🚤 Best Day Trips from Venice — Islands, Cities & Nature Escapes
Venice may be the most magical city on water, but just beyond its canals lie some of Italy’s most captivating destinations. From island-hopping across the lagoon to sipping wine in the Prosecco Hills or exploring romantic Verona, a day trip from Venice is the perfect way to expand your Italian adventure.
Here’s your insider guide to the best day trips from Venice — handpicked by locals who know how to make the most of every hour.
🌈 Murano, Burano & Torcello — The Icons of the Venetian Lagoon
No trip to Venice is complete without visiting its three legendary islands: Murano, Burano, and Torcello. Each has its own personality and charm — and together, they tell the story of Venice’s origins, craftsmanship, and soul.
Murano — The Island of Glass
Famous worldwide for its glassmaking tradition, Murano has been crafting delicate masterpieces since the 13th century. Visit authentic studios and watch artisans at work on our Murano Workshop & Glassblowing Tour. You’ll see molten glass turn into chandeliers, jewelry, and sculptures right before your eyes.
Burano — The Island of Color
Burano looks like a postcard brought to life. Every house is painted a different color — pink, blue, lemon yellow — creating one of the most cheerful views in Italy. The island is also known for its delicate lacework, still made by hand in tiny ateliers. Don’t miss the risotto di go (made with goby fish from the lagoon) at one of the local trattorias.
Torcello — The Island of Origins
Quiet and atmospheric, Torcello is where Venice itself began. Once the heart of a thriving settlement, today it’s a peaceful oasis with wildflowers, ancient ruins, and the breathtaking Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta — home to one of the oldest mosaics in the lagoon. Our 6-hour Island Hopping Excursion combines all three islands, private transfers, and plenty of time to explore.
💡 How to Visit: You can take the public vaporetto (water bus) from Fondamente Nove or book a private lagoon tour for a seamless, personalized experience.
💞 Verona — The City of Love & Shakespearean Charm
Just over an hour from Venice by train, Verona is a city that feels straight out of a romance novel — and for good reason. It’s the legendary home of Romeo and Juliet, but it’s also a masterpiece of architecture, art, and history.
What to See
- Juliet’s Balcony: Visit the courtyard of Casa di Giulietta — yes, it’s touristy, but still charming.
- The Roman Arena: One of Italy’s best-preserved amphitheaters, still hosting open-air opera in summer.
- Piazza delle Erbe: Lined with frescoed palaces, market stalls, and cafés perfect for a Spritz stop.
For wine lovers, Verona is also the gateway to the Amarone & Verona Wine Tour, where you can taste world-class reds in the Valpolicella hills before returning to Venice in the evening.
🚆 Getting there: About 1 hour 10 minutes by train from Venice Santa Lucia station.
🏛️ Padua — Art, Science & Timeless Squares
Just 30 minutes from Venice by train, Padua (Padova) offers a rich mix of history, innovation, and spiritual beauty. It’s home to Italy’s second-oldest university (where Galileo once taught!) and a vibrant, youthful energy that blends perfectly with its ancient architecture.
Must-Sees
- Scrovegni Chapel: Giotto’s frescoes here are among the most important works of Western art — an absolute must-see. We recommend booking tickets in advance.
- Basilica of Saint Anthony: A pilgrimage site and masterpiece of Gothic architecture.
- Piazza delle Erbe and Piazza dei Signori: Two of Italy’s most beautiful squares, full of markets and cafés.
Combine art and food by joining our Palladio & Walled Towns Tour — it includes Padua’s highlights and hidden gems often missed by day-trippers.
🍰 Treviso — Authentic Veneto & the Home of Tiramisu
Just 30 minutes north of Venice, Treviso feels like a miniature Venice — complete with canals, frescoed houses, and a relaxed, local vibe. It’s quieter, greener, and full of surprises.
What to Do
- Stroll through the Canale dei Buranelli and stop for a coffee in the medieval Piazza dei Signori.
- Visit artisan shops and local markets selling fresh produce, cheeses, and wines from the surrounding hills.
- Don’t leave without trying the original tiramisu — it was invented here! You can even join our Tiramisu Cooking Class to make your own version with a local chef.
For a relaxed, cultural experience, join our Private Treviso Walking Tour — perfect for travelers who want authentic Veneto without the crowds.
🥂 The Prosecco Hills — A Toast to the Veneto Countryside
If you’re a wine lover (or just appreciate a good glass of bubbly), the Prosecco Hills are a dream come true. Located about 1.5 hours from Venice, this UNESCO World Heritage landscape is dotted with vineyards, medieval villages, and winding scenic roads.
Why Go
- Visit family-run wineries producing Asolo Prosecco Superiore DOCG.
- Enjoy breathtaking hilltop views and long leisurely lunches overlooking the vines.
- Learn the secrets of Prosecco production on our Explore the Prosecco Hills Tour or even Adopt a Vineyard Experience.
🍇 Local Tip: Visit in September or October during the grape harvest for the most scenic and flavorful experience.
🏔️ The Dolomite Mountains — Nature’s Masterpiece
Looking for fresh air, alpine views, and adventure? The Dolomites — about 2.5 hours from Venice — offer some of Italy’s most jaw-dropping scenery. Whether it’s a summer hike or a winter ski trip, the mountains provide a peaceful counterpoint to the bustle of the lagoon.
Highlights
- Visit Cortina d’Ampezzo, known as the “Queen of the Dolomites.”
- Take the cable car up to the Cinque Torri or Tre Cime di Lavaredo for panoramic views.
- Enjoy a traditional mountain lunch — think polenta, mushrooms, and local cheeses.
Join our Dolomites Tour for a stress-free day in the heart of UNESCO-listed landscapes. We handle all transfers and timing so you can focus on the beauty — and your camera.
✨ Other Great Day Trips Worth Considering
- Vicenza: Palladio’s city of architecture and design — a UNESCO gem.
- Chioggia: Often called “Little Venice,” this fishing town at the southern end of the lagoon has colorful houses, seafood markets, and zero crowds.
- Asolo: A charming hill town surrounded by olive groves and vineyards — perfect for our Flavors of Veneto Tour.
- Bassano del Grappa: Mountain views, wooden bridges, and a taste of Italy’s most famous spirit — featured in our Bassano Art, History & Wine Tour.
💡 Tips for Planning Your Venice Day Trips
- Book trains in advance on Trenitalia or Italo for best prices.
- Start early — Venice mornings are calm, and you’ll make the most of your day.
- Bring comfortable shoes — most towns have cobbled streets and walking zones.
- Pack water and snacks — especially for island or mountain excursions.
- Always check local weather and seasonal schedules (some ferries or tours change hours in winter).
🌟 Final Thoughts — Explore Beyond the Lagoon
Venice may be small, but the world surrounding it is vast and extraordinary. From glassblowers in Murano to vintners in Asolo and alpine trails in the Dolomites, every direction leads to a new story. A day trip from Venice isn’t just a change of scenery — it’s a journey through centuries of art, flavor, and beauty.
✨ Ready to explore? Discover our hand-crafted Tours Outside Venice — designed for travelers who want the best of both worlds: the magic of Venice and the treasures just beyond it.
