Venice is extraordinary — but sometimes, the best way to understand it is to leave the lagoon for a day. From colorful islands to vineyard-covered hills, from medieval towns to artisan hubs, the Veneto region offers some of the most unforgettable day trips from Venice — all just a short, scenic ride away.
Whether you’re dreaming of glassblowers in Murano, lace-makers in Burano, or sparkling Prosecco vineyards in the hills, these are our favorite Venice excursions — handpicked by locals, and available as private, door-to-door experiences with Tour Leader Venice.
🟠 1. Murano — The Island of Glassmakers
Just a short boat ride from Venice lies Murano, where master glassmakers have worked since the 1200s. Flames, color, and molten art — this is Venice’s creative heart.
On our Murano Workshop and Visit, you’ll see artisans at work inside a real furnace — not a staged demo — and even try your hand at shaping glass. You can also add a stop at our partner studio, Create Your Own Glass Bead, to craft a souvenir you’ll treasure forever.
Afterward, stroll Murano’s quiet canals, visit the Glass Museum (skip-the-line tickets available), and enjoy a cappuccino with lagoon views.
Perfect for: art lovers, families, and travelers who prefer authentic craftsmanship over tourist shops.
🌈 2. Burano & Mazzorbo — Color, Lace, and Lagoon Calm
Pastel houses. Reflections like watercolor. Fishermen chatting by the water. Burano is pure joy on camera — but also a fascinating window into Venetian life.
On a Private Island-Hopping Excursion, we combine Burano with the neighboring island of Mazzorbo — home to vineyards, orchards, and one of Venice’s quietest Michelin-starred restaurants.
Highlights include:
- A private boat ride across the lagoon
- Visits to lace ateliers still using centuries-old patterns
- Seafood lunch at a family osteria
- Peaceful walks through colorful lanes most tourists never reach
Perfect for: photographers, couples, and families looking for a slow, colorful escape from the city.
🍾 3. The Prosecco Hills — Italy’s Sparkling Secret
If you think Prosecco is just a party drink, think again. The hills of Valdobbiadene and Conegliano — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — are where Italy’s finest bubbles are born.
Our Prosecco Hills Tour takes you through rolling vineyards, medieval villages, and family-run wineries producing DOCG Prosecco Superiore.
Expect:
- Private car and driver from Venice
- Tastings at boutique wineries (no bus groups here)
- Lunch in a countryside trattoria
- Optional add-ons like a vineyard picnic or cooking class
Want to go deeper? Consider the Prosecco Hills Drive & Cooking Experience — where you cook, sip, and savor the region’s finest flavors.
Perfect for: couples, wine lovers, honeymooners, and anyone craving la dolce vita beyond Venice.
🏰 4. Bassano del Grappa — Bridges, Brandy & Mountain Charm
Nestled between mountains and vineyards, Bassano del Grappa is one of Veneto’s best-kept secrets — a town of frescoes, distilleries, and wooden bridges that inspired generations of artists.
On our Bassano: Art, History & Wine Tour, you’ll cross the famous bridge designed by Palladio, visit artisan workshops, and taste the legendary grappa that gives the town its name.
Car enthusiasts? You can even upgrade to the Exclusive Car Experience in Bassano — a unique blend of history, engines, and elegance.
Perfect for: culture seekers, design lovers, and travelers who enjoy a glass (or two) with a view.
🏛️ 5. Padua (Padova) — Frescoes, Faith & Timeless Piazzas
Just 40 minutes from Venice, Padua is a city of students, saints, and artistic revolution. It’s home to one of Europe’s oldest universities and Giotto’s masterpiece: the Scrovegni Chapel.
Combine it with a guided stroll through Piazza delle Erbe, the Basilica of Saint Anthony, and elegant porticoed streets lined with cafés and bookstores.
For architecture lovers, we can extend your route with our Walled Towns and Palladio Tour — connecting Padua’s spirit of learning with Palladio’s genius for design.
Perfect for: art historians, curious travelers, and anyone craving culture without crowds.
⛪ 6. Treviso — Venice’s Quiet Cousin
If you’ve ever wished for a calmer Venice, Treviso is your dream come true. Canals, cobblestones, and cozy cafés — but with locals instead of selfie sticks.
Our Private Treviso Walking Tour reveals medieval frescoes, boutique shops, and the true home of Tiramisù (yes, it was born here!). Add a Tiramisù Cooking Class or a stop at Montegrappa Pens for a dose of craftsmanship and sweetness combined.
Perfect for: food lovers, families, and anyone who wants authentic Veneto without the crowds.
🏞️ 7. The Dolomites — A Breathtaking Alpine Escape
When you’ve had your fill of canals, head north to Italy’s spectacular Alps. The Dolomites — all jagged peaks, turquoise lakes, and alpine meadows — are an easy day trip from Venice.
Our Dolomites Tour takes you through mountain passes and charming towns like Cortina d’Ampezzo, Lago di Misurina, and Tre Cime di Lavaredo. Along the way, you’ll stop for photos, lunch in a rustic rifugio, and maybe a hot chocolate with whipped cream on top.
For winter travelers, don’t miss the Venice to Dolomites Transfer — a scenic start to your alpine adventure.
Perfect for: nature lovers, photographers, and adventurers.
🌿 8. Asolo — The City of a Hundred Horizons
Perched on a hillside with sweeping views of vineyards and villages, Asolo is one of Italy’s most romantic small towns — beloved by poets, artists, and queens alike.
Stroll through cobblestone streets, visit the castle of Caterina Cornaro, and sip wine in a quiet piazza surrounded by Renaissance arcades. Our Adopt a Vineyard of Asolo Prosecco Superiore DOCG experience adds a personal touch — your own vines in one of Italy’s most exclusive wine regions.
Combine Asolo with Bassano or the Prosecco Hills for a full day of beauty, history, and sparkling flavors.
Perfect for: romantics, dreamers, and anyone who loves the art of slow travel.
🏡 Bonus Idea — Discover the Veneto’s Hidden Corners
If you’ve already ticked off the major islands and towns, let us take you further off the beaten path — to monasteries on forgotten islands, Venetian villas in the countryside, or artisan studios where time stands still. Many of these experiences can be added to our Lagoon Tour or Tours Outside Venice collection.
Perfect for: travelers who believe that Venice’s magic doesn’t stop at its shores.
✅ TL;DR — The Best Day Trips from Venice
| Destination | Why Go | With Tour Leader Venice |
|---|---|---|
| Murano | Glassmaking heritage | Visit real furnaces & meet artisans |
| Burano & Mazzorbo | Colorful canals & lace | Private island-hopping cruise |
| Prosecco Hills | Italy’s sparkling heartland | Family wineries & countryside lunch |
| Bassano del Grappa | History, grappa & mountains | Art & grappa tastings |
| Padua | Giotto’s frescoes & piazzas | Art & architecture tour |
| Treviso | Foodie canals & tiramisù | Private walk & dessert class |
| Dolomites | Alpine panoramas | Full-day scenic tour |
| Asolo | Romance & vineyards | Adopt your own vineyard |
💼 Plan Your Perfect Day Trip — Stress-Free
At Tour Leader Venice, we handle all the details: boats, transfers, timings, tastings, tickets, and expert guides who turn every stop into a story. You’ll see more, stress less, and experience the real Veneto — beyond the postcards.
Whether you want to sip wine in the hills, wander through colorful islands, or stand on a mountain ridge above the clouds, we’ll craft the perfect day — just for you.
