Visiting Italy? Heading for Venice? Then take a look at our insider guide on the best places near Venice to include in your trip. Discover where to go in North Italy and which neighbouring countries are easy to reach by road, train, or boat from Venice.
Whether you fancy a short break twinning Venice with a nearby city, popping over to the Balkans across the Adriatic, a week exploring coastal villages along the Italian Riviera, or a jaunt up into the Alps for a spot of skiing, sit back for an armchair read and start plotting your next escape. Here are the best places to combine with a trip to Venice.
Venice is the most beautiful city in Italy, the picture perfect canal setting studded with ancient churches and historical palaces, and gorgeous gondoliers just waiting to take you out on a canoe ride through a maze of ‘backstreet’ waterways that seem to stand still in time. Whether it’s a 2 day Venice itinerary rushing around to see the sites or an extended holiday with a stay on Venice Lagoon Islands, the memories will last a lifetime. However, there’s much more to North Italy than this.
Day trips from Venice are the evident choice for a quick excursion of the Veneto region – there are some really great beaches near Venice, Romeo and Juliette’s famous Verona is only a train ride away, or you could venture up for a taste of life beside the shores of Lake Como. But with a little planning it’s simple to see more of northern Italy and other countries that are close to Venice, such as beautiful and romantic Croatia!
So where should you go after visiting Venice? It basically comes down to time and a desire to explore beyond the immediate vicinity, a comfortable level of what to fit in to your Italian trip.
Here are some travel ideas put together by travel bloggers who know this part of the world, the best places to combine with a vacation in Venice, organised into easy-to-read sections with transport options and how to get there.
Best Places Near Venice to Visit
Table of Content
- South of Venice – Emilia Romagna Region and San Marino
- Bologna
- Republic of San Marino
- Ravenna
- Modena
- The Italian Alps from Venice
- Bolzano
- Cortina d’Ampezzo in the Dolomites
- Skiing in the Dolomites
- The Austrian Alps from Venice
- Innsbruck, Austria The Tyrolean Capital of the Austrian Alps
- Lombardy, North Italy
- Bergamo
- Lake Como
- Milan
- The Ligurian Coast (Italian Riviera)
- Genoa
- Portofino
- Cinque Terre
- Venice and Slovenia
- Piran
- Ljubljana
- Lake Bled
- Venice and Croatia
- Rovinj
- Cruise From Venice
- International Airports in North Italy
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.
South of Venice
Emilia Romagna Region and San Marino
Bologna, Italy
Bologna is number one on our list of top places to twin with Venice and the most convenient choice if you’re in Northern Italy for a week’s holiday, or less. Why? Flights into Bologna are invariably cheaper with low cost carriers who fly frequently throughout the year (this is often easier than flying into Venice itself as the local airports are more summer seasonal); Bologna’s airport shuttle bus goes straight to the railway terminal in the city centre which has hourly connections to ‘Venezia’ Sta Lucia station.
Depending on arrival time, travel straight on to the romantic ‘water city’, or stay in Bologna for 2 days to start with for your first taste of real Italian life.
Bologna is also within easy reach of the Tuscany Region (get the train for a day out in Florence or a longer tour of Tuscany’s medieval cities, villages and wineries).
Bologna has an amazing vibe, an ancient university city full of street life and incalculable history. And it’s not brimming with tourists, yet. Walk under the porticoes, down avenues of traditional buildings full of boutique stores, and into the heart of the monumental ‘old town’.
Piazza Maggiore is the focal point, the huge medieval square where Bologna’s grand gothic cathedral sits, and a favourite meeting place for open-air cultural events. The main sights are in this vicinity and easy to find with a map, although wandering around with no set plan is a cool way of ‘finding’ things.
Like Torre Dui, two leaning towers (don’t ask me why Italy has so many tilting ‘torres’), or the only remaining canal that is hidden away (the city was developed over the original waterways some centuries ago). Or San Stephan Basilica, where a monk beckoned us deep inside, into a kind of second dimension, to see this incredibly ancient place of worship with an original stone altar and pulpit, and the sound of low chanting from the cloisters within.
Head for the indoor market for lunch -mosey past the fresh fruit and veg stalls, garlands of dried tomatoes and garlic hanging overhead, delicatessens with a mouthwatering selection of cheeses and hams, real Modena vinegar and Parma wines (this is the land of Lambrusco, one of Italy’s wine regions), and not surprisingly all kinds of pasta imaginable- and enjoy authentic cuisine in true Italian style.
In the evening it’s aperitif time, almost a religion as the sun goes down, sit down at a pavement café and enjoy a glass of wine or two with a board of Bologna antipasto. It’s just like the movies you see before visiting Italy!
The capital of Emilia Romagna Region, and one of the best places for food in Italy, Bologna is a train ride away from Venice (90 miles north as the crow flies).
How to get to Venice from Bologna
Bologna to Venice by train (the easiest option):
The direct Tren Italia high speed train (Frecce) from Bologna Centrale Station to Venezia S. Lucia terminal takes 1 hour 30 min. (book in advance to reserve your seat and get better priced fares). Alternatively, catch the hourly direct express train (Regionale Veloce) which takes around 2 hours.
The Italo high speed train is similar to the ‘Frecce’, but runs less frequently.
By car: The quickest route takes some 2 hours on the A13 toll road and SS309 (166 km).
Republic of San Marino
Located just a three-hour drive south of Venice is a hidden gem often overlooked by visitors coming to Italy – the Republic of San Marino. This ‘micro country’ on the slopes of Mount Titano, the oldest kingdom in the world, has breathtaking views over the Italian countryside and Adriatic Sea. San Marino’s fortress towers on the top of the mountain are legendary, iconic landmarks which can be seen from miles around.
Traveling to San Marino is a must-do when you’re in Italy! If you’re driving, be prepared for hairpin turns and a slow, long climb up the twisting roads to the fortresses which guard the City of San Marino! There are three towers to see, all dating back to the Middle Ages! The oldest tower is part of Guaita fortress, built in the 11th century it’s a well-known World Heritage Site.
Cesta tower looks down from the citadel on the highest peak and features an unusual museum of historical weapons, some dating back to medieval times. A third tower, Montale can be seen on a smaller peak but this one is not open to the public. Walking up to the towers is quite strenuous, so once you’ve done exploring, get your fill of hand-tossed, fire-grilled pizza at Ristorante II Beccafico. Sit back and enjoy local wine while taking in the views!
Although San Marino can be seen on a day trip from Bologna, staying overnight is a cool option. To make the most of your time, stay at the Hotel Cesare which is located at the top of the mountain – one of the few hotels that are.
On your second day, walk along the cobbled streets to see the Basilica di San Marino, a beautiful colonnaded church dedicated to the founder and patron of the Republic of San Marino, Saint Marinus. Enjoy some of the museums that San Marino has to offer too, such as the National Museum opened in 1899 and home to some 5,000 artifacts dating back to the Neolithic era, the majority discovered locally. As you can see, San Marino is a fascinating destination and shouldn’t be missed when visiting Italy.
Contributed by Pamela from The Directionally Challenged Traveler
Getting around San Marino
The ‘Funivia’ cable car, which runs up from the small town Borgo Maggiore at the foot of Mount Titano, is a scenic way of getting to San Marino City at the top of the mountain. A series of lifts connect the lower and upper city, convenient if you can’t face walking uphill or for anyone with limited mobility.
How to get to San Marino from Bologna
By bus: Get the bus from Bologna to Rimini, then change for San Marino;
By train/bus: Train to Rimini then bus to San Marino;
By car: Approx. 1 hour 30 minutes from Bologna to San Marino, drive southeast on the E45 to Rimini, then take the A14 (129 km).
Alternatively, take the scenic coastal road straight from Venice.
Getting to San Marino from Venice via Ravenna and Rimini
From Venice, San Marino is roughly a 3 hour 15 minute drive south along the scenic E55 coastal road (223 kms).
Currency
Euros are the local currency in San Marino, the same as in Italy.
Ravenna, Italy
Ravenna is a must for history enthusiasts and art lovers. It was the one time capital of the Roman Empire, and later became the major city of Byzantine Italy. In the 5th century CE it was also a centre for Christian art, so much so that Ravenna’s Early Christian Monuments are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The site includes eight different buildings spread across the city. These buildings are remarkable for their history and architecture, but for most visitors the main attraction is the magnificent Byzantine mosaics.
You could easily spend a whole day exploring these monuments and their mosaics. If you are short of time the most impressive mosaics are in the Basilica di San Vitale and the Mausoleo di Gaia Placida. The oldest building in the World Heritage Site is the Battistero Neoniano, a baptistery that was built in the 4th century on the site of a Roman bath house.
Elsewhere in Ravenna you can visit the Ravenna National Museum. This is housed in a former Benedictine monastery and includes mosaics and other artifacts from the Christian Monuments. It also has an important collection of frescoes, Roman remains and much more. Beside the Basilica di San Francesco you can see the tomb of the poet Dante Alighieri. The tomb is surrounded by a ‘silent zone’ where people can pay their respects to Italy’s national poet.
When you are ready to eat, you’ll find plenty of local fish and seafood. Look out too for piadine, the distinctive flatbreads that are a speciality of the region.
Contributed by Karen Warren at Bewitched By Italy
How to get from Venice to Ravenna
By train: around 3 hours (via Ferrara or Bologna);
By car: 2 hours 15 minutes on the SS309 coastal road (144 km).
How to get from Bologna to Ravenna:
1 hour by direct train; 1 hour by car on the E45 and A14 (79 km)
Modena, Italy
Modena is a wonderful city to combine with a holiday in Venice. Located in the Emilia-Romagna region of Northern Italy, it is a city known for its food culture and cars. Modena is arguably most famous for its balsamic vinegar. In fact, that’s likely where you’ve heard of this Italian town before, with a bottle of Modena’s finest sitting in your pantry.
In Modena there are many stores offering up tastings of balsamic vinegar for you to try. Or, head to the central food market, Mercato Albinelli. Here you’ll be able to sample and buy some of Italy’s finest fresh produce, including Parmigiano-Reggiano, home-made pasta and the local almond cookie.
For some more substantial food, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Modena is home to some of Italy’s best restaurants, including Osteria Francescana. It was voted World’s Best Restaurant in 2018 and is forever on the Best of the Best list. In an unassuming location in the back streets of Modena’s old town, sitting here will see you devour some of Chef Massimo’s famous dishes. With reservations in hot demand, it can be very difficult to secure a table. If you’re not in luck, there’s a more casual sister restaurant, Franceschetta 58.
A fairly small city, it’s possible to see the key sights with just one day in Modena. The city has a stunning main square, Piazza Grande, home to a large cathedral and tower. This is a great spot to enjoy an ‘aperitivo’ at one of the local bars. A very walkable city, spend some time wandering through the old town with the cobbled-stone streets and porticoes.
Modena is also home to one of Ferrari’s best museums, the Enzo Ferrari Museum. It’s located on the site of the childhood home of Enzo Ferrari, the founder of this iconic car brand. The museum is a must visit for car lovers, with vintage and more modern cars all on display.
The easiest way to get to Modena from Venice is by train. This generally takes around 2 hours and requires a change at Bologna station.
Contributed by Kristen Miller from Our Passion for Travel
How to get from Bologna to Modena
By car: Drive northwest on the A1 and E35 (45 km) – takes 50 minutes; By train: 20 minutes direct;
How to get from Venice to Modena
By train: via Bologna (2 hours 20 min. fastest journey time);
By car: 2 hours 10 minutes on the A13 ( 197 km).
Venice and Emilia Romagna Road Trip
Bologna > San Marino > Ravenna > Venice > Modena > Bologna
The Italian Alps from Venice
Bolzano, Italy
Bolzano is located in the Italian Alps surrounded, as you can imagine, by stunning rural countryside. The best option for visiting the region would be by car –this is quite straightforward although, like every country, it’s a good idea to check the requirements for driving in Italy before going on holiday.
As you drive, you will see castles, cathedrals and small clusters of old towns in every direction. Whether you choose to take the fast route on the freeway (some three hours drive from Venice) or take the less travelled roads, you will be treated to the gorgeous rolling landscape of Italy.
From Venice, be sure to drive the slower and longer route along Lake Garda. Make a stop at Scaliger Castle in Malcesine. You will love the lakeside views, and seeing the quaint cottages and little shops all along the way. On the drive to Bolzano, choose a few other castles or small towns to stop off at on the journey. Castel Beseno, or Castel Roncolo looking over the city of Bolzano, are both good examples.
Bolzano is a town with mixed German and Italian influence which makes it really interesting, the pedestrian area being the most picturesque. Discover the Gothic architecture of the Duomo di Bolzano on Piazza Walther, the central plaza which has an ornate statue and fountain surrounded by pretty flowers, brightly coloured buildings, markets and shops which are a delight to see as you explore the neighbourhood.
From here, walk down the road to the Dominican Church and step inside for a while to admire the remarkable interior. For an overview of the entire area and stunning views of the city itself, take the Funivia del Renon cable car straight up the mountain.
Contributed by Jamie Harper from Fly by the Seat of our Pants
Cortina d’Ampezzo in the Dolomites, Italy
As contrast to bridges and canals, Cortina d’Ampezzo and the Dolomites are a wonderful day trip from Venice – if you can spend the night, even better! There is a reason why Cortina is called ‘the Queen of the Dolomites’: this small town of some 5,000 inhabitants, nestled in the Ampezzo Valley, is surrounded by magnificent peaks of light-coloured rock – these mountains surrounding Cortina are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Summer or winter, rain or shine, you will find something relaxing or exciting to do in Cortina. From spring to autumn, there are hundreds of hikes and via ferrata routes nearby, down in the valley and on the peaks, from super easy ones to extremely challenging. The Alta Via 1 passes just west of Cortina, so many walkers stay here before or after their hike.
It’s also fun to rent a bike and cycle along the whole valley on the Old Railway Bike Path. In winter, the ski slopes cover almost every mountain – you can rent the gear at one of the numerous shops in the valley and enjoy a few hours of freedom on the slopes of Tofane Mountains or Faloria-Cristallo ski area. It’s an exciting place to be, as the World Ski Championships take place on the Tofana slopes!
My favourite thing to do in Cortina, however, is a more relaxing combination – I love to go ice-skating in the 1956 Olympic Ice Stadium, and then strolling on the pedestrian street Corso Italia. The ice rink is usually less crowded than the ski slopes or the hiking trails; skating to the sound of music is fun and wakes up all my body. Afterwards, I love to admire traditional jewellry and home décor in the boutiques of Corso Italia, as well as couture clothes in luxury shops.
Cortina is located 160 km away from Venice, straight up north. To reach Cortina d’Ampezzo from Venice by car, exit Venice through Mestre and take highway A27 towards Belluno (toll required). At the end of the highway, continue until Cortina on Strada Statale SS51. The journey takes approximately 2 hours 30 minutes, and you should avoid weekends (especially going to Cortina on Saturday morning and coming back on Sunday afternoon, as it can take much, much longer).
Public transport is available, but lines and availability changes seasonally; take a look at Trenitalia (sometimes there is a bus instead of a train), ATVO Venice buses, Cortina Express, and FlixBus.
Contributed by Giulia from the Travelling Sunglasses
Skiing in the Dolomites, Italy
A perfect combination is to link a stay in Venice with a short, or long, ski holiday on the peaks of the Dolomites. The Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offer breathtaking scenery, unspoiled nature, and the possibility of complete relaxation or to participate in countless sports for the more active.
In summer and in winter there is something for everyone, but it is certainly during the colder months, with the mountains covered with a white coat that they offer their best. Whether it’s just for a weekend or for a classic ski week, once you’ve skied in the Dolomites, you won’t want to go anywhere else!
The Dolomites cover an extremely large area, from Venice in 2 to 3 hours you can reach some of the most beautiful slopes, such as Alta Badia or Val Gardena. The Dolomites are dotted with countless villages that seem straight out of a fairytale.
Public transport, by train and bus, will take you everywhere, but it will often take a bit long to reach the lesser-known villages. The most practical thing is to rent a car in Venice which will ensure independence and speed of travel. Many car rental agencies also offer cars with snow tyres, which save you from struggling with snow chains at the side of some cold mountain road in the dark!
As mentioned, the Dolomites cover an extremely large area, so how to choose? Nothing could be simpler, there are 12 ski areas with 1,200 km of slopes all connected to each other, so no fear of making a bad choice! A magnificent system of gondolas, chair lifts, and modern cable cars will allow you to move easily from one area to another.
In a week you will never have to repeat the same piste! From some of these ski areas, such as Alta Badia, Arabba, or Cortina d’Ampezzo you can also enjoy a circular circuit called the Sellaronda that will take you skiing around the Sella Massif. Children or beginners in tow? No problem, slopes are available for all levels, and schools and kindergartens for all ages. A dream place!
Contributed by Clotilde from A Princess Travelling With Twins
The Austrian Alps from Venice
Innsbruck, Austria
The Tyrolean Capital of the Austrian Alps
A wonderful next destination after amazing days in Venice is Innsbruck in Austria. With over 300,000 inhabitants, the capital of the state of Tyrol is THE metropolis in the west of Austria and is beautifully situated on the river Inn, right at the foot of imposing mountain peaks. In some corners the city centre looks like a large open-air museum with its many old houses and historic streets.
Don’t miss the ‘Goldenes Dachl’, the golden roof on the town hall. Another highlight is the Märchengasse with many characters from well-known fairy tales that are set up above house entrances. Can you discover them all? Riesengasse is nearby…guess who’s waiting there?
In Innsbruck, a walk along the Inn is highly recommended. From here you have a great view of the Nordkette and the other bank of the river with the colourful houses. Another attraction in the city centre is the Hofburg Museum, where you can admire many exhibits from imperial history as well as architectural highlights such as the Gothic cellar and the state rooms. The court church with beautiful paintings and a variety of figures is also nearby. If you are into shopping, you should definitely take a look at Maria-Theresien-Straße.
The Nordketten cable car takes you comfortably from the city centre to lofty heights of over 2,200 metres. Up here, you will find good hiking trails and cosy mountain huts with great food where you can stop off and relax. In winter Innsbruck is a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts – for students, use of the ski lifts is included in the semester ticket.
Especially before Christmas, Innsbruck is a top destination – enjoy the city and its Christmas Market at the foot of the snowy mountains, the amazing views, quaint streets, and local culinary delights like spiced mulled wine or Innsbruck ‘Kiachl’, a small cake filled with jam.
Contributed by Phil from Journication
How to get to the Alps from Venice
Venice to Bolzano by car: fastest route 2 hours 40 minutes via Verona (268 km); by train: 3 hours (change at Verona);
Bolzano to Innsbruck (Austria): 1 h 30 min by car; 2 hours by train (change at Brenner);
Venice to Innsbruck: 5 h 30 min by train – change at Verona and Brenner (goes via Bolzano) or roughly 4 hours by car (387 km);
Venice to Cortina by car: 2 hours 15 minutes (160 km);
Alta Badia is located roughly halfway between Bolzano and Cortina.
Venice and the Alps Road Trip Itinerary
Venice > Cortina > Alta Badia > Bolzano > Innsbruck
* Check Innsbruck Airport for international flights.
Lombardy, North Italy
Bergamo, Italy
Close to Milan, just 40 kilometres away, you’ll find the charming city of Bergamo, a small medieval town tucked into the foothills of the Alps known for its beautiful architecture and fine cuisine. The easiest way to get to Bergamo is by catching a train from Milan, which costs around 5 euros. A train is available every hour and it takes less than an hour to get there.
The city of Bergamo was inhabited 2,000 years ago by the Romans. Later, in the Middle Ages it was ruled by the Venetians, who made the city their trading centre. Most of the landmarks of the old city of Bergamo are located in the so-called Citta Alta (the Old Town).
The defensive walls, built by the Venetians are one of the highlights of the city. They were erected in the 16th century and were the reason why the city of Bergamo was never conquered. Along with this, it is good to explore the city gates, which are truly remarkable in size and architecture.
Another beautiful landmark in the historic centre is the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore. This grand Catholic church was built in the 12th century and is known for its incredible architecture, astonishing frescoes and hand-painted ceiling.
Close to Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore is the Duomo di Bergamo, which is the main square in the old city of Bergamo. Duomo di Bergamo is known for its richly colourful and staggering medieval buildings surrounding it. Right next to Duomo di Bergamo is the Cappella Colleoni, a family shrine with a lavishly decorated façade in early Lombard Renaissance style. Its rich colours and details are truly astonishing and not surprisingly, attract lots of visitors each year.
Contributed by Alexandrina Nikolova of Earthosea
How to get to Bergamo from Venice
By train: 3 hours (1 change) is the fastest route;
By car: 2 hours 15 minutes on the A4 toll road (227 kms).
Bergamo to Lake Como (northwards)
1 hour 30 minutes by train (1 change); or 1 hour 45 minutes by car on the A4 toll road and E64 (125 km).
Bergamo to Milan (southwards)
40 minutes by direct train; 55 minutes by car on the via A4 toll road and E64 (60 km southwest).
Lake Como, Italy
Beautiful Lake Como is an upside-down Y shaped lake in the Lombardy region in Northern Italy. Its spectacular landscape is nestled alongside the foothills of the Swiss Alps and surrounded by prestigious resorts. In the centre, where all three branches meet, you will find the famous resort town of Bellagio.
Travelling from Venice to Bellagio will take you 4 hours 20 minutes by train or 3 hours and 40 minutes by car. It would be great to stop in the town of Lecco on your way. Lecco is situated on Lake Como’s southeastern shore. It has many trails, a cable car to a lookout point, 5th-century settlement remains, and the Basilica di San Nicolò, to name a few things.
Alternately you can go to the southwest shore of the lake and arrive in Como city. It will take approximately 3 hours 25 minutes to get to the town known for its monument to Alessandro Volta, the inventor of the battery, among other things, the funicolare to the overhead village of Brunate, and the stunning Dumo – which took four centuries to build. From there, you can continue to Bellagio, arriving by ferry anywhere from 45 minutes to a couple of hours, depending on the service you choose.
Once in Bellagio, be sure to visit Villa Serbelloni Park, the Tower of the Arts, the Romanesque San Giacomo Church, and the Museum of Navigational Instruments. Of course, your time on Lake Como would not be complete without spending some time on the beaches and eating some delicious Italian food.
Lake Como, or ‘Lago di Como’ in Italian, is also known as Lario. It is the third-largest lake in Italy. The best time to visit is from March to November. During this time, it is not too hot or crowded. Day trips to the area are wonderful, but if you can, it is ideal to stay for three or four days and visit a few of the posh yet ancient towns.
Contributed by Sally Pederson from Luxurious Lifestyles
Milan, Italy
If you are in north Italy it would be a sin to pass on Milano. A metropolitan area with 10 million people, this is the biggest city in Italy and the third in Europe. The city has a long history and it is a great cultural, fashion, design, educational, and business centre. Milan is a world ‘fashion capital’ together with New York, Paris and London, so Fashion Week here is the place to be if fashion is your thing! Milan has the most UNESCO sites in the whole world.
On the top of the list there is The Church and Dominican Convent of Santa Maria Delle Grazie in Milan where you can see ‘The Last Supper’ by Leonardo da Vinci, and admire the emblematic XV century Renaissance architecture as well as priceless pieces of art.
In the city centre, you will find other interesting places within walking distance. Starting with the biggest church in Italy, Gothic Duomo di Milano dedicated to the Nativity of St Mary. It has been built over 6 centuries and houses many artworks from different periods.
Across Piazza del Duomo there is splendid Grand Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, the oldest shopping mall from the 19th century with two glass-vaulted arcades. On the other side, is a square with the famous opera venue La Scala which was built in the 18th century.
Other places of interest would be Castello Sforzesco, Pinacoteca di Brera art gallery, 4th century St. Ambrose church, and Piazza dei Mercanti. For sports fans, Milano is home to two world-class soccer clubs AC Milan and Internazionale Milano, who share the San Siro stadium with 83,000 seats.
If you’re feeling hungry after a long day, dine in style in one of Milan’s luxurious rooftop restaurants. You should try a typical dinner, starting with a minestrone, followed by ossobucco served with risotto alla Milanese, and for dessert a slice of panatonne with a glass of prosecco.
Contributed by Džangir Kolar from Dr Jam Travels
How to get to Milan from Venice
By train: The direct high speed train takes just over 2 hours;
By car: 2 hours 50 minutes on the A4 toll road (270 km).
* Milan airport is a major international hub where low-cost carriers fly. It can be a useful destination to twin with Venice.
Venice and Lombardy Road Trip Itinerary
Venice > Bergamo > Lake Como > Milan
The Ligurian Coast (Italian Riviera)
Genoa, Italy
One of the easiest places to visit from Venice would be Genoa located on the Ligurian coastline. The main trading competitor to Venice in centuries gone by, Genoa is less visited by tourists today but still contains so many amazing palaces and other historical places of interest worth seeing, in spite of its industrial downtown vibe.
The ‘old town’ city centre has Unesco World Heritage status, and there are some gorgeous traditional streets and significant architecture and other historic sites to see.
It’s an easy to explore the streets by yourself with the help of a tourist map, to see the highlights of the area and understand the significance of Genoa’s trading supremacy that competed with Venice’s opulence and power.
Walk through the beautiful Piazza dei Ferrari to the Cathedral, along small cobble streets, to Via Garibaldi and Strada Nuovi – the heart of the UNESCO protected district filled with opulent palaces like Palazzo Reale, a baroque palace dripping with ornate details, decorated in silver and gold leaf, and other fine materials that showcase the powerful elite of Genoa at its heyday.
End the day with a stroll along the grand boulevard ‘Via XX Settembre’ to admire the magnificently lit up galleries, boutique stores and upscale shops, under the covered porticoes which look so classy throughout the city.
Definitely worth a visit as a short trip or overnighter from Venice, you can check out my visit to Genoa‘s attractions and highlight tour here for more images and inspiration to visiting this stunning and beautiful city. Then you can also draw a comparison between Venice and Genoa during their heyday as powerful trading states to the rest of the world.
Contributed by Noel Morata of Travel Photo Discovery
How to get to Genoa from Venice
By train: The direct high speed train takes just over 2 hours;
By car: 4 hours on the A4 and A21/E70 (400 km).
Portofino, Italy
Portofino is a beautiful village of brightly colored houses centred around a tiny bay filled with boats. This is a favorite holiday destination of the rich and famous, but you can easily visit too! You can spend your days wandering through the stores, eating gelato and enjoying a coffee or wine at the cafes in the piazzatta, the small plaza right at the end of the bay. In fact, there are so many things to see, you’re spoilt for choice
One of the main sights in Portofino is St George church, where there are wonderful views of Portofino and the Mediterranean Sea. If you continue along the same lane, you will soon come to the Castello Brown and then the lighthouse a little further up the hill. There are also delightful terraced gardens filled with olive and lemon trees all around Portofino to enjoy.
The village is surrounded by Portofino Regional Park and this is a great place for hiking. Highly recommended is the two-hour hike to the tiny secluded San Fruttuoso bay, past the terraced gardens and around the hills hugging the sea. The bay, which can only be reached on foot or by boat, is home to a 10th century abbey, a tiny beach and several restaurants. Spend the day on the beach then catch a ferry back to Portofino in the late afternoon.
Afterwards, have dinner or an aperitif on the terrace of Hotel Splendido, enjoying stunning views of the village and water below. Or venture over to Cervara Abbey, a former monastery now a luxury hotel with gorgeous terraced gardens and even more stunning views.
If you want to go out on to the water, take a kayaking tour, rent a traditional wooden boat and marvel at the stunning coastline, or go diving. The sunken statue Christ of the Abyss is nearby and makes a unique dive site. Whether you want to relax or be more active, you will love visiting Portofino.
Contributed by James Ian from Travel Collecting
How to get to Portofino from Genoa
By car: 1 hour (30 km) drive along the coastal road;
By train/bus/ferry: train to Santa Margherita Ligure (30 minutes) and from there a choice of catching a ferry or bus to Portofino.
Cinque Terre, Italy
Cinque Terre on the Southern Italian Riviera, is composed of a series of 5 traditional seaside villages: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. Cinque Terre is one of the most beautiful places in Italy, a place so unique that it has been protected as a national park and designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The beautiful region of Cinque Terre is best accessible from Venice via train. The journey takes around 5 hours and therefore is recommended not as a day trip, but as a continuation of your trip from Venice. Although, a weekend break is more than enough time to see everything Cinque Terre has to offer.
Why should you visit Cinque Terre? There are many reasons why this destination is so popular amongst tourists and Italians alike, from the colourful houses and breathtaking views to the vineyards, harbours and cute local restaurants.
Visitors should not miss the cliffside hiking trails that link the villages and offer extraordinary views over the Italian Riviera. It is also important to know that the villages are inaccessible by car and therefore you will be doing a lot of walking, so don’t forget to bring comfortable shoes.
Apart from the famous 12-kilometre hiking trail called Sentiero Azzurro, you can also visit castles such as Doria Castle and Castello di Riomaggiore or the villages’ churches, bathe in the ocean, and try out delicious Italian dishes. And while you’re here, don’t forget to try out the region’s famous sauce, pesto!
Or what better experience than eating an Italian gelato overlooking the colourful houses and soaking up the atmosphere? Indeed, there’s no better Italian weekend getaway than Cinque Terre! With natural beauty and Italian ambience, there’s no wonder why Cinque Terre is one of the most popular places in Italy.
Contributed by Hadas Lesnick of Luxury Voyager
How to get from Portofino to Cinque Terre
By car: 1 hour 30 mins (73 km) on the A12 and E8.
Getting around Cinque Terre
By train: the train stops near all 5 villages on a scenic route;
Hiking: walk from village to village along the coastal trails.
Venice, Ligurian Coast and Emilia Romagna Road Trip Route
Bologna > Venice > Genoa > Portofino > Cinque Terre > Parma/Modena > Bologna
Venice and Slovenia
Combine a few days in Venice with a week in Slovenia and enjoy the pleasures of two countries in one extraordinary holiday.
Piran, Slovenia
For a picture-perfect day trip from Venice, consider Piran – the prettiest town on the Slovenian Riviera. It isn’t such a dramatic departure from Venice. Located on the Istrian Peninsula, Piran was part of the Venetian Republic for more than 500 years, which definitely left a mark on the architecture and culture. This is one of three places in the country where Italian is a co-official language with Slovene.
Piran is a great place to immerse yourself in local history and see how Venetian influence spread along the Adriatic. A lot of things will look familiar, including the picturesque harbour, the sprawling squares and church bell tower, which was built in the image of St. Mark’s Campanile.
At the same time, it’s a chance to dip your toes in Balkan culture, eat Istrian cuisine (which is distinct from Italian), and sip on renowned Slovenian wine. You’ll find it a pleasant retreat from Venice’s crowds – Piran is much smaller and quieter by contrast, especially in shoulder season.
A day is the perfect amount of time to take in all the highlights. The best things to do in Piran include climbing the historic Town Walls for a stunning view, roaming the silent, cobbled back streets in search of quaint buildings and gift shops, and sitting down for a coffee on the splendid Tartini Square.
Eat fresh seafood at Podlanca, and go for a spontaneous swim in the bay – the water is crystal clear, even in the centre, while there are a handful of pebble beaches within a 10-minute walk.
In the summer months, there are daily ferry crossings between Venice and Piran. The journey takes just under 3 hours. Travelling by coach or hire car is also convenient, as the two cities are just 2 hours or so apart by road. Another option is to take a train from Venice to Trieste (2 hours) then continue to Piran by coach (40 minutes).
Contributed by Emily from Wander-Lush
How to get from Venice (Italy) to Piran (Slovenia)
By car: 2 hours 30 minutes on the A4 and E70 (207 km);
By ferry in the summer.
Ljubljana, Slovenia
Ljubljana is a wonderful place to twin with a holiday in Venice and you can get there in just under three hours. It is really best to travel by car if you can although there is a coach also available. While Ljubljana is a capital city it will feel a world apart from touristy Venice. Ljubljana has an understated modesty, while not exactly undiscovered it certainly doesn’t get the crowds of some of the other European cities.
Wander through the centre and stop in one of the riverside cafes for rich hot chocolate or coffee. Take the funicular up to the castle which overlooks the city and see the museum of puppetry at the top. Here you can wander through the hallways and find out about some of the history of this building and of the city over which it has protected for centuries. There are fun things to do in Ljubljana too – the House of Illusions is a great place to lose yourself in for an hour or two.
As well as having less tourists, the price in the city for everything from street food to hotels is much cheaper than its Venice counterpart so your Euro will go much further here. One of the best ways to see the city is to take a boat trip along the river which runs through the centre. It’s a great way to get a glimpse of the beautiful architecture of the city as you drift along.
If you’re looking for a Slovenia family holiday or just a day trip you can’t beat starting in the capital as it is a friendly, welcoming place. While here get yourself a Ljubljana City Card which will give you access to many of the key attractions and you can buy them for a 24 hour period so perfect if you’re visiting for just a day.
Contributed by Nichola of Globalmouse Travels
How to get to Ljubljana from Piran
By car: 1 hour 30 minutes on the A1 toll road (120 km).
Lake Bled, Slovenia
Of the millions who visit Venice each year, few realize how many amazing destinations can be found in Slovenia, Italy’s much less-famous neighbour. None of them more impressive than spectacular Lake Bled, a picturesque tranquil lake located on the edge of the Triglav Mountains.
Awestruck visitors constantly debate which of Bled’s most unique features is most amazing – medieval Bled Castle looming over the lake, starring in the background of most photos, or equally photogenic Bled Island with the perfect little Pilgrimage Church of the Assumption of Maria (the name is a handful but the church itself is a delight). Both are worth a closer look.
The castle provides expansive views, a fascinating museum, pleasant restaurant terrace and plenty of classic ambience. The island, meanwhile, can be reached by traditional flat-bottomed boats called pletnas (€15 per person) or private rowboat (€15-20/hr) and visitors to the church (€6) can ring the ‘wishing bell’ (effectiveness not guaranteed).
In addition to the pleasant little lakefront town of Bled, there are many other things to do on and around Lake Bled. One of the most popular is the lakeside walk, a 6 km circuit around the lake on a flat, paved trail that gives you a chance to enjoy the views from all angles. There are a number of other hikes up into the hills around the lake, each providing a new and different viewpoint.
If you are staying for a few days, consider renting a kayak or paddleboard at least once. There are also some great highlights close enough for day trips such as Vintgar Gorge and Lake Bohinj.
Lake Bled is easily reached from Venice by car (300 km, 3 hours 30 minutes) or bus (4 hours 30 minutes, €20-40). Or it is also possible to fly to Ljubljana, where buses from the airport to Lake Bled take just over an hour and cost €5-10.
Contributed by Dean and Laynni at Routinely Nomadic
How to get from Ljubljana to Lake Bled
By car: 40 minutes on the A2 and E61 (55 km)
Venice and Slovenia Road Trip Itinerary
Venice > Piran > Ljubljana > Lake Bled
* Ljubljana Airport is a hub for this part of the Balkans.
Venice and Croatia
Rovinj, Croacia
A trip to Venice can easily be combined with the picturesque town of Rovinj (Rovigno in Italian). This darling fishing village is perched on a hilltop overlooking the Adriatic Sea on Croatia’s Istrian peninsula. Thanks to Rovinj’s close proximity to Venice, you’ll immediately notice striking similarities between the two destinations.
From Venetian-style architecture and enchanting piazzas to the intense wine culture and world-class culinary scene, Rovinj embodies the charm of an Italian city with a heaping dose of Croatian spirit.
Bursting with an incredible array of activities and opportunities to explore, Rovinj truly has something to offer each and every visitor. While in Rovinj, you can dive into the Adriatic Sea straight from a local cliffside bar, or float in Lone Bay encompassed by 5-star resorts. During the day, take in the breathtaking vistas from the top of St. Euphemia church when you climb up the iconic belltower and sample the local flavours at the farmer’s market.
Your evenings are best spent catching dazzling sunsets from the pier and getting lost in the town’s winding cobblestone streets. Each twist and turn of the narrow laneways will lead you to discover boutiques selling local treasures and hidden ateliers where, if you’re lucky, you might even catch an artist at work.
Make your visit even more memorable by heading inland to explore the medieval hilltop villages that dot Istria’s emerald interior. Each tiny town is a delight in itself and boasts its own unique charm. Along the way, stop at a local tavern to indulge in homemade pasta drizzled with locally pressed olive oil and topped with a sprinkling of truffle shavings – all while swirling a glass of excellent wine in your hand.
Rovinj, Croatia can easily be reached from Venice in just over 3 hours by car, or 3 hours 30 minutes via the daily ferry, Venezia Lines.
Contributed by Olivia from Inspired by Croatia
How to get from Venice (Italy) to Rovinj (Croacia)
By car: 3 hours 15 minutes on the A4 and E70 (272 km);
By ferry in the summer.
Venice, Slovenia and Croatia Itinerary
Venice > Piran > Rovinj > Venice
*The best route is by ferry and bus in the summertime!
Sea Cruise From Venice
Venice Cruise
Venice is one of the world’s most popular cruise ports, with over a million passengers visiting each year. As well as being a popular cruise destination, it’s also one of the top ports to start a cruise from. So, if you’re planning to fly to Venice for a holiday, it would make sense to combine this with a cruise that departs from Venice, so that you can see much more of Italy during your trip.
Cruise ships depart from Venice all year round, most commonly on 7-night Mediterranean round trips, although longer voyages are also available. You’ll find the widest choice of cruises departing between April and October. This is because many cruise ships relocate to the Caribbean for the winter season.
On cruises from Venice, you can expect to visit one or two cruise ports along the east coast of Italy, usually Ancona or Bari, en route to ports in Croatia or the Greek Isles. If you’d like to see more of Italy, you could take a one-way cruise from Venice to Civitavecchia. This will give you the opportunity to explore more Italian ports of call, such as Naples, Portofino and La Spezia.
There are cruises from Venice to suit every budget, from cheap family-friendly cruises ships to ultra-luxury six-star vessels. A great choice would be MSC Cruises – this Italian-owned cruise line has several ships cruising out of Venice each year. It offers a real Italian feel with authentic cuisine and a fun atmosphere on board.
Venice cruise terminal is located inside the Venetian Lagoon, which means that it’s easy to get to from elsewhere in Venice. This also makes for the most spectacular views of the region which are best admired from the top deck with a sailaway cocktail in hand.
Contributed by Jenni Fielding at Cruise Mummy
International Airports in North Italy
Bologna: Bologna Airport (BLQ)
Venice: Venezia Marco Polo (VCE)
Treviso (Venice): Treviso Airport (TSF)
Milan: Milano Airport (MXP)
Genoa: Genova Airport (GOA)
Nearest Airport Slovenia for Ljubljana, Piran and Lake Bled: Ljubljana Airport (LJU)
Nearest Airport Rovinj, Croacia: Pula Airport (PUY)
Austria: Innsbruck Airport (INN)
Are you wondering which places to twin with a holiday in Venice? Have you been on a road trip through North Italy and beyond? Any queries or experiences to share? We’d love to hear from you, just drop your comments below!
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These are all such great destinations to include on a trip to Venice! The Dolomites sound lovely, as does a visit to Lake Como or Croatia!
Difficult to decide which places to combine with Venice, they are all gorgeous!
Great list, a lot of places I’d never thought of combining with Venice!
Thanks for including my suggestion! Reading this makes me want to visit Italy again so badly!
Great article! So many wonderful places packed into a small part of the world :)
You named so many places I want to visit! San Marino, Ravenna, Slovenia and Croatia! Love the fact that you can visit 4 other countries within a 3-hour drive in any direction! Are you working on a pin? I’d love to pin this for reference later. :)
So much Italy. I have already done the Bologna, San Marino and Ravenna leg of this, but never made it to Venice. There’s so much I still want to see on this itinerary. Ah to have 2 months there.