so much to explore in this beautiful city. Only 2 hours by bus or train, the Piazza Unita Italia is a must-visit when in Trieste. Known as the largest square situated next to the sea in Europe, the square has several prestigious and important buildings lined up close to its.

One of them is the Town Hall, Palazzo del Governo, Palazzo del Lloyd Triestino, and Palazzo Pitteri. Interestingly each of them features a stunning design and beautiful architecture worth being admired for hours. Aside from the buildings, there are also several splendid monuments and statues placed at several intervals in the square.

 

The Dolomites

A favorite destination for nature lovers and outdoors, the dolomites are a mountainous region in the Northern Italian Alps. 3 hours and 30 minutes by bus from Venice, there are so many activities worth your time once you reach the area. You can barrow downhill on a mountain bike and enjoy stunning views along winding trails and bumpy cycling paths.

If the weather allows it, you can take a quick trip up in the cable car from Cortina up to Faloria for a panoramic view of the area.  Note that, if you happen to be around the Dolomites in the winter season, you can ski or snowboard on the spectacular slopes.

Day tours from Venice:

  • Express bus ticket from Venice to Cortina: find prices here.
  • Dolomite and countryside tour from Venice. Both of these are great options with slightly different focuses: tour 1 or tour 2. Alternatively, if you can afford it check out this private tour for 2.

 

Asolo

Surprisingly known as the city of a hundred horizons, Asolo is one of Veneto’s kept a secret when it comes to tourists. Almost two hours by bus, the charming town has several medieval buildings to its name. First of all, you can visit the 13th castle of Queen Cornaro, which is now a theatre.

Secondly, there is a 9th-century tower high above the town as well as a cathedral which dates back in parts to the 10 century. If you are interested in antiques, then you can visit the antique fair which is mostly held every second Sunday of the month. The fair attracts people from far and wide and makes it a great place to buy, sell and interact with others.

Day trip:

  • Day tour to Padova and Asolo from Venice. See the best prices here.

 

Murano Island

The home of the most beautiful glassware in the world, Murano Island is a tiny island in the Venetian lagoon. The island is rich with culture and traditions and for lovers of art, history, fine craftsmanship, the town is definitely the place to be. Only 20 minutes by foot you can take a walk around the island and see the Palazzo Da Mula, the municipality building.

The building dates back to the 13th century and features the gothic façade, popular in Venetian Architecture. The canals along the islands with the three remaining churches are also reason enough to take a stroll in the town.

Day tours from Venice:

  • This is probably the most popular tour (and cheap too), its the Burano and Murano + glass factory tour. See the best prices here.
  • Murano, Burano and Torcello boat trip: find more details here.
  • Hop on / hop off boat around Venice and the islands: see stops and prices here.

 

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