8 Best Day Trips From Venice, Italy
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Ah, Venice. This picturesque, Italian city had long been on my travel bucketlist (isn’t it on everyone’s?!), and I am happy to say that I finally made it happen! Ever since my first visit in 2017, Italy has remained one of my favorite countries to date.
There’s something truly magical about the cobblestone Italian streets— you step outside of your Airbnb and feel like you’re in a dreamworld. The heavenly smells of fresh Margherita pizza, words being spoken in a romantic language that you can’t understand a word of (except for “Ciao, Bella!” of course), and the endless hidden alleyways that you could get lost in & never want to return.
And while this bucket-list city certainly offers enough excitement to keep visitors occupied, its also worth taking advantage of nearby cities and exploring things to do outside Venice— Venice is conveniently located just a few hours away from some of the top spots in the country. Whether you decide to plan for a half-day or full-day trip, you’ll definitely want to check out this list of day trips from Venice before your journey begins!
Feel free to skip to any specific section using the links below. :)
Table of Contents
1. The Lagoon Islands— Murano, Burano & Torcello
Alright, I have a slight confession to make— I didn’t actually visit all 3 of Venice’s Lagoon Islands (although I do wish I had planned ahead to make it happen). With that being said, I was able to make a day trip from Venice to one of the islands— and let me tell ya, it was well worth my while.
Just a quick ferry ride journey from Venice lies an incredibly vibrant little town that has no shortage of visitors on any given day (and for good reason). The minute I stepped off the boat and arrived in Burano, I felt like I was walking right into a storybook. There’s a good reason why the locals call this town a ‘photographer’s dream come true’— the rainbow-colored houses, lace shops, bakeries & gelato stands are reason enough to make you want to cancel your return flight and call Burano your new home.
What to do in Murano, Burano and Torcello
Although I was unable to explore all 3 of the Lagoon islands, I can tell you that Murano, Burano and Torcello each respectively offer a unique experience for visitors. With glass blowing in Murano, embroidery in Torcello and lace production in Burano, you’ll truly never run out of entertainment options during a day trip from Venice to the Lagoon islands.
Check out Glass Blowing in Murano:
Glass blowers in Murano possess a talent like no other— these local artists will transform molten glass into delicate ornaments, all right in front of your eyes. Holding its own as the most well-known Murano attraction, I would highly recommend looking into the glass-blowing experience before ya go! I’ve added a few tours below to help you get on the right track.
Recommended Glass Blowing Murano Tour
Lace Production in Burano:
The local Burano artists have transformed lace production into a well-renowned phenomenon for the island.
Recommended Lace Production Burano Tour
Snack on some delicious gelato
I mean, did you even really go to Italy if you didn’t pop in one of the colorful shops for a scoop (or four…) of mouthwatering gelato?! No need to worry about the calories— they don’t count when you’re on vacation (am I right or am I right..?!).
How to get to Murano, Burano and Torcello from Venice
You can choose to take the vaporetto (water taxi) from Fondamente Nove “A” over to each destination, as your journey won’t be too far from Venice— about 45 minutes to reach Burano. However, I would highly suggest booking a tour so you can get the most out of your Lagoon Islands experience! As I said before, I unfortunately didn’t have time for all 3 islands during my trip (and was kicking myself in the foot about it later… can’t win em all). With that being said, I’ve rounded up a few of the best Lagoon Islands guided tours so you can plan out your day trip from Venice a little better than I did:
Murano and Burano Tour
Murano Burano Torcello Tour
Aside from the mouthwatering sweet treats, there are a number of amazing activities to explore in the Lagoon Islands. And if you’re a color fanatic like me, then you definitely won’t want to miss out on one of the many amazing day trips from Venice to the beautiful islands of Burano, Murano and Torcello.
2. Florence
Ah, Florence. The first city I ever visited in Italy and one that will forever be a cherished favorite. Florence (or Firenze) has so much to offer its visitors, yet it somehow remains a fairly walkable city.
From having a gelato near the Ponte Vecchio bridge to experiencing a pizza/wine sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo , you’ll never be bored during your time in Florence. And with Venice and Florence being only a 3 hour train ride from one another, you’ll definitely want to consider taking a day trip from Venice at some point during your journey.
What to do in Florence
Bell Tower and the Duomo:
If you’re an early riser (yea I’m not either, don’t worry), you’ll want to leave your apartment to get over to the Duomo by 8am and get in line for the Bell Tower and the Dome on top of the Church. During the day, and particularly during the busy summer season, you’ll find these lines wrapped around the entire building— which is why I recommend an early start. Once you get there, though, you’ll be able to witness breathtaking, panoramic views of Florence as far as the eye can see— so that early morning might just be worth your while. Want to skip the lines AND the early morning altogether? Check out this tour below— don’t worry, you can thank me later.
Florence Duomo Tour
Treat yourself at Pizzeria Toto:
Serving up the best pizza in Florence, you definitely won’t want to pass up a dining opportunity at this local hidden gem. For just 20 Euros, you can snag a giant pizza that can probably feed a family of 4 (unless you’re like me and have zero control with pizza). You can even finish the experience with Nutella calzones to satisfy you’re sweet-tooth cravings!
Address for Pizzeria Toto:
Via Dante Alighieri, 28/red, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy
Sunset views of Florence at Piazzale Michelangelo
If I can suggest any one thing during your day trip from Venice to Florence, it would without a doubt be to see Piazzale Michelangelo at sunset. This spot offers the most breathtaking views of Florence— so go snag some Monna Lisa Vino Rosso D’Italia (I only suggest red wines, sorry) make a quick stop for some traditional Italian snacks & then head on over to Piazzale Michelangelo for the sunset of a lifetime (I’m not exaggerating, I actually cried of happiness).
Segway Tour Florence Italy
How to get from Venice to Florence
You can get from Venice to Florence by car, and the journey will be approximately 2 hours and 50 minutes. Alternatively, you can choose to take a high-speed train, which will cut your travel time by at least half an hour. Below, I’ve listed one of the high-speed train routes that will not only take you over to Florence, but provide you with a guided tour of the city as well (great option for people like me who avoid planning at any & every cost).
Venice to Florence Tour
Florence Tour Highlights:
Round-trip transportation from Venice to Florence— enjoy the scenic views of the breathtaking Italian countryside from the convenience of a high-speed train
Enjoy the top sites of Florence— Academy Gallery, Uffizi Gallery, Piazza Cesare Beccaria & the arch at Piazza Libertà (among others)
Take in the breathtaking views of Florence from Piazzale Michelangelo (my absolute favorite place in the entire city).
Mini tasting tour at Mercato Centrale
Walking tour with a professional local guide
To purchase your ticket:
First, you’ll need to click this link: Florence: Day Trip from Venice by High-Speed Train. Once you’re on the booking site, you’ll need to choose the amount of participants and preferred date, then select “Check Availability”. You should then see the tour & price breakdown— simply follow the payment process and you’ll be all set!
3. Verona
Easily one of the most romantic destinations in Italy (and conveniently located nearby Venice)— Verona. If you’ve seen rom-com “Letters to Juliet”, you might know Verona as the city where the heartbroken come to leave letters to Shakespeare’s tragic heroine, Juliet Capulet. But Verona offers so much more than Juliet’s Balcony— visitors flock to the city for its rich history, the opera or, quite frankly, to fall in love. Whether that be with a stranger, a beautiful moment or the city of Verona itself.
If you’re looking for the best Verona experience, I would highly recommend planning ahead by booking a guided tour (less planning hassle for you— win-win!). I’ve rounded up a few of the best Verona tour options below:
Verona tour from Venice
Verona Tour Highlights:
Round-trip transportation from Venice to Verona— enjoy the scenic drive that begins in Venice and takes you through the romantic Northern Italy countryside into Verona
Enjoy the top sites of Verona— Climb up to Castel San Pietro and take in the dreamiest views of Verona, then visit the home of Shakespeare’s Juliet and see Juliet’s famed balcony
Skip the lines for the ancient 1st century Roman amphitheater (one of the top opera venues in the world)
Explore the beautiful Piazza Bra, Verona’s heart & soul
All venue ticket costs included with purchase
English-speaking local tour guide
To purchase your ticket:
First, you’ll need to click this link: Romeo and Juliet’s Verona: Full-Day Trip from Venice.Once you’re on the booking site, you’ll need to select the amount of participants and preferred date for your visit, then select “Check Availability”. You should then see the tour & price breakdown— just follow the payment process and you’ll be good to go! Note that ticket purchase does not include lunch or gratuities, so you may want to bring some extra cash!
Verona Walking tour
4. Lake Garda (Lago di Garda)
Lake Garda, or Lago di Garda, is located about an hour and a half outside of Venice, making it the perfect day trip from Venice. Enjoy a traditional Italian summer with the fam— go swimming at the “beach” (lake), snag a few scoops of gelato or sip on an iced cold beer right by the water.
And if you really want the complete Lake Garda experience, you might want to check out the 2-Hour Guided Trike Tour—you’ll be able to drive through all of the pretty villages and get the most scenic views of the lake along your journey.
Lake Garda Boat Tour
How to get from Venice to Lake Garda
You can take a direct fast train (‘frecciarossa’) from Stazione Santa Lucia to Desenzano del Garda; the journey will take around 1 hr 30 min
You can also take one of the regular trains from Stazione Santa Lucia (changing at Verona) to Desenzano del Garda; the journey will take around 2 hours
5. Dolomites
Easily one of the most loved destinations in Italy for adventure enthusiasts— the beautiful Dolomites region. For those that enjoy hiking and breathtaking panoramic views from way above, this is the spot for you. And being only about 100 miles from Venice, Dolomites makes for one of the best day trips from Venice.
How to get from Venice to Dolomites:
While there are a number of ways you could get from Venice to the Dolomites, you might want to make your planning process a whole lot easier by booking a guided tour. I would highly suggest checking out the following options below:
Dolomites tour from Venice
Dolomites Tour Highlights:
Round-trip transportation from Venice to Dolomites
Head to the Dolomites and enjoy the stunning mountain scenery along the way
Get a breathtaking panoramic view at the peaks of Faloria
Visit relaxing Lake Misurina
English speaking local driver
To purchase your ticket:
First, you’ll need to click this link: Cortina & Dramatic Dolomites Full-Day Tour from Venice. Once you’re on the booking site, you’ll need to choose the amount of participants and preferred date, then select “Check Availability”. You’ll be able to see the tour/price breakdown— simply follow the payment process and you’ll be set! Note that ticket purchase does not include lunch or gratuities, so you may want to bring some extra cash.
Additional Venice - Dolomites Tour options
6. Treviso
Treviso is the city that I flew into upon arrival in Venice, and one that is often overlooked. But with its endless, winding canals, you can easily mistake the city for a “mini Venice” (with way less tourist crowds). With Treviso being recognized as the birthplace to both prosecco and tiramisu, your taste buds definitely won’t be neglected on a day trip from Venice to Treviso.
What to do in Treviso
Drink wine, duh. Alright, in all seriousness, a trip to Treviso is incomplete without a wine tasting at Castello di Roncade. Be sure to check out one of the guided tours below which offer tastings of rich & flavorful local products, right from the castle’s cellar.
Treviso wINE Tour
How to get from Venice to Treviso
You can take a train from Stazione Santa Lucia to Treviso Centrale; a single ticket will cost €3.55 and the journey will take around 30 minutes in total. Super quick & easy day trip, if you ask me!
7. Padua
Being only a 30 minute train ride from Venice, Padua makes for the perfect day trip from Venice.
Things to do in Padua Italy
Well-known for holding the title of second oldest university in all of Italy, Padua is a city of rich history and impeccable art. I mean— Padua is the city where Galileo taught. If that’s not impressive, I don’t know what is! If you decide to make the day trip from Venice to Padua, make sure to stop by the Botanical Gardens— they are the oldest in Europe and definitely worth checking out (if weather allows for it, of course).
How do you get from Venice to Padua?
While there are a number of ways you can get from Venice to Padua, I would highly recommend an arranged tour for your journey!
Venice to Padua Tour
Padua Tour Highlights:
Cruise from Venice to Padua on a full-day excursion
View more than 70 villas from the river & tour 3 of them
Learn about the art & history of Padua from the tour on-board
Ticket Includes:
One-way boat cruise from Venice to the center of Padua (return tickets can be purchased on board)
Guide in 4 languages
Entrance to Villa Pisani, Villa Vidmann & Villa Foscari “La Malcontenta”
To purchase your ticket:
First, you’ll need to click this link: Venice to Padua Full-Day Brenta Riviera Boat Cruise. Once you’re on the booking site, you’ll need to choose the amount of participants and preferred date, then select “Check Availability”. After reviewing the schedule & price breakdown, you can follow the payment process and you’ll be ready to go!
8. Rome
Can you do a day trip from vENICE TO rOME?
Short answer: Absolutely!
Long answer: You’ll definitely need to plan ahead for it.
Even just a quick glance at a map of Italy will confirm that Venice & Rome aren’t exactly next door neighbors. And while you technically could book a flight from Venice to Rome, you would probably be better off avoiding the airport hassle and additional time/money spent on the journey.
I personally would recommend taking a train from Venice to Rome— most of the train journeys will take around 4-5 hours in total (one-way). However, you’ll want to plan ahead because the longer journeys (particularly overnight trains) can take anywhere from 6-8 hours.
If you’re in a time crunch and just want to explore Rome for the day, consider checking out this high-speed train ride from Venice to Rome!
train from Venice to Rome
Ticket Includes:
Round-trip transportation by high-speed train from Venice to Rome
Hop-on hop-off bus ticket for your visit in Rome
Tour of the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel
To purchase your ticket:
First, you’ll need to click this link: Rome: Journey by High Speed Train from Venice. Choose your date, follow the payment process, and you’ll be good to go!
Additional Tour Options:
Rome Vespa Tour
Rome by Night Tour
I hope that ya found this guide useful for scouting out some of the best day trips from Venice! Feel free to leave a comment below with more suggestions; I would love to learn more about your Italy experience(s), and know which day trips from Venice that YOU recommend! :)
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Hi there! I’m Fallon. A Florida native who, after receiving my masters degree in the U.K., decided to nix the 9-5 path in search of something more. Now, I run my graphic design & photography business straight from my laptop, all while traveling the world. I’ve now traveled to over 25 countries and have knocked some pretty big adventures off my bucket list… and I’m just getting started. Follow along my journey as I present tips, guides and resources on solo female travel, photography, videography, entrepreneurship & the crazy lifestyle of a digital nomad.