16 Fabulous Day Trips from Venice, Italy

If you’ve explored every canal and corner of Venice and are looking for more places to visit, you’re in luck! There are so many different day trips from Venice just waiting for you.

As hard as it can be to pull yourself away from the lagoon, Venice is a short journey from beautiful cities, delicious wine regions, and even the Dolomites!

It’s overwhelming how many beautiful places there are to visit in the Veneto and beyond — you have so many options.

However, I recommend that you keep your expectations in check. Venice is a bit harder to get into and out of than Florence or Bologna, and most day trips begin by taking the train in Santa Lucia Station in the heart of Venice to Venice Mestre, which is on the mainland and connected to other cities.

(However, some destinations below have trains direct from Santa Lucia. I’ve listed details about which station to depart from.)

Also, be aware that you’re leaving a magical location for someplace that might not be as lovely as Venice. As much as I adore Bologna, it doesn’t have the same wow factor as Venice. The Dolomites, though, or the Prosecco Hills ? Lots of wow factor.

For that reason, I recommend being very choosy with your day trips from Venice, making an early start, and don’t forget to spend plenty of time exploring Venice itself!

This post was published in May 2024 and was co-written by Adventurous Kate and Hannah Cooper.

Burano Island, awash in color.

Best Day Trips from Venice, Italy

Islands of Murano and Burano

Murano and Burano are technically part of the Venetian Lagoon, but they are set apart from the main touristy area and have a totally different atmosphere. While they see their fair share of tourism, these islands maintain an authentic Venetian feel.

You can visit one island or both in a day: Murano is closer but Burano is slightly prettier. Murano is world-famous for the best glass-making in the world, and Burano is a vibrant and colorful island famed for its lace production. 

Want to be an overachiever? Add Sant’Erasmo Island. Very few Venice visitors venture to this large agricultural island and the reward is quiet beaches and peaceful hikes. A great way to get off the beaten path in Venice!

Best things to do in Murano and Burano: On Murano, you should prioritize seeing a glass-blowing demonstration. They offer them hourly at the Murano Glass Factory. You can also take a glass-blowing lesson with a local artisan.

Don’t miss grabbing a gelato at Murano Gelateria Artigianale — my favorite gelato in Venice!

Burano is much quieter, but the bright colors do the speaking for this island. Simply roaming the waterways and peeking into churches is lovely if you don’t have much time. You can also browse for delicate handmade lace and visit the Museo del Merlotto, or Lace Museum (note that it’s closed on Mondays).

Should you book a tour or go independently? Murano and Burano are easy to visit on your own, as long as you have tickets for the vaporetti, or public transit boats. A tour is a better choice if you want someone else to handle the logistics.

Book a tour to Murano and Burano: This premium lagoon excursion includes transport, walking tours, and free time on each island. You’ll attend a private glass-blowing workshop and sip Veneto wines at a secret vineyard. 

How to get from Venice to Murano and Burano independently: Take the Line 12 vaporetto from Fondamente Nove Pier A. It’s 10-15 minutes to Murano, then 25-30 minutes to Burano from Murano. 

Line 13 leaves Pier D for Sant’Erasmo Island. This map illustrates all water bus routes. 

Scrovegni Chapel in Padova, Italy, via DepositPhotos

Padova

Padova (usually known as Padua to English-speakers) has enough Renaissance frescoes and Roman ruins to give Florence and Rome a run for their money. 

This Veneto city claims to be the oldest in Italy. It’s a juxtaposition of historical sites, modern museums, and glorious UNESCO-designated botanical gardens​​.

Best things to do in Padova: Start at the Scrovegni Chapel (Cappella degli Scrovegni) to see Giotto’s spectacular frescoes from the early 14th century. I strongly recommend you pre-book tickets as they usually sell out on weekends and during high season. 

The Basilica of St. Anthony is another highlight, with sculptures by Donatello. Also, swing by the astronomical clock in Piazza dei Signori, take in the colossal Prato della Valle, and sip a cappuccino at the historic Caffè Pedrocchi. 

I’ll be fully honest here — I visited Padova on a day trip from Venice and I didn’t find it to be the most exciting city ever, but then again, I didn’t visit Scrovegni Chapel. I wish I had.

Should you book a tour or go independently? Padova is very easy to reach by train on your own, but if you take the cruise tour option below, it’s something very unique and special.

Book a tour to Padova: This Brenta Canal cruise is one of the most unique day trips from Venice. You’ll spend the day sailing past Venetian Villas along the Riviera del Brenta and touring three. After arriving at Padova in the evening, you’ll catch the train back.

How to get from Venice to Padova independently: Direct trains take 30 minutes from Santa Lucia station.

Verona, Italy, and its many balconies.

Verona

In fair Verona, where we lay our scene, there’s much more to see than Juliet’s balcony. The Adige River wraps around the picturesque medieval town and has a collection of bridges you can cross.

Verona is manageable for a day trip, with a compact historic center ideal for exploring on foot. If you stay overnight, check out the schedule for Verona Arena. When I visited, Elton John had recently performed there!

Best things to do in Verona: Beat the crowds and start at Casa di Giulietta in the morning. It’s free to visit the courtyard and see the balcony (which was built centuries after Shakespeare penned Romeo and Juliet) and you can pay a euro to enter the house. 

Explore the Roman-era Piazza delle Erbe and ride the funicular to the Castel San Pietro for incredible views over the city. Beyond that, Verona is a great city for exploring.

Should you book a tour or go independently? Verona is very easy to visit on your own — just take the train directly there from Santa Lucia.

Book a tour to Verona: This Verona tour from Venice includes return train tickets. You’ll learn about the history and have a guide to snap your photos at Juliet’s House. 

How to get from Venice to Verona independently: The fastest trains from Santa Lucia take 1 hour and 15 minutes. 

Most people don’t realize how close the Dolomites are to Venice!

The Dolomites

The Dolomites are surprisingly close to Venice and doable as a day trip! This is one of the best places to go for a closer look at Northern Italy’s majestic mountain ranges.

With surreal glacial lakes, fir forests, and snow-capped peaks, the Dolomites are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Summer is the best season for hiking, though early fall is nice, too.

Best things to do in the Dolomites: Winter revolves around ski resorts like Cortina d’Ampezzo (host of the 2026 Winter Olympics!). For that reason, I don’t recommend a winter day trip to the Dolomites; the logistics are tough.

Instead, stick to visiting in mid-spring through fall: the ideal time of year for hiking, cycling, and boating. 

On a day trip from Venice to the Dolomites, you’ll be knocked over by the scenery. Itineraries typically mix lakes, villages, and iconic formations like Tre Cime di Lavaredo.

Should you book a tour or go independently? Definitely book a tour in this case. A day trip by public transportation is complicated and you’ll spend the whole day on buses.

Book a tour of the Dolomites: This Dolomite Mountains and Cortina d’Ampezzo semi-private day trip is a small-group size. The exact itinerary depends on the month and conditions.

If you’re prepared to dig deeper, this private tour in the Dolomites has greater flexibility and VIP service. 

How to get from Venice to the Dolomites independently: The only viable option would be to take the Cortina Express 100 bus from Venice Mestre Station to Cortina d’Ampezzo — but again, that would only show you the town. I do not recommend doing this.

The Prosecco Hills near Venice, via Shutterstock.

Wine Regions near Venice

Every region in Italy produces its own unique wines, and the Veneto region is home to Prosecco, Valpolicella, Amarone, and Bardolino reds. If you’d like to do a wine-oriented day trip from Venice, you’ll get to see some stunning landscapes in addition to drinking the wines!

Best things to do in the wine regions: Sampling the wine! Non-drinkers will relish the surrounding countryside and learn about Italian viticulture and viniculture.

Should you book a tour or go independently? You’ll want to book a tour for this one — because wineries are not accessible by public transportation, and because you should have a designated driver.

Book a tour of the wine regions: This Prosecco Hills wine tour focuses on the area around Treviso. You’ll learn about the fermentation process behind the bubbly drink and see the cellars and vineyards. 

This Valpolicella wine tour is preferable if you’d rather get to grips with Amarone reds (my husband’s all-time favorite!) and dry Soave whites. It includes a stop in Verona, which makes it a nice twofer.

If volcanic wines are your thing, book this Euganean Hills wine tasting tour. You’ll sample red, white, and sparkling wines made from Serprino grapes using traditional methods. And you thought you had to go to southern Italy to sample volcanic wines!

That’s not Venice — that’s Chioggia! Via Shutterstock.

Chioggia

Chioggia, pronounced key-OH ja, is pretty much a “Little Venice.” This seaside town is at the southern end of the Venetian Lagoon. Central Chioggia is crisscrossed by canals while sandy beaches edge the eastern coast. Though attached to the mainland, it feels like a small island. 

Chioggia only has a fraction of the tourists seen in the Floating City. For that reason, Chioggia is one of the best day trips from Venice to enjoy the beauty of Venice with a much more low-key experience. Prices are lower, too — feel free to go all out on lunch!

Best things to do in Chioggia: Wander around the morning Fish Market and pick out what you’ll eat for lunch in the local restaurants. Go for a summer dip at Sottomarina and stroll around Forte San Felice.

Should you book a tour or go independently? Chioggia is very easy to visit by public transportation, but if you’d like to experience it as a sunset boat tour, that of course is better as a tour.

Book a tour to Chioggia: This Venetian Lagoon sunset boat tour is a crafty way to maximize a short itinerary. You’ll see the fishing village from the boat while enjoying aperitivo.

How to get from Venice to Chioggia independently: The Linea Clodia tourist boat operates between June and late September. It departs St Mark’s Square in the morning and returns in the evening.

At all other times, Linea 11 is an integrated bus/ferry route via Pellestrina. Bus 80 from Piazzale Roma is another option. 

Treviso is a hidden gem not far from Venice. Via Shutterstock.

Treviso

If you love tiramisu as much as I do, you can go on a pilgrimage to see where it was invented! Treviso, a city north of Venice, is also referred to as Little Venice thanks to its countless canals. 

This walled city is part of the Prosecco region and joyfully free from tourists. (Though you might find a few who arrived on a budget airline that refers to the Treviso airport as “Venice.”) You could tap on a trip to Castelfranco Veneto, a half-hour train ride away. 

Best things to do in Treviso: Explore the defensive walls and the sublime Canale dei Buranelli. Cruise the markets at Isola della Pescheria (Fish Island). Or just walk through the streets and enjoy canal views without any tourists.

You can taste the world’s first tiramisu at Le Beccherie. This modern restaurant replaces the original tavern where the epic dessert was envisioned. Osteria Arman is perfect for whiling away an afternoon over cicchetti. 

Should you book a tour or go independently? It couldn’t be easier to get to Treviso from Venice — you don’t even have to switch trains in Mestre.

How to get from Venice to Treviso independently: Trains from Santa Lucia take 30-40 minutes. 

Vicenza is an underrated city in northern Italy. Via Shutterstock.

Vicenza

There’s a decent chance you may have heard of the city of Vicenza — it’s home to a major US military base and is one of the popular places for Americans to be stationed in Italy. But there’s way more to Vicenza than that.

This is a jaw-droppingly beautiful city showcasing the elegant work of architect Andrea Palladio. Known for its dwarf statues, the privately owned Villa Valmarana ai Nani is a short drive or walk out of town.

Best things to do in Vicenza: Head to the historic center of the city and visit Piazza dei Signori, Basilica Palladiana, Palazzo Chiericati, and Loggia Valmarana — all a feast for the eyes.

The sixteenth-century Teatro Olimpico (Olympic Theater) continues to host productions. If you’d like to see an evening show here, double-check that you’ll be able to get back to Venice at the end of the night!

Should you book a tour or go independently? Vicenza is very easy to access by train from Venice.

Book a tour to Vicenza: This private tour of Vicenza includes train fare and a guided walk around the highlights. 

How to get from Venice to Vicenza independently: Vicenza is a short train ride (just 30 minutes) from Venice Mestre, or 45-60 minutes from Santa Lucia.

The impossibly picturesque town of Bassano del Grappa, via LianeM on Shutterstock.

Bassano del Grappa

Bassano del Grappa is one of the most beautiful small cities within easy reach of Venice. Located at the base of the Dolomites, you’ll want to photograph Bassano from every angle!

A small town center is awash with carefully restored medieval buildings and elegant Renaissance structures. But it’s the covered wooden bridge and a storied legacy for grappa that people travel for. 

Best things to do in Bassano del Grappa: The thirteenth-century Ponte Vecchio (Ponte degli Alpini), a covered wooden bridge, is the star attraction. It’s yet another feat by the prolific Andrea Palladio. Bookend your stroll across the bridge with a tour of Italy’s inaugural distillery, Grapperia Nardini.

Check out Museo Civico — housed in an old convent — for a history lesson.

Should you book a tour or go independently? I recommend visiting by train, as it’s a very simple journey.

How to get from Venice to Bassano del Grappa independently: Trains take 1 hour and 15 minutes from Santa Lucia station.

Florence is a place every Italy lover should visit once in their life.

Florence

Yes, it’s doable to visit Florence on a day trip from Venice. Florence needs little introduction — it’s the birthplace of the Renaissance, one of the best art destinations on the planet, and a must-visit Italian city if you love art, architecture, and good food. 

That said, I strongly encourage you to stay a few days in Florence. A day trip is not enough — you’ll be shuttling around the busiest parts of the city and you still won’t have time to do everything you want to do. But if aa day is all you can manage, do it. 

Best things to do in Florence: There are so many incredible things to do in Florence – seeing the Statue of David at the Accademia, witnessing the gorgeous works of art at the Uffizi Gallery, climbing the Duomo or Giotto’s Bell Tower, crossing the Arno via the jewelry shop-covered Ponte Vecchio.

In Florence, it’s critical to book attractions ahead of time. Don’t just arrive and try to wing it. Even on my most recent visit, which took place in March, climbing the Duomo was sold out for the next five days in a row. I recommend reading my in-depth Florence guide and deciding what you’d like to prioritize.

Should you book a tour or go independently? It’s very easy to get to Florence by train. There are day trips available that include train tickets and come with a walking tour of the city, if that’s something you think you’d like. You can also book a tour independently. Once again, book whatever you’re doing ahead of time, especially if it’s the Accademia or the Uffizi.

Book a tour to Florence: This Florence day trip from Venice includes train tickets from Santa Lucia. You’ll meet your guide in Florence and embark on a walking tour. Museum admission is an additional cost. 

How to get from Venice to Florence independently: The fastest trains take two hours each way from Venice Mestre. I recommend getting the fastest trains you can find. Aim for the earliest departure and return after dinner to maximize your time in Florence. 

Read More: 35+ Unforgettable Things to Do in Florence, Italy

Bologna is one of my favorite spots in Italy.

Bologna

Bologna, the capital of Emilia-Romagna and one of the best food cities in the world, is one of my favorite places in Italy. Bologna is an unpretentious city full of young progressives. Much of it is dominated by the oldest university in the world!

I just love the vibe that Bologna has more than anything else. It feels like a place you can easily live, and while I’m proud to have driven a lot of much-needed tourism there, it’s nowhere on the tourism level of Venice, where you’re sometimes pushing your way through crowds.

Bologna is also the best day trip from Venice for food. Be sure to check out my favorite food experiences in Emilia-Romagna to see all that this city has to offer.

Best things to do in Bologna: Bologna is a great city for wandering. Meander through the porticoes and piazzas. Shop for trinkets in Quadrilatero, the beating heart of the city. Hit up all the markets, especially for local delicacies like parmigiano reggiano!

And if you’re looking for a fun spot for lunch, Osteria dell’Orsa is one of the best places to eat tagliatelle ragu (the real spaghetti bolognese). This is one of my favorite spots and it’s as affordable as it is delicious!

Should you book a tour or go independently? Bologna is very easy to reach by train, though you could always book a walking tour once you get to the city.

Book a tour to Bologna: This private day tour covers travel to and from Venice Airport, a trip on the San Luca Express to the hillside basilica, and lunch.

How to get from Venice to Bologna independently: Fast trains from Venice Mestre take about 90 minutes.

Read More: 23 Best Things to Do in Bologna, Italy

Ferrara

If you’re looking for a lively, offbeat city within an easy train journey of Venice, Ferrara is a great choice. Fun fact: I spent two weeks with my friends in Ferrara during the pandemic waiting for my Czech visa to process! It’s a cool place and the food is a good reason alone to visit. Ferrara is also part of the food-crazy Emilia-Romagna region.

Ferrara was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site as the first Renaissance city developed using a complex urban plan. The city is remarkably flat, which makes it a great place to explore by bicycle.

Best things to do in Ferrara: Este Castle (Castello Estense di Ferrara) is the main attraction and the cathedral is a striking building that dwarfs everything in sight. Beyond that, this is a great place to explore on foot and enjoy typical Italian life.

Sample three pastas in one swoop! Osteria degli Adelardi is my favorite place for lunch — you’ll want to get the three-pasta sampler. It’s right by Al Brindisi, which happens to be the oldest wine bar in the world.

Should you book a tour or go independently? Ferrara is easy to get to from Venice, but I do recommend booking a walking tour once you’re here.

Book a tour to Ferrara: This two-hour walking tour explains how Ferrara was built. You’ll visit the main squares and the Jewish Ghetto. Note that this does not include transportation from Venice.

How to get from Venice to Ferrara independently: Ferrara is a 50-minute journey from Venice Mestre.

Ravenna’s mosaics alone are well worth the visit.

Ravenna

Ravenna is a small city in Emilia-Romagna famous for its spectacular mosaics. The Early Christian Monuments of Ravenna are a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to the beauty of their mosaics. They will blow you away.

Beyond that, Ravenna is a great little mid-sized city that makes a nice place to escape the crowds and enjoy quintessentially Italian life. The Darsena neighborhood is one of the cooler places to visit, where you can enjoy strolling, people-watching, and the Bizantina Brewpub.

Best things to do in Ravenna: Go on a mosaic treasure hunt! You’ll find these in the basilicas and baptisteries including the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, the Neonian Baptistery, the Arian Baptistery, and the Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo, among a few others.

And while a lot of people think Dante is buried in Florence, he’s actually buried in Ravenna! Dante’s Tomb is a short walk from Piazza del Popolo.

Should you book a tour or go independently? It’s easy to visit Ravenna independently, even with a train change.

How to get from Venice to Ravenna independently: The train time from Venice-Mestre is 2.5-3 hours, requiring a stop in either Ferrara (which is faster and I recommend) or Bologna. You could easily make Ferrara and Ravenna a combined day trip, which would be lovely.

Sirmione’s castle on Lake Garda, via Shutterstock.

Lake Garda

Forget Lake Como — Lake Garda is more than double its size, and is close enough to Venice for a day trip! Lake Garda is a wild and gorgeous place, and I find it to be much more down-to-earth than the other, more fancy lake.

Lake Garda is massive, but if you’re coming from Florence, the best place to visit is the town of Sirmione, on the lake’s southern edge. From here you can enjoy a castle and beautiful lakeside views.

Best things to do in Lake Garda: Visit the medieval castle and Grotte di Catullo archaeological zone in Sirmione. Boat trips and lakeside dips are possible in summer. Visiting at a cooler time of year? Head to the thermal baths!

Should you book a tour or go independently? Trains to Sirmione are pretty easy to get on your own, even with a change in Verona, though some tours exist.

Book a tour to Lake Garda: This private day trip to Lake Garda takes you to Sirmione and the Castello Scaligero di Sirmione. A tour guide will escort you but travel is an extra cost.

How to get from Venice to Lake Garda independently: There are limited direct trains to Desenzano del Garda-Sirmione and Peschiera del Garda — double-check before you book. Most services change at Verona. Journey time is between 1.5-2 hours each way.

The Basilica of Aquileia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Aquileia and Grado

Aquileia and Grady are two destinations close to each other in the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region of Italy, not too far from Venice. Aquileia is home to some of the best Roman ruins in this part of Italy, while Grado is a nice seaside town that you can explore on foot. These towns pair well together.

Aquileia is worth visiting if you’re interested in Roman history. The ruins here are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and are famous for their enormous mosaic pavements. Grado makes it a fuller day trip, and while there isn’t much to see here sightseeing-wise, it’s a very pleasant place to walk around.

Best things to do in Aquileia and Grado: Pick up a map of Aquileia’s ruins at the tourist center and head out to explore. The forum, basilica, and archaeological museum are free to visit, and the mosaics are wonderful (though not QUITE as impressive as Ravenna’s, if I say so myself). 

Aim to reach Grado in time for lunch for a meal by the seashore before popping your head into the churches.

Should you book a tour or go independently? I recommend doing this trip independently. You’ll have to combine both train and a bus — but the bus portion is short and local.

How to get from Venice to Aquileia and Grado independently: From Venice-Mestre, take the train to Cervinano-Aquileia-Grado, which takes about an hour and 15 minutes. Buses 400/402 depart from outside the station and will take you to the Aquileia (12 minutes) and continue on to Grado (30 minutes).

Welcome to Trieste, which feels almost Austrian.

Trieste

Trieste, in the far northeast of Italy, is the last place in Italy before you hit the former Hapsburg Empire. Trieste is an Italian city surrounded by ethnically Slovenian villages, and is a short drive from the Slovenian border. That said, I found Trieste to feel much more like somewhere in Austria, with its stately buildings.

Trieste is a pleasant city with a few good things to do, though I don’t think it quite packs the punch of some destinations within the Veneto closer to Venice. If you’re a James Joyce fan, he lived in this city for many years.

Best things to do in Trieste: Have a gander at the Unity of Italy Square (Piazza Unità d’Italia) and order coffee and torte at Caffè degli Specchi. From here, make a loop of the Grand Canal and the waterfront, and say hi to James Joyce’s statue.

You’ll also have time to see the Roman Theater en route to Castello di San Giusto. I’m also a big fan of Castello di Miramare, just up the road from Trieste, which has an interesting backstory along with gorgeous rooms. I would recommend taking a taxi there as it’s outside town.

Should you book a tour or go independently? Trieste is easy to visit by train from Venice.

How to get from Venice to Trieste independently: The fastest direct trains between Venezia Santa Lucia and Trieste Centrale take two hours. 

Planning a Trip to Italy:

• What NOT to Do in Italy
• Solo Female Travel in Italy: Is it Safe?
• Ultimate Guide to Driving in Italy
• How to Stay at an Agriturismo in Italy
• 30 Stunning Mediterranean Islands To Visit In Your Lifetime

More Cool Places in Northern Italy:

• 30+ Best Things to Do in Venice, Italy
• Three Weeks in Northern Italy: An Itinerary
• 35+ Best Things to Do in Florence, Italy
• Parma, Italy: A Colorful, Artsy, Delicious Town
• Where to Stay in Rome: Best Neighborhoods and Accommodation
• Three Days in the Dolomites: A South Tyrol Getaway
• Best Day Trips from Florence, Italy
• The Immaculate, Bursting Mosaics of Ravenna, Italy
• 25 Best Food Experiences in Emilia-Romagna, Italy
• 23 Best Things to Do in Bologna, Italy
• 30+ Best Things to Do in Venice, Italy

Best of Southern Italy:

• 28 Fabulous Things to Do in Naples, Italy
• 16 Fun Things to Do in Sorrento, Italy
• Tropea, Italy: A Spectacularly Situated Beach Town
• The Joys and Challenges of Traveling in Sicily
• 22 Beautiful Places to Visit in Sicily
• Where to Go in Eastern Sicily
• 23 Fun Things to Do in Palermo, Sicily
• Complete Guide to the Aeolian Islands, Sicily
• Aci Trezza: A Laid-Back Coastal Town in Sicily
• Visiting Sicily in the Winter: Worth it or not?
• 17 Fun Things to Do in Bari, Italy
• 17 Cool Things to Do in Matera, Italy
• The Stunning Trulli of Alberobello, Italy
• 16 Fab Things to Do in Lecce, Italy
• Experiencing the Carpino Folk Festival in Puglia, Italy

Have you taken a fun day trip from Venice? Share away!

The post 16 Fabulous Day Trips from Venice, Italy appeared first on Adventurous Kate.