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Looking for the best day trips from Venice, Italy? Look no further than this comprehensive list of the top day tours from Venice as recommended by travel experts.
Venice has got to be one of the most beautiful cities in Italy and the entire world. Filled with romantic canals, gorgeous architecture, delicious food, and rich history, there’s really no other city like Venice on the planet!
Whether you’re visiting for a romantic getaway or a solo trip, you’re bound to fall in love with The Floating City.
And while you’re here, make sure to take a day or two to explore more of amazing Italy.
From the picturesque islands of the Venice Lagoon to the mighty Dolomites or stunning historic cities, there’s also no shortage of great Venice day trips to indulge in.
So without further ado, here are the best day-trips from Venice according to fellow travel bloggers.
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Best Day Trips from Venice:
Desenzano del Garda
Recommended by Lena from Salut from Paris
Lake Garda, at the foot of the Italian Alps, is known as the gate to the south and is a wonderful destination to escape the Venice buzz. The easiest city to visit on a Venice to Lake Garda day trip is Desenzano del Garda, only a short 2-hour train ride away from La Serenissima.
Start your day at Lake Garda by taking a morning Cappuccino and a jam-stuffed Brioche at one of the charming bars on Piazza Malvezzi, the historic center of Desenzano. It is located right by the old harbor, where you can witness local fishermen bring in their catch.
If you visit on a Tuesday, you are in luck: it’s market day! A great occasion to stock up on regional specialties.
The old town of Desenzano is also a lovely place for shopping, with many boutiques and souvenir stores.
From there, it’s just a short walk to the Castello di Desenzano, a 600-year-old fortress that was once built to protect the city from the barbarians. Today, it is the major landmark of Desenzano and a remarkable viewpoint over the town itself but also over the beautiful Lake Garda.
If you are interested in the significant Roman history of the area, you can also visit the Villa Roman. The archeological excavation site is especially recognized for its mosaics.
After visiting the old town and the city’s highlights, you should certainly not miss the beach of Desenzano. While you can of course just set base by the seaside and relax, I suggest you take a walk by the shore, though.
The promenade extends over kilometers, with many bars and restaurants to enjoy a break, but mostly, to take in the magnificent views over the south shore of Lake Garda and the Alps, that you see on the horizon.
End your day on a perfect note with a beautiful sunset boat tour around Lake Garda.
Vicenza
Recommended by Enzo from Incurable Traveler
Only 75 km away from Venice, Vicenza is the great forgotten city of the Veneto. It must be said that the city is in the midst of much more famous attractions, and few take a day trip from Venice to Vicenza.
The main attraction here is the buildings designed by the famous 16th-century architect Andrea Palladio.
Listed as a Unesco World Heritage Site, the Olympic Theater is Vicenza’s absolute highlight, as Palladio’s last work, but Villa La Rotonda and the Palladian Basilica also provide excellent examples of Palladian design.
The shady parks and narrow streets of the city lend a relaxed atmosphere, and to complement the views from the Monte Berico Sanctuary are breathtaking and can be reached by a covered walkway.
The Palladio Museum is housed within the elegant Palazzo Barbarano, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is not a museum, but a magnificent journey through the life and works of Andrea Palladio.
It starts with the models of his creations, from the Rotonda to the Palladian Basilica, up to the various portraits of the architect, to try to understand what his true features were, given that the representations are very different from each other.
Just outside the city, you will find Villa La Rotonda, his masterpiece. Perched on a grassy hill, this building is Renaissance humanism embodied in architectural form. A mandatory visit for design lovers or Renaissance enthusiasts.
From Venice, you can reach Vicenza in 1 hour by car or just 45 minutes from the Venice Santa Lucia train station.
Alternatively, you can book a private guided tour from Venice to Vicenza here.
Belluno
Recommended by Dean and Laynni from Routinely Nomadic
The scenic and criminally underrated city of Belluno (population 35,000) is the capital of Belluno province and the main hub for visits to the incomparable Dolomite mountains of Northern Italy.
Thanks to its beautiful location and cooler climate, Belluno features a unique feel and mountain culture that is very different from that of Venice and the other coastal cities.
Of course, it also has numerous fabulous churches (San Stefano and Tulio Lombardo, in particular), the usual Italian array of fascinating museums (Museo Civico has a specifically impressive collection), and the lovely Piave River.
Mix in plenty of terrific hiking among the jagged mountains surrounding the city and it’s easy to see why Belluno is an outstanding choice for a day trip from Venice to the Dolomites (especially if you have a car).
Around 100 km from Venice, Belluno can be reached in just over an hour by car. Trains to Belluno leave Venice Santa Lucia station several times per day and take around 2 hours, or you can mix and match trains and buses to fit your schedule (usually this will take 2.5-3 hrs).
Another of Belluno’s main claims to fame is its status as the endpoint of the famous Alta Via 1 trek, one of the most beautiful trails in Europe.
Starting from Lago di Braies, trekkers head south for 8-12 days through one of the most spectacular sections of the Dolomites, either walking directly into Belluno or exiting just earlier near the town of Agordo, where frequent buses take them into Belluno to clean up, relax and enjoy some well-earned city life.
Torcello
Recommended by Maria from It’s All Trip To Me
A trip to the beautiful Venice islands is probably the most popular day tour from Venice. Although Murano and Burano attract the vast majority of daily visitors, lesser-known Torcello reveals its secrets only to the selected few who will make the extra 30-minute ferry ride to explore its charms.
You can get to Torcello by the same vaporetto that takes passengers to Murano and Burano from Venice.
Historically, Torcello is of great importance. It was the first of the islands that dot the Venetian Lagoon to be inhabited by those who fled the mainland and the Barbaric invasions that took place there.
Nowadays, Torcello is the ideal place to be if you feel that you need to escape the hustle and bustle of Venice for a while. With a population of no more than ten people, Torcello is a peaceful haven, a shrine to tranquility and laid-back vibes.
The most iconic place to visit in Torcello is the Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta, a church built in 639, home to some of the most impressive mosaics you have ever seen.
Other than that, the best way to spend your time in scenic Torcello is to stroll along the tiny island’s narrow paths, taking in the views of the Venetian Lagoon for as far as the eye can see.
Join a Murano, Burano, and Torcello Islands day trip from Venice here.
Verona
Recommended by James from Travel Collecting
Verona is a great day trip from Venice. One of its claims to fame is the location for Romeo and Juliet, and you can actually visit Juliet’s house and legendary balcony, where a wall is now covered in romantic graffiti.
There is also a super famous outdoor arena/theater, the Verona Arena, where outdoor performances of opera are frequently held. It’s the third-largest Roman arena in Italy and it’s well worth getting a ticket for the opera here if you can.
The Adige River meanders through the center of town. Verona is an incredibly beautiful city and an easy one to walk around as it’s not that big.
For a classic view of the city, head to the top of Piazzale Castel San Pietro. There are incredible views over the river and the city. You can take a funicular or walk to the top of the small hill.
There are plenty of tiny restaurants where you can enjoy a classic Italian meal. Several food and wine tours will give you an introduction to some of the best foods and drinks that Verona has to offer.
Tourist highlights include the Roman Forum at Piazza delle Erbe; the Piazza dei Signori; and the Lamberti Tower, which you can climb to the top of for more great views.
A Venice to Verona day trip is an experience not to be missed when visiting La Serenissima.
If you’re planning to visit several Verona attractions, make sure to get the Verona Card here to save yourself time and money.
Bassano del Grappa
Image: Urban Abroad
Recommended by Dan from Urban Abroad
Bassano del Grappa is an ideal day trip if staying in Venice for a couple of days, thanks to the great train connection between the two cities. With direct regional trains leaving every hour, in just one hour and 20 minutes you can get to the base of the beautiful Italian Alps when arriving in Bassano del Grappa.
The medieval walled city is famous for the Ponte Degli Alpini (or Old Bridge), from which you can enjoy breathtaking views over the Valsugana valley and the mountains. The Brenta River divides the historical center of Bassano and when stopping on the bridge, you can also spot the Ezzelini castle.
Bassano del Grappa is famous for its grappa distilleries (Nardini is the oldest in Italy). You can visit the Poli Museum to learn more about the drink and even enjoy a grappa-tasting session at the end of your visit. Try the ‘mezzo e mezzo’, a cocktail based on rhubarb and lemon zest, at the Grapperia Nardini.
In just one day, you can easily explore the city center with all its lovely narrow streets and public squares. The most important are Piazza Libertà and Piazza Garibaldi, where the civic tower is located.
Bassano is also popular for its ceramics production. When strolling around its streets, you can spot a couple of artisans’ workshops where visitors buy their souvenirs.
The food scene is popular because of two products: asparagus and cod. Stop by family-run grocery shops and buy your favorite selection of both.
To understand more about Bassano’s history, you can visit the ceramics and printing museum in Sturm Palace and the Hemingway and the Great War Museum.
All in all, Bassano del Grappa keeps being one of the best day trips from Venice for its lovely views, vibrant nightlife, and remarkable culinary heritage.
Chioggia
Recommended by Ania from The Travelling Twins
Chioggia is a small town located in the southern part of the Venetian Lagoon. It is worth visiting for its unique history and all things to see.
Visiting Chioggia feels almost like visiting Venice before it became touristy. Canals, beautiful bridges, and fishermen selling fish from boats or at local fish markets. All these authentic Italian experiences are there for locals, not just tourists.
The main sights in Chioggia include the canals and Vigio Bridge, the clock Clocktower Museum – Chioggia has one of the oldest mechanical clocks in the world. Other places to see are the Chioggia Cathedral, the Museum of the Southern Lagoon, and the Museum of Adriatic Zoology.
If you’re looking for a great place to eat, Chioggia makes that easy too since it’s known for its seafood dishes. If you want to relax, Chioggia also offers several beaches.
Chioggia can be reached from Venice by boat or car in about an hour, depending on the type of transportation you choose. If you go by car, the trip will take you around 50 minutes.
If you want to use public transportation you need to go to Lido, from where you take a bus and later ferry to Chioggia. This trip can take you from one to two hours, depending on the time of the day.
Sant’Erasmo
Image: Italy Foodies
Recommended by Lori from Italy Foodies
Many travelers visit Venice for the art, historic architecture, or a once-in-a-lifetime gondola ride, and never consider that there are wonderful places to escape the often-overwhelming crowds just a short distance away.
A perfect day tour from Venice is a short ferry ride to Sant’Erasmo, a bucolic lagoon island close to Venice but a world away.
Once known as the Garden of the Doge (the Duke of Venice), today the island maintains its agricultural heritage in Italy’s preeminent wine region for Prosecco and produces local honey, flowers, and fields of violet artichokes as well.
To get to Sant’Erasmo take the Vaporetto Line 13 from Fondamente Nove and get off at the Capanonne stop on Sant’Erasmo. It’s an inexpensive relaxing ride across the lagoon and takes about half an hour.
One of the best ways to explore the island is by bicycle. Call ahead and reserve a bike with Il Lato Azzurro Hotel. It’s just a short walk from the boat landing, and when you return, a great place for lunch and a glass of local wine.
There are very few vehicles on this quiet and peaceful island, and the local folks are very friendly. You’ll ride along shady dirt roads past small farms, wine producers, secluded beaches, and even a honey producer. Stop wherever you like.
Sant’Erasmo grape farmers produce unique minerally wines and wonderful sparkling prosecco wine. If your trip is during the artichoke season, be sure to try them with your lunch along with other fresh authentic Venetian foods.
Get away from the crowds and enjoy an afternoon in beautiful Sant’Erasmo. Other than chatting with your fellow travelers, the only sounds you’ll hear will be the birds.
You can book a bike tour of Sant’Erasmo from Venice, including a honey farm visit and tasting, here.
Murano & Burano
Recommended by Lavina from Continent Hop
What makes Italy remarkable, in addition to all the delicious food, is that there are numerous UNESCO heritage sites here. The islands of Murano and Burano are two of them.
The quickest way to get from Venice to Murano is by waterbus, and it takes about forty minutes to get here. Burano lies in the opposite direction and takes about an hour via waterbus itself.
These islands are incredibly colorful and can be explored in a quick day trip from Venice to Burano and Murano. Within the day, you can explore each island thoroughly and there are lots to do on each island.
On Murano, you can visit the Guarnieri glass factory, the glass cathedral, Duomo di Murano Santi Maria e Donato, and the Mazzega glass factory to name a few points of interest. Murano is quite popular for its glass, hence the many glass factories that you can visit.
On Burano, a few places you can visit are Piazza Galuppi, the lace museum, the Church of St. Martin, and Santa Barbara.
These islands tend to get crowded. However, if timed properly and if done by yourself, the walks can be quite pleasant, and you get the feeling you have the islands all to yourself!
Or you can join a Murano glassblowing and Burano lacemaking tour from Venice here.
Brenta Canal Cruise
Image: ipanematravels.com
Recommended by Daniela from ipanematravels.com
Padua is a popular Venice day trip. But going to Padua in style, the way they did it in the golden days of the Grand Tour, is something quite extraordinary. A cruise on Brenta Canal offers this unique experience.
You can take a Brenta Canal cruise from Venice to Padua or the other way around. The trip takes a whole day and is available between March and October.
After the cruise, you can go back to Venice by train. The train trip takes about 25 minutes and there are trains to Santa Lucia every 20 minutes.
The Brenta Canal was built in the 16th century to connect Venice with the mainland. There is a 10-meter difference in the water level between Venice and Padua, which is managed by five locks.
It’s quite exciting to get with the boat into a lock. The boat stops and you have to wait until the gate closes behind the boat, then the water level goes down, the front gate opens, and the boat continues its course until it stops for the next swivel bridge to open.
On the way from Venice to Padua, the boat stops at 3 villas. A guided tour of the villas is included in the cruise. The famous villas along the Brenta Canal are actually the summer residences of wealthy families who wanted to escape the muggy Venetian summers.
The first villa along the way is Villa Foscari, aka the Malcontenta. It was designed by Andrea Palladio for the rich Foscari family and was named La Malcontenta as the Foscari’s wife was exiled there for improper behavior.
The next Villa Widmann has a beautifully decorated ballroom featuring trompe l’oei frescoes.
The last villa on the cruise is Villa Pisani. It boasts 114 rooms and some frescoes of Gianbattista Tiepolo. It has a wonderful park and a hedge maze.
Book your Brenta Canal cruise from Venice to Padua here.
Padua
Recommended by Lisa from Travel Connect Experience
At only 30 minutes by train from Venice stands Padua, a very ancient city that makes for a perfect Venice day tour. A legend says it was founded by the Trojan Antenor, cousin of Aeneas after he had escaped from the Greek conquest of Troy.
Walking through the streets of the historic center of Padua, which is quiet and mainly visited by local tourism, you can feel an air full of culture. The University of Padua is the second oldest in Italy and dates back to 1222.
The early 19th-century Caffè Pedrocchi was conceived as a meeting place for intellectuals and travelers and remained open day and night from 1831 to 1916. Take a stroll through its spacious rooms and try the popular house coffee, topped with pistachio foam and cocoa powder.
There are also many other cafes in Padua that invite you to sit and chat for hours: the Coffee Box, Caffè Baessato, and Maison Hand to name a few.
But what Padua is famous for in Italy and around the world are the medieval frescoes, especially those by master Giotto (1302) that portray episodes of the Gospel in the Scrovegni Chapel. In 2020, the city of Padua has nominated the 7-stage itinerary of medieval frescoes “Padova Urbs Picta” as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
To get a sense of all the fascinating things to do in Padua, just have a walk from the Arena Gardens to the spacious Prato della Valle Square. Pass by the Bo Palace, the Ragione Palace, Piazza dei Signori, Piazza delle Erbe, the Cathedral of St. Anthony, and stop to eat in the picturesque Ghetto of Padua.
So there you have it. The best excursions from Venice, as suggested by travel experts. Which one of these side trips from Venice is your favorite?
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Travel Verona says
Verona is a great day trip from Venice, and vice versa! We love getting out of Verona for a day to come visit Venice and walk around the canals.