Top 12 Day Trips From Venice, Italy - Updated 2024

day trips from venice
Eleanor
Eleanor 
Updated
| 4 min read

Venice, Italy, covers over a hundred islands. With a thriving tourism sector, It is home to one of the country’s largest financial hubs and its popularity is no secret to everyone around the globe. The capital makes up for its lack of roads with an intricate web of canals that heighten the sense of romance and connect the city to its vivacious neighbors. For an indulgent stay, you can book a room in one of the many luxury hotels. If you are in the mood to extend your stay, a long-term rental is your best bet. If you’re visiting the beautiful region and intend to stay for a while, or you want to take a short break, make sure you read more about some of the nearby destinations as well while planning your itinerary in Venice. Browse through some of the top day trips from Venice, Italy.

1. Valpolicella

Valpolicella is well known as the origin of Amarone, but it is also home to three other types of wine and many years of viticultural history. Covering 240 square kilometers (92.7 square miles), Valpolicella lies at the foot of the gorgeous Alps and is just east of Lake Garda. Wines made in the region are bright and tart with the taste of cherries. Wine lovers definitely should not miss out on the chance of a tour of one of Italy’s most famous vineyards!

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Venice to Valpolicella and Verona Wine Tasting Day Trip

Duration: 8 hours

44 reviews

2. Dolomite Mountains and Cortina d’Ampezzo (from USD 219.0)

Known as “the Pearl of the Dolomites”, Cortina d'Ampezzo is a gorgeous town in Belluno that is set within the Dolomite Mountains. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to three different cultures, German, Italian, and Ladin, an ancient native culture. For those interested in the town’s heritage, Ladin is deeply rooted in much of the town’s customs and traditions, adding a sense of intrigue to even the simplest of dishes. Located in over 90000 acres (36422 hectares) of verdant mountains, every corner of Cortina d'Ampezzo is a scenic snapshot of Italy’s beauty.

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1-Day Dolomite Mountains and Cortina Tour from Venice

Duration: 10 hours

1207 reviews

3. Padua (from USD 116.0)

Often overlooked in northern Italy’s Veneto region, the rich history of Padua is a mere half an hour from Venice. Home to the impressive Basilica of St. Anthony and Italy’s second-oldest university, the university town has still retained its vivacious spirit. On top of a host of historical landmarks, Padua’s marbled streets are usually rife with the energy of life, be it day or night.

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Padua Tour from Venice

Duration: 5 hours

18 reviews

4. Siena

Duomo di Siena
Source: Photo by Flickr user SignorDeFazio used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Built over three hills in central Tuscany is Siena, best known for its unique medieval brick structures. At the heart of the city is the Piazza del Campo, former home of the Roman forum. The Torre del Mangia is one of the most distinguishable attractions in Siena. With over 400 steps, scaling the tower is a grueling workout but once at the top, breathtaking panoramic views of the entire city await.

Website: Siena

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Venice Tour Guide

[deTour]ist

[De Tour]Ist

Born and raised in Venice, I ventured far and wide, getting 'germanised' in Bochum and Göttingen, absorbing the post-Olympic vibrance in Turin, getting drunk in the worst bars in Moscow, tracing the historic Silk Road in Central Asia, indulging in Berlin's pulsating club scene, and engaging in the corporate world as a manager in the construction equipment industry across Africa and the Middle E... Read more

Tours by [detour]ist

5. Milan

Milan Cathedral
Source: Photo by Flickr user MCAD Library used under CC BY 2.0

Milan is one of the most well-known cities in the world. Home to Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper” and the iconic Milan Fashion Week, Milan is the epicenter of high fashion, arts, and culture. Known as the global capital of fashion and design, Milan is a bustling financial hub overflowing with class and heritage. Those keen on the arts would thoroughly enjoy a day in this metropolis.

Website: Milan

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6. Murano, Torcello, and Burano Islands (from USD 33.0)

The Murano, Torcello, and Burano Islands are perhaps the best-known of all Venetian islands for their rich socio-cultural significance throughout history. Murano is well-known for its exquisite glassmaking, with many intricate pieces dotting the island for tourists to marvel at. In a similar vein, Burano is home to the first school of lace and contains many intricate pieces that are worth hundreds. Torcello offers tranquility and respite as the historical island which Venetians fled to during the fall of the Roman Empire. Book a tour now to enjoy a relaxing boat ride through these breathtaking islands.

Tip from tour guide

Mazzorbom Burano, and Murano Islands Mazzorbom Burano, and Murano Islands Mazzorbom Burano, and Murano Islands

You can add Mazzorbo Island to this tour to save time. Its natural landscape is something out of a fairy tale and perfect for taking scenic pictures for your socials in addition to the pictures of the colourful houses of Burano. While you're visiting Murano, be sure to book a boat ride across the lagoon. It's a unique way of seeing the glass scene, architectural grandeur, and local life here. Click here to see the canals: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/X_tuJU_FPGQ

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Tour of Venice's Islands Murano Burano and Torcello

Duration: 6 hours

75 reviews

7. Prosecco Hills of Italy (from USD 540.0)

If you’re a fan of sparkling wine, then be sure not to miss out on visiting Prosecco Hill of Italy! This UNESCO World Heritage Site covers the verdant rolling hills of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene, stretching over a whopping 30 km (18.6 mi), and is where the grapes used in Prosecco have been cultivated for years. The wine made from these grapes is even more flavourful than elsewhere, believed to be due to the area’s intricate geology wherein each row of grapevines are exactly perpendicular to the hills’ slopes.

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Private Prosecco Tour, from Venice or Treviso, with a certified Sommelier

Duration: 8 hours

7 reviews

8. Verona and Lake Garda (from USD 273.42)

verona and lake garda

The setting of Shakespeare’s iconic “Romeo and Juliet”, Verona is a city in northern Italy’s Veneto region with a flourishing arts scene. A day trip from Venice by train takes you to Italy’s largest lake, Lake Garda, which is bordered by the snow-capped Alps and dotted with lemon trees ripe with sour fruit. The tranquil waters of the lake are just north of a vineyard and spas, allowing tourists the chance to pamper themselves after admiring the lake’s gorgeous portrait.

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Venice: Full-Day Verona, Countryside, and Lake Garda Tour

Duration: 10 hour

3 reviews

9. Ferrara (from USD 130.06)

ferrara

Ferrara makes for a great day excursion from Venice, Italy. A charming city in northern Italy, Ferrara offers travelers a rich cultural and historical experience. The city’s well-preserved Renaissance architecture, impressive palaces, and beautiful squares glimpse its glorious past.

Explore the city’s imposing Estense Castle, home to the Este family for centuries and a symbol of Ferrara’s power and wealth. Admire the stunning Cathedral of Ferrara, a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture, and marvel at the colorful frescoes and artworks inside. Stroll through the city’s picturesque streets, lined with quaint cafes, boutiques, and gelaterias, and indulge in the local culinary specialties, such as cappellacci di zucca and salama da sugo.

Experience the vibrant cultural scene, attending concerts, exhibitions, and festivals. Take the chance to visit the famous Palazzo dei Diamanti, an art museum with an impressive collection of Renaissance paintings and sculptures.

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Ferrara: Guided City Highlights Walking Tour

Duration: 2.5 hour

11 reviews

10. Bologna (from USD 113.8)

bologna

Known for its rich culinary traditions, medieval architecture, and thriving cultural scene, Bologna offers a unique blend of history, art, and gastronomy. Explore the city’s magnificent Piazza Maggiore, home to the imposing Basilica di San Petronio and the Palazzo del Podestà. Stroll through the city’s charming streets and alleys, admiring the red brick buildings, medieval towers, and hidden courtyards.

Indulge in the city’s culinary delights, sampling traditional dishes such as tagliatelle al ragù and mortadella. Visit the famous Mercato di Mezzo, a lively food market offering various local products and specialties. Take the chance to visit the impressive Pinacoteca Nazionale, an art museum with a remarkable collection of Italian masterpieces.

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Bologna: Guided Walking Tour

Duration: 3.0 hour

107 reviews

11. Florence

Best known as the birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence, the capital of Italy’s Tuscany region, is often remarked as “the Athens of the Middle Ages”. Florence contains many masterpieces of the Renaissance such as the Duomo and Michelangelo’s “David”. With such a bustling historical arts scene, let us not discount modern Florence’s reputation as one of the top 15 fashion capitals of the world and its prestigious status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Be sure not to miss this cornerstone of the arts!

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Florence Independent Full-Day Visit from Venice by Train

Duration: 13 to 14 hours

69 reviews

12. Ravenna

For art enthusiasts interested in northern Italy, Ravenna is the place for you! Tons of vibrant mosaics adorn almost every central building’s facade and the annual Ravenna Music Festival draws hundreds of musicians to the ravishing city. Home to eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Ravenna is also the final resting place of the esteemed literary maestro Dante. Those interested in Ravenna’s fascinating attractions should definitely check this gorgeous city out!

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Private Excursion: Ravenna from Venice

Duration: 8 hours

The cradle of culture

Italy is one of the most impressive countries in the world. Proud home to many great masterpieces from the Renaissance and with an overwhelmingly intricate history, Italy was and still is one of the greatest influences on Western culture. If you’re looking to explore every facet of this fascinating nation and the best places to visit in Italy, then make sure to not miss out on our top day trips from Venice, Italy!

Frequently asked questions about day trips from Venice


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Eleanor, a writer and traveler, has a profound passion for exploring the world and generously offering the insights and wisdom she gathers during her journeys. She firmly believes that travel...Read more

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