In this article, Exciting Day Trips from Venice (part of our extensive Venice Guide), we will show you how to complete your Venice trip because there is not just Venice to see there, but much more. So, we recommend visiting some other charming cities and places. And if you’d like to find out which are they, please stay with us.
Our list of the Perfect Day Trips from Venice
Escape the charms of Venice for a day and explore the nearby islands, beaches, lakes, mountains, and historic cities. While public transport is available, a car will offer more flexibility. You can even take a day trip to Slovenia from Venice! Let’s discover the best day trips from Venice together.
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Murano, Burano and Torcello Islands
The nearby islands of Murano, Burano, and Torcello are popular day trip destinations from Venice. Murano is known for Venetian glass, Burano for colorful houses and lace, and Torcello for traditional Venetian attractions.
To visit, you can buy a Vaporetto pass or take a guided tour, which includes a glass factory visit. The Hop On Hop Off Boat is another option, stopping at all three islands. A private water taxi is also available but is more expensive, costing around €125-€150 one-way to Burano only.
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Padua – the birthplace of Aperol
Padua, only 25 km from Venice, offers a long history, unique sights, and beauty. Here are some must-visit highlights for your day trip itinerary:
– Scrovegni Chapel: UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with colorful frescoes painted by Giotto.
– Padua Botanical Gardens: the oldest academic botanic garden worldwide, showcasing over 3,500 species of plants.
– Prato della Valle: the largest square in Italy with several dozen statues lining the water.
– University of Padua: one of the oldest universities globally, with a guided tour of the world’s first anatomical theater.
The best time to visit is spring or summer. Trenitalia and ItaloTreno offer frequent trains, while buses are also available. But if you’d like an easy booking, you can buy the tickets in Omio.
Verona
Verona is a beautiful city in northern Italy’s Veneto region, known for being the setting of Romeo and Juliet. You can see the city on a day trip from Venice, just 100km away. You can enjoy unique historic architecture, leave a love letter in the courtyard underneath Juliet’s balcony, drink Aperol Spritz, and watch live opera or a concert at Verona Arena. To get from Venice to Verona, take the direct train and book on Omio.
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Lake Garda
Lake Garda is a famous Italian lake known for its clear waters and charming towns. Activities include:
- Exploring lakeside towns.
- Enjoying gelato.
- Shopping at weekly markets.
- Visiting Movieland Theme Park and Caneva Aquapark.
You can also rent a self-drive boat to explore the lake. Take the high-speed train from Venice to Peschiera del Garda or Desenzano del Garda. A 30-minute bus ride from Desenzano del Garda can take you to Sirmione, another famous town on the lake. A day trip from Venice is feasible if you visit Lake Garda and Verona.
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Cortina & The Dolomite Mountains
The Dolomites in northern Italy are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for their unique landscapes and breathtaking scenery. You can take a day tour from Venice to the Dolomites, with Cortina d’Ampezzo being the most accessible destination. The charming Alpine town makes an excellent base for exploration, with great hiking trails and mountain biking opportunities. Remember to try the local food and wine after your hike. Cortina is also a renowned ski destination during winter. A bus from Venice to Cortina takes around 2.5 hours; you can buy the tickets here. But if you are interested in an organized tour, you can see it here.
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Renaissance Vicenza
Visit Vicenza if you like luxurious architecture. Known as the City of Palladio, it has impressive palaces and villas rival those in Venice and Rome. The Olympic Theatre and Villa Rotonda are must-sees. You can also enjoy the nearby Colli Berici hills. Try Baccalà alla Vicentina for a local dish. Take a train from Venice Santa Lucia Station – 45 minutes on the fast train or 1 hour 15 minutes on the slower train.
©Eunika Sopotnicka/Getty Images
Trieste
Trieste is a beautiful city in the northeast of Italy, which used to be the main port of the Habsburg Empire. So, if you’re in Venice and want to take a day trip to Trieste, it’s doable by train. You can visit the Prosecco region from there, but it’s around 3 hours away from the vineyards. The fast train from Venice Santa Lucia station to Trieste takes about 2 hours each way. We recommend using Omio to purchase your tickets.
You can explore city sights and coastal views over the Gulf of Trieste in Trieste. Don’t miss Piazza Unità d’Italia, a square similar to St. Mark’s Square in Venice, and Miramare Castle, which offers stunning panoramic sea views. If you want to relax, the Rive waterfront promenade is the perfect spot for a stroll.
©Thomas Possamai/Shutterstock
Prosecco Region
The Prosecco Region is just an hour away from Venice. It is characterized by rolling hills covered in vineyards, charming medieval towns, and wineries. You can explore the area by renting a car, taking a train from Venice to Conegliano, and renting an e-bike to pedal. Alternatively, there are several tours available from Venice that allow you to explore the region’s wineries.
©Paolo Margari
Bologna
Bologna, home to the oldest university in the world, is a city worth visiting and is undoubtedly one of the perfect Day trips from Venice. More importantly, it has lovely architecture and impressive historical landmarks like Piazza Maggiore and the Basilica of San Petronio. Known for its beautiful arcades, Bologna has a youthful and lively vibe with plenty of bars, restaurants, and cafes. It’s only an hour and a half away from Venice by train, with the central train station located about 20 minutes from the center of town.
Perfect Day Trips from Venice – Final Words
We gave you only eight suggestions because we loved them the most. We could also name Milano or Florence, which are close. But we must confess that the whole Veneto region is simply fantastic. That’s why there is plenty to choose from there. So, if you have already visited the region, share with us which places you like the most.
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