A guide to the best day trips from Venice to include in your northern Italy itinerary. Venice is one of the most beautiful places in the world but did you know there are some fascinating sights and stunning scenery within a two hour radius that you can easily visit on a day trip by boat, train or car? Get out on the best day trips from Venice to discover the lagoon islands, the mountains and valleys, or legendary towns and little known villages of Italy’s Veneto Region and beyond.
Whether you’re on a 2 day Venice itinerary, planning week-long vacation or 15 days in Italy, it’s simple to fit in one or more of these extraordinary daytrips within easy reach of Venice. We’ve spoken to travel bloggers of different nationalities who love this region and here’s the result, a guide to the best places to visit on a day trip from Venice in Italy.
The Best Day Trips from Venice by Boat, Train or Car
- Day Trips from Venice by Boat
- Venice Lagoon Islands
- Lido di Jesolo
- Day Trips from Venice by Train
- Padua
- Ferrara
- Verona
- Mantua
- Gorizia
- Trieste
- Trento
- Conegliano and Valdobbiadene – Prosecco Wine Region
- Day Trips from Venice by Car
- Lake Garda
- The Dolomites
- Chioggia
Related posts:
Combine your foodie trip to Emilia Romagna with neighbouring Tuscany Region – enjoy fine wine and Italian cuisine in Tuscany (in style on a tour) or simply take the train from Bologna for a day in Florence.
Day Trips from Venice by Boat
Let’s start with the Venetian Lagoon Islands – we loved island hopping to Murano, Burano and Torcello by vaporetto.
Venice Lagoon Islands
Murano is the first stop on this trip, a larger island with its own ‘Grand Canal’ and Cathedral. Not as ornate or pretentious as Venice, this was originally a holiday island for the wealthy merchants and nobility. Stately mansions line the canals, some converted into boutique hotels while others have ground floor restaurants, or souvenir stores full of brightly coloured glassware. Murano has a glassmaking history that goes right back to the Middle Ages and some of the traditional factories are still here today welcoming visitors inside to watch the craftsmen at work. Enjoy an espresso or aperol spritz on a waterside terrace, take a selfie by the huge glass Xmas tree in the main square and then take the next ferry to Burano.
Burano Island is perhaps the prettiest of all, the colourful fishermen’s houses framing little canals making the picture perfect setting. Anyone who wants longer on the island can stay in one of these traditional dwellings as some are now cool airbnb accommodations; however local families still live in the majority of these homes, washing dangling from overhead windows and little fishing boats tied up outside. Burano is world famous for lace and there are dozens of tiny shops selling everything from intricate parasols and doilies to shawls and baby clothes. Head for the wide main plaza for a seafood lunch, marvel at the leaning church tower, one last photo from the footbridge to immortalize the scene, and jump on the vaporetto to Torcello.
Torcello is my favourite island in the Venetian lagoon, maybe because we arrived in the glow of late afternoon sunshine with few visitors about, certainly due to the extraordinary history but above all I love the rural vibe, the unpretentious canal side path past green fields leading to an ancient Cathedral and vineyards down by a wide channel where the occasional canoe glides by. Torcello was a thriving city long before Venice was erected, but people left the marshy environment during the grand plague and over the centuries it became rather forgotten. Nowadays, this is the idyllic place for a relaxing few days in warm weather and a great base for exploring the lagoon – hire your own boat and see isles that tourists have never set foot on, or hop on the vaporetto to the main islands and day trip into the bustle of Venice itself.
After a day trip out visiting the Venetian lagoon, catch the waterbus straight back to Venice and sail into St Mark’s bay at sunset. A half day trip from Venice to the lagoon islands is an alternative for anyone who is short of time. If you prefer a peaceful holiday, come over to Italy in the winter and stay on the islands for a few days.
Lido di Jesolo
Visiting Venice and need a break from the Floating City? While Venice is a stunning city, sometimes it’s necessary to get out for a bit. Why not take a day trip to the shores of the Adriatic? Lido di Jesolo is a resort town located just over an hour away from Venice and despite being popular with residents of Venezia, it is one of the most underrated beach destinations in Europe.
Lido di Jesolo has activities and things to do for people of all walks of life. In addition to sunbathing in a rented chaise lounge, one can enjoy a variety of water activities including catamaran rentals, windsurfing, kitesurfing, jet skiing, or snorkeling. Take in some local history exploring the ancient city walls or experience the nightlife and hit up some beach parties and local clubs. Another fun option is to hire a convertible smart car to cruise down the bustling streets and bask in the sun. You can rent these by the hour!
There are an abundance of hotels in the area if you choose to spend a night or two, and no shortage of delicious restaurants offering fresh seafood and Italian specialties. If you forget your swimsuit or towels, there are plenty of shops along the boardwalk that sell beach necessities (including sunscreen!). Many of the waterfront hotels in the area boast epic swimming pool areas if you’ve had enough of the salty Adriatic. If you opt to stay on the beach, be sure to keep an eye open for the little old ladies offering massages and the young boys selling fresh coconut from their colourful pails.
Lido di Jesolo is an excellent option for a day trip from Venice and has fun for the entire family. From Venice, take the ferry from Lido to Punta Sabbioni. From there, hop on a bus to Piazza Brescia, and you’ll be in Jesolo! The entire journey takes just over one hour.
Contributed by Jade Laurenza of The Migrant Yogi
Day Trips from Venice by Train
Padua
Padua is the perfect destination for a day trip from Venice. Quite often this beautiful city is overlooked by tourists, who only visit major attractions like Venice, Florence and Rome. Padua will surprise its visitors with authenticity, undeniable charm and some world-class attractions. And the best part – there are no crowds. Padua is very easy to reach from Venice. There are trains every 20 minutes from Santa Lucia train station in Venice and the trip takes about 25 minutes.
Once in Padua, you should not miss the Scrovegni Chapel – Giotto’s masterpiece and one of the highlights of the Italian Renaissance. However, you need to book the visit to Scrovegni Chapel in advance. Another attraction in Padua is the Botanical Garden (Orto Botanico), which is the oldest academic botanical garden in the world and a UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site.
Padua is also famous for its arcaded streets and the largest square in Italy – Prato della Valle. The squares in Padua (Piazza dei Signori, Piazza dei Frutti, Piazza delle Erbe, Piazza Eremitani) are absolutely charming and some of them still have markets held during the day and in the evening they transform into large open-air restaurants.
Another iconic attraction in Padua is Il Santo – the Basilica of Saint Anthony of Padua. Saint Anthony of Padua is the patron saint of the city and the Basilica is a popular pilgrimage destination. Other highlights in Padua include Il Duomo (the cathedral of Padua), Palazzo Zuckermann (decorative arts museum), Eremitani Town Museum, and La Specola (the astronomical museum).
If you visit Padua on a day trip from Venice, you won’t be able to see all the attractions of Padua in a day, but you can get a good idea of the city and enjoy its laid-back atmosphere.
Contributed by Daniela of Ipanema Travels
Ferrara
Ferrara is a lovely historical city located 70 miles away from Venice. It takes about an hour on the train to get there. In 1995, it was declared World Heritage by UNESCO.
The foundation of Ferrara is veiled in mystery. Legend has it that Ferrara was a woman who had run away from Troy (Ancient Greece) and wanted to establish a city of her own. In the 14th century, Ferrara blossomed under the rule of the Este family, and its golden age lasted for three centuries. Ferrara became one of the major centers of the Renaissance, attracting fine artists, writers, and musicians.
The main sight of the city is the Castle of Saint Michael, a medieval structure surrounded by a moat. Both its interior and exterior are impressive. Right across the corner, you will come across a square and the entrance to the Ferrara Cathedral. It is a richly-decorated building, well worth a visit. Here, in the heart of Ferrara, get yourself a delicious piadina (a traditional flatbread sandwich) and sit outside to enjoy the exquisite architecture of the city.
If you are an art enthusiast, you might enjoy a visit to the Diamanti Palace. This gallery features masterpieces from local artists who lived between the 13th and 17th centuries. Plus, it has a peculiar façade decorated with more than 8,000 diamond-shaped marble pieces. Their shape reflects sunlight, changing the exterior of the building according to the weather conditions. In winter, the palace looks as if it were made of ice. In this area of Ferrara, you can also take a stroll in the Massari Park or a visit to the Botanical Gardens.
Contributed by Eva Milano of All Things Hair
Verona
While there is always plenty to see and do in Venice, some travelers may want to make the most of the city’s proximity to Verona to explore another of Italy’s pristine destinations. The home of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet tragedy (as well as The Two Gentlemen of Verona, and The Taming of the Shrew), Verona is a stunning UNESCO World Heritage City with cobblestone streets, pastel-hued houses, and an exceptional ancient amphitheater. Add to that the world-famous Casa di Giulietta (Juliet’s House) with the romantic balcony and the courtyard which is home to the statue of Juliet and you’ve got yourself a pretty great day trip already.
Spend your time delving into the historical, cultural, and architectural sites of Verona, from the Piazza Bra and Piazza delle Erbe to the Basilica di San Zeno and the Church of Saint Anastasia. You can even visit the Scaligeri Family Tombs, the resting place of one of the city’s most powerful families in the 13th and 14th centuries whom it is believed some of the characters from Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet play are based.
The city of fair Verona lays just a short train ride away from Venice, with frequent, well-priced services running every day throughout the year from Venezia Santa Lucia Station to Verona Porta Nuova. The train journey takes between one and two hours depending on the option you choose (Regionale, Regionale Veloce or Frecciabianca) but you can easily get there and back in a day. Try to book a journey that doesn’t have any changes to make your train ride as smooth and simple as possible.
Alternatively, you can drive to Verona from Venice if you already have a car to hand, with the 120km journey taking around 90 minutes (on a good day).
Contributed by Chrysoula of Travel Passionate
Mantua
One of the best day trips from Venice is to Mantua, a pretty city in Lombardy Region known locally as the ‘city of culture’. The great thing is, few tourists have heard of this place so it still has that authentic appeal. Is there anything better than experiencing a small Italian city like a local?
There are plenty of things to do in Mantua. For example, you should definitely visit the Basilica di Sant’Andrea, a beautiful basilica constructed in the 15th century. Another one of the sights that is worth visiting is the Ducal Palace. This used to be the royal residence of the rulers of Mantua, the House of Conzaga. It really is a stunning building to see. Next to the Ducal Palace you will find the Piazza Sordello, the main square where you can observe the bustle of the city.
Another unique aspect of Mantua are the three surrounding lakes which are something not to be missed! Get a boat tour across the waters to enjoy the best views of the city. It’s the perfect setting to take photos, just like the best photo spots in Venice. Mantua has many good restaurants too. Prepare to be amazed by the delicious local Italian food, typical dishes such as Tortelli di Zucca, or pumpkin tortelli!
There are various ways to get to Mantua from Venice for a day trip. Probably the most convenient way is by train. You first have to take a train to Verona and from Verona there is a direct train to Mantua. Alternatively, you can go by bus but this is a bit slower. For this journey you also have to transfer in Verona. Alternatively, if you have your own vehicle or a rental car you can drive there yourself. This will take you about 1 hour 45 minutes.
Contributed by Dymphe of Dymabroad
Gorizia
About a 90 minute drive or 2 hours on the train from Venice is the medieval city of Gorizia. Surrounded by the wine region of Collio, Gorizia is perfect for a day trip or a few days away from the tourists in Venice. With borders to Slovenia and a history of occupation by Austria, Gorizia has an interesting mix of cultures, food and heritage of middle Europe. Ruled by the Habsburgs in the 1500s it was known as the Austrian Riviera.
High above the city is Castello di Gorizia, which commands views over Gorizia and neighbouring Nova Goricia in Slovenia. Once used as a fortress and barracks, it was rebuilt in 1937 and now houses a museum with period Middle Ages features, furniture, paintings and tapestries. On the road up to the castle are another two museums. The first is the Museum of the Great War. It chronicles the First World War with photos, articles and a reconstructed trench. It also documents the rebuilding of Gorizia after the war. The other museum is the Fashion and Applied Arts Museum. This interesting museum follows the processing of silk-weaving and textiles in the area. Displaying silks and laces and also a late 18th Century circular silk-twisting machine, it is an insight into how clothing was made.
Sant’Ignazio’s church dominates the Piazza della Vittoria. Topped with onion-shaped domes, inside is highly decorated with marble and frescos on the ceiling. Palazzo Coronini-Cronberg is a short walk from the town centre and is a magnificent example of life through the ages. The exhibits include paintings, furniture and fashions. For the very best of typical food of the area, visit Alla Luna restaurant in Via Oberdan. A quirky place it serves delicious food including the local Rosa di Gorizia, a type of radicchio that has been overwintered in tunnels to bring out the rose shape. If you have time and transport, visit the Collio vineyards a short drive from Gorizia for wine tasting and buying.
Contributed by Larch from The Silver Nomad
Trieste
Trieste makes for a perfect day trip from Venice. This hidden gem is located on the north eastern coast of Italy, right next to Austrian border. Due to this, Trieste offers a unique mix of Italian and Austrian cultures and cuisines. Imagine pasta with sachertorte and you will get some idea. The city of Trieste is relatively small and the centre is built around a single grand square called Plaza Unita. Parallel to Plaza Unita is Canal Grande which is lined with gorgeous palaces; the perfect place to discover the architecture from Habsburg times. You can also appreciate this on a tour of the Habsburg Palace in Miramare Castle.
It is an absolute delight to walk around and explore this quaint city with the harbour and promenade which is at easy reach no matter where you go. If you’re a fan of Roman history, Trieste also has a Roman Theatre which is in good condition and free to enter. Grab some Austrian pastries like Sacher and Strudel and head to Giardano di Via San Michele for some tranquility, peace and great views of the city. This beautiful garden is the perfect setting to rest your feet. Another great place is the area between Via Armando Diaz and Via Luigi Cadorna with great options for lunch.
Trieste is a unique town with charm and tranquility that isn’t overrun with tourists – if you are visiting Venice, Trieste makes for a great day trip or you can even stay longer. The best way to get to Trieste from Venice is via train which is cheap and takes just over two hours. The journey is very picturesque and beautiful, mostly following the north eastern coast of Italy which is much underrated. Tip: If you want a cheaper combination for a holiday in Venice, look for flights to and from Trieste, which may be more reasonable.
Contributed by Ucman of Brown Boy Travels
Trento
Venice is always busy, and you may fancy a contrast for a day or two in a quieter destination. If you’re looking for the right place to relax body and mind, to switch off your brain for a little while, head for Trento. Take the fast train from the main station of Venice to the capital of Trentino Alto Adige, just two hours away in the Dolomites, the famous mountain range in the Italian Alps
Trento is a small town with many attractions, gateway to the slopes and amazing mountain hikes. There’s a long list of things to do in Trento, starting with a visit to the incredible Muse, a Science Museum with many interactive activities. Don’t forget to visit Buonconsiglio Castle and the incredible 15th century frescoes while you’re in Trento.
Trentino is also the region of the delicious Trento Doc, a different kind of Prosecco wine exclusive to this area of Italy – take the cable car up the mountain to the little town of Sardagna and enjoy a glass of the fizzy aperitif as the locals do – sipping a Prosecco Spritz while peacefully admiring the views from the top of Mount Bodone.
Although the town itself can be touristy, this is a lovely area to visit. If you have time, there’s a lot more to do around Trento – go out to see the Pontealto gorge and feel the sheer power of the water as it rushes through the canyon. Visiting in winter and want to hit the slopes? Trento is within easy reach of the Madonna di Campiglio ski resort. You can also check out the gorgeous lakes, like Lake Tovel or Lake of Braies, surrounded by valleys and mountains they are fast becoming the most instagrammable places in Trentino. As you can see Trento is an off the beaten path place to visit just a couple of hours away from Venice, fine for a day trip or ideally for a longer stay.
Contributed by Alessia & Toti of Italian Trip Abroad
Valdobbiadene and Conegliano – Prosecco Wine Region
Italy’s Prosecco region is a small geographical area between the towns of Valdobbiadene and Conegliano in the Veneto region, just a short distance from Venice, in which the highest denomination of Prosecco is produced. While Prosecco can technically be produced anywhere, the sparkling wine from this particular region holds DOCG status, meaning producers adhere to the strictest regulations and therefore the Prosecco produced is deemed the highest quality in the world.
Still a hidden gem when it comes to European wine regions, Italy’s rolling Prosecco hills make for a fun and unique day trip from Venice. You can easily spend a whole day wandering through the charming vineyards, touring the family-run wineries and learning about the Prosecco production methods, and, of course, go for numerous tastings to sample the best of what the region has to offer.
The Prosecco region can be reached from Venice in an hour by direct train from Venezia Santa Lucia station to Conegliano. From Conegliano, the easiest way to spend a day in the region is by booking a Prosecco driver who will pick you up from the train station and act as your designated driver and tour guide for the day, helping to organise tastings at the best wineries and taking you to other great spots such as scenic viewpoints and the region’s famous Prosecco vending machine.
Contributed by Emily of London City Calling
Day Trips from Venice by Car
Lake Garda
Venice is a magical city that everyone should take the opportunity to visit even if just for a day but its surroundings are equally spectacular from both a naturalistic and historical point of view. The villages scattered around the shimmering Lake Garda are an example of this and they are perfect for a day trip. It takes about 1h 30 min to reach Lake Garda from Venice and then you are spoiled for choice of villages to visit. However, the perimeter of the lake is 160km so you must make a choice, it is impossible to visit them all.
You can start from Lazise and Bardolino that will charm you with their promenade along the lakefront, full of restaurants and cafes where you can stop and appreciate the colours of the lake that change during the day. Lazise, a medieval village with its well-preserved surrounding walls, is about an hour’s walk from Bardolino, perfect for those who appreciate the chance to stretch their legs. Bardolino is particularly attractive with its well-kept historic centre and the most beautiful beaches on the lake. Another enchanting town is Sirmione. Of course, it is not unusual to be fascinated by this small town surrounded on three sides by water, and take advantage of the thermal water springs for a few hours of relaxation.
One stop however that cannot be missed, but which could take the whole day, is Desenzano del Garda. Desenzano del Garda embodies the beauty of the smaller villages but with a lively historical centre that offers entertainment both to lovers of culture, who can explore the castle, the cathedral, and the archaeological museum, and to those who love shopping with refined shops and traditional markets. There are many other villages to visit which, whilst similar with their historic villas and castles, each have their own individuality, certainly none will disappoint you!
Contributed by Clotilde from a Princess Travelling With Twins
The Dolomites
The beautiful mountain range of the Dolomites is one of the best places to visit in Italy for outdoor and nature lovers. Although it’s worth spending at least 5 days in the Dolomites, if you don’t have that much time it can easily be visited as a day trip from Venice as well. Depending on which part of the Dolomites you’re planning to visit, it can take anywhere between 3-4 hours to reach it from Venice so it’s worth starting your day trip early in the morning to allow yourself enough time for exploring. Covering more than 140,000 hectares, it’s impossible to see everything in just one day therefore it’s best to choose only one or two sights close to each other for your day trip.
Renting a car will grant you more freedom and flexibility but if you don’t want to drive, you can easily book an organized day tour as well. One of the most popular day tours includes visiting the quaint little town of Cortina d’Ampezzo and the famous Tre Cime di Lavaredo, where you can do a short hike or just admire the beauty of the mountains from a guesthouse.
Of course, if you have your own car, you can choose a different route and/or include more places in your day trip from Venice. Another great place to visit is Ortisei, from where you can take a gondola up to Alpe di Siusi, which is one of the most famous places in the Dolomites. If you have some extra time, you can also take a detour to Val di Funes where you can visit Santa Maddalena church, and the church of St. John in Ranui which is the most photographed church in the Dolomites. Wherever you decide to go in the Dolomites, the beauty of the mountain range will surely leave you speechless.
Contributed by Kriszti of She Wanders Abroad
Chioggia
After visiting Venice, we decided to explore Chioggia, a nearby town which lies south of Venice approximately one hour away by car. Chioggia is often referred to as Little Venice. It’s easy to understand once you arrive here. The city is built on water and has numerous canals and bridges. The atmosphere of this place is complemented by the architecture that is confusingly similar to the one in Venice. The largest canal in Chioggia is the Vena Canal with nine bridges – the longest is Ponto Vigo bridge which leads all the way to the main square, where the tower is decorated with the lion of St. Mark, as well as the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, built in the 12th century.
In Chioggia, it is also worth visiting the Basilica of St. James the Apostle, the Church of St. Andrew from the 18th century and a Romanesque tower from the turn of the 11th and 12th centuries, which houses the world’s oldest clock made by Giovanni Dondi. Street life is focused around Corso del Popolo main street where you’ll find shops, bars, restaurants, churches and offices. This boulevard leads to the sea and the port.
This place is different from Venice and that’s why it’s a good choice for a day visit. Chioggia feels authentic with its own real-life fish markets for locals not just for the tourist, shops with a wonderful display of fresh veggies, and coffee shops where a cappuccino costs only 1 euro and where you can overhear local Italians chatting to each other about weather and politics.
Contributed by Ania James of The Travelling Twins
Have you been to Venice? Do you have a favourite day trip or somewhere special in Venetto Region that you’d love to see? We’d love to hear your opinion so please leave your comments below.
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Wow, some beautiful places here. I’ve never even been to Venice yet, but now I have an entire itinerary planned around it thanks to this. I think I’d have to go to Verona for the Shakespeare link alone.
What a comprehensive post! I can’t wait to check out some of these places I’ve yet to visit – Trieste in particular. Thanks for sharing!
You put together an amazing guide Kali! Is was much more than you can visit in 1 time!
At least we will have a lot of motives to go back over and over again to Italy!
Thanks for sharing!
I just added a few places on my travel list. Padua and Chioggia for instance. And I never made it to Torcello while in Venice. It seems I’ll have to correct that!
Lovely post, a lot of inspiration!
Anda
So many of my fave places in Italy on this list!
Absolutely spoilt for choice with all these incredible places! I’d love to visit the prosecco region or visit Little Venice!