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Frequently asked questions about Venice
What top attractions are a must-see in Venice?
The must-see attractions in Venice are:
What are the best tours in Venice?
What are the best day trips and excursions from Venice?
The best day trips and excursions from Venice are:
Murano
What are the best tours to do in Venice with kids?
What are the best outdoor activities to do in Venice?
The best outdoor activities to do in Venice are:
What are the best indoor activities in Venice for rainy days?
The best indoor activities in Venice for rainy days are:
What are the best inexpensive tours in Venice?
These are the best activities when you are visiting Venice on a budget:
What are the best deals and discounts on activities and attractions in Venice?
These are the best deals and discounts on activities and attractions in Venice:
What are the most popular museums and exhibitions in Venice?
These are the most popular museums and exhibitions in Venice:
5 best day trips from Venice
1. Day trip to Venetian Lagoon Islands
A trip to the Venetian Lagoon is a popular excursion from Venice. Explore Murano, Burano, and Torcello and discover what each of these unique, arresting islands has to offer. Admire the views over St. Mark's Basin en route to Murano. Witness the town’s world-famous glassblowers in action and pick up a few pieces to bring home. Next, travel to see the unparalleled serenity of Burano. Wander among its iconic rainbow-colored houses and shop for fine lace and embroidery. Finally, immerse yourself in the mystical and mythical island of Torcello, dotted with the ruins of its glorious past. Torcello was the first island in the Venetian lagoon to be populated, and it’s also where the habitation of Venice and its legendary craftsmanship and entrepreneurialism began.
How far are the Venetian Lagoon Islands from Venice?
The islands of the Venetian Lagoon are about 10 kilometers (6 miles) from Venice. Traveling by boat usually takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
2. Day trip to Verona
Immortalized by Shakespeare, Verona is a popular day trip destination from Venice. Visitors can stand beneath the very balcony where Romeo once called up to his beloved Juliet. If you’re looking for more than a tragic love story, Verona has plenty of ancient Roman history to explore. Venture to the famous Roman amphitheater, today home to open-air operas each summer and people watch from the shade of a café on Piazza Mercato, Piazza dei Signori, or Piazza Erbe. Learn how the city has developed over the centuries, including the construction of the medieval Castelvecchio and the tombs of the Scaligeri family at the church of Santa Maria Antica. Before you leave, don’t forget to admire the Roman bridge over the Adige River.
How far is Verona from Venice?
Verona is about 115 kilometers miles (72 miles) inland from Venice. By car, the journey takes about an hour and 20 minutes. You can usually get there a couple of minutes faster if you travel by train.
3. Day trip to Lake Garda
As the largest lake in Italy, Lake Garda’s shores are lined with quaint resorts and historic villages. For fans of boating, fishing, swimming, and other popular watersports, it’s the ideal destination for a day trip. Make a pit stop in Sirmione, a small village at the end of a narrow peninsula extending into the lake, to soak in its dramatic vistas and thermal baths. See Roman-era villas, ancient pillars, and stone walls in Limone sul Garda. Afterward, take the ferry to Riva del Garda, for some window shopping and lunch at a pizzeria along the promenade.
How far is Lake Garda from Venice?
Lake Garda is 200 kilometers (124 miles) east of Venice. A car or bus tour will get you there in about 2 hours and 15 minutes.
4. Day trip to Padua and Riviera del Brenta
Spend some time walking around the old town of < a href= "https://www.getyourguide.com/padua-l388/">Padua and experience one of Italy’s most fascinating cities. Don’t miss the stunning Basilica of Saint Anthony or the University of Padua, one of the world’s oldest institutions for higher learning. The Palazzo della Ragione, the ancient seat of the city courts, hosts a vegetable market by day and transforms into a local gathering place for coffee, desserts, and aperitifs in the evening. As a university city, Padua’s nightlife is vibrant, youthful, and ever-changing. In particular, be sure to check out the legendary Caffè Pedrocchi.
How far are Padua and Brenta Riviera from Venice?
The trip by car or tour bus is about 41 kilometers (25 miles), and takes just 40 minutes. However, the high-speed rail line will get you there in under half an hour.
5. Day trip to the Dolomites and Cortina d’Ampezzo
If mountain vistas and idyllic lakes get you excited, head to Cortina and the Dolomites. This welcome escape from the crowds of Venice makes for a picturesque day trip. En route, disappear into deep tunnels before emerging to discover photo-worthy views of canyons and valleys. Cortina, appropriately called the "Pearl of the Dolomites," is known for its crisp mountain air. Weather permitting, take the cable car up to Faloria, which overlooks the town from a lofty 7,000-foot high mountain perch. Trek onward and upward to Lake Misurina, to the dizzying peaks of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo for more unforgettable views of the Dolomites. For a relaxing last stop, make your way to the crystalline Lake Auronzo while heading back to Venice.
How far is Cortina d’Ampezzo and the Dolomites from Venice?
Cortina is 158 kilometers (98 miles) directly north of Venice. A car will be your fastest transport option, clocking in at about 2 hours. The train and bus both take closer to 3 hours.
Venice Day Trip FAQ
What transportation options are best for my day trip?
• Venice day trips by train
For numerous day trips outside the city, traveling from Venice by train is an appealing and accessible option. Some of the biggest day trips that can be taken by train include Verona, Lake Garda, Padua, and Cortina.
• Venice day trips by bus
Many companies offer service for day trips from Venice by bus. In fact, many guided tour tickets include bus transport, and some even offer hotel pickup to make your day trip to Verona or the Dolomites that much easier.
• Venice day trips by car
You might prefer taking the transportation for your day trip from Venice into your own hands. In that case, traveling by car will typically be the fastest option for getting around Italy.
Should I take a guided tour for my day trip?
With so many local customs to learn about around Venice, having an expert guide lead you through your day is an excellent option for making the most of your time. For some trips, like those out to the lake or mountains, you might want to venture off on your own and explore the natural beauty of Italy.
What should I pack for my day trip?
Adapting to the local climate around Venice means dressing in loose, breathable clothing and wearing comfortable and sturdy sneakers or sandals. Pack a towel and swim trunks for hitting the many beaches, lakes, and rivers that surround you.
Top Attractions in Venice
- 13 Grand Canal
- 20 Pala d'Oro
Things to Do in Venice
Other Sightseeing Options in Venice
Want to discover all there is to do in Venice? Click here for a full list.
What people are saying about Venice
Had to queue for two hours outside and too crowded inside.
Sadly our general admission ticket was for a Sunday but this was the only opportunity to attend. I have always wanted to visit Versailles but the two hour queue up meandering up and down the pavement in the hot sun was very unpleasant and by the time we entered I had lost interest. Once inside the queues continued and people were squashed against each other, and with the very warm conditions made it even more unpleasant. Too crowded, too hot and not the 'wow' factor palace that I had read so much about. Some of the palace was not even accessible, even more disappointing. There were a few moments of enjoyment, but only a few. I appreciate that it's a very popular tourist attraction and it's the summer season for tourism but I won't return.
06/01/2023 Tour of the Murano, Burano and Torricelli islands On the DOGE, we paid only 25 euros each despite the day of public holidays. Good experience. We have seen how glass is made in Murano and what about Burano, a magnificent and magical island not to be missed. Very kind and very professional staff. If you don't have this experience you will miss a quarter of Venice
Great tour! Seeing more of Venice rather than just the usual - the glass making part seemed more like a one stop to make money in the gift shop but Murano was beautiful and Torcello was delightful, such stunning places filled with life and character
What an incredible experience! Riccardo was very knowledgeable and went out of his way to ensure that we had a fantastic experience. The wineries were both fantastic. I can't recommend this tour enough!
excellent tour guide. fantastic service. pick up points at each location fantastic. glass tour a must. good discount in store afterwards.
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