3-Day Venice Itinerary + 7 Wonderful Day Trips

This week, we’re floating away to Venice on a 3-day itinerary that captures the magic of La Serenissima! From St. Mark’s iconic landmarks and the storied Doge’s Palace to secret corners in Dorsoduro, colourful island villages, and peaceful lagoon escapes. 

Join Tyla as she shares insider tips from her multiple visits to Venice, reveals her favourite neighbourhoods away from the crowds, and walks you through seven incredible day trips across the Veneto region and beyond.

Grab a cup of coffee, get comfy and let's escape to England together!

In this episode you’ll learn…

• The best times of year to visit Venice and its lagoon islands (includes a list of the city's top festivals)
• How to navigate the city using vaporettos, bridges, and scenic walking routes
• Must-see sights in St. Mark’s Square, the Doge’s Palace, Rialto & beyond
• The prettiest corners of Dorsoduro, Cannaregio, and lesser-known sestieri
• How to plan a dreamy island day trip to Murano, Burano, and Torcello 
• Seven unforgettable day trips from Venice: Verona, Padua, Treviso, Chioggia, Prosecco Hills, Dolomites & the Lido

Links & Resources Mentioned

• ACTV Vaporetto Tickets & Transport Info

What's next? 

✨ Book a Trip Consultation - let's plan your dream trip to Europe! 

✨ Download the itinerary at travelwithtyla.com

✨ Follow on Instagram @travelwith.tyla for more Europe travel inspiration

✨ Subscribe so you never miss a future episode!

Transcript

SPEAKER_00 0:04

Imagine wandering through narrow streets and crossing century-old bridges as the morning sun starts to emit a golden glow around you. Gondolas float silently by on the canals, and the city is still quiet before the crowds arrive. A peaceful haven where footsteps echo softly and the distant clink of espresso cups drifts from tiny neighborhood cafes. Welcome to Venice, a place that feels suspended in time, floating, fragile, and endlessly fascinating. Walk just a few minutes in any direction and you'll stumble into a silent hidden square that hasn't changed in centuries. Hello again and welcome back to Travel with Tyler, the weekly podcast where we explore Europe's most magical places through curated itineraries, vivid storytelling, and sharing practical advice you can use to plan your very own trip. Today we're heading to Venice, one of the most iconic yet often misunderstood cities in the world. So whether you've been dreaming of a gondola ride at sunset or getting lost in hidden alleyways, this episode will give you everything you need to plan an unforgettable three-day Venice itinerary. Plus, I've included seven incredible day trips for those wishing to extend their stay and dig a little deeper into the areas that surround this majestic lagoon city. But before we dive into the day-by-day itinerary, I want to set the stage. Venice is one of those destinations where understanding the history, layout, and rhythms of the city will dramatically enhance your visit. So let's begin with the story of how Venice came to be. Venice's history begins in the 5th century, when people fleeing invading forces on the mainland sought refuge among the marshy islands of the Venetian lagoon. Over time, small fishing villages grew into a powerful maritime republic that dominated Mediterranean trade for centuries. By the Middle Ages, Venice had become one of Europe's wealthiest and most influential powers, a hub of commerce, culture, and art. This extraordinary wealth shaped the city that we see today. Merchant families built elaborate palaces along the Grand Canal, adorned with Gothic arches and Byzantine mosaics that reflected Venice's unique blend of Eastern and Western influences. While artists like Titian, Bellini, and Viranese worked here, leaving behind some of the most important masterpieces of the Renaissance. Venice also became a pioneer in printing, banking, diplomacy, and explorations. For over a thousand years, Venice functioned as an independent republic governed by the doge, a sort of king-like position overseeing a sophisticated political system. Its naval power, shipbuilding industry, and strategic location made it a force to be reckoned with. Eventually, the Republic fell to Napoleon in 1797 and later joined unified Italy in the 19th century. Today, Venice is both a living city and an open-air museum. Timeless, atmospheric, and filled with fascinating tales. The next thing we need to get clear is the layout of Venice. The city is made up of over 118 islands connected by over 400 bridges, and is divided into six distinctive neighborhoods, also known as sestieri. Knowing the difference between them really helps with orientating yourself. So to start off, we're going to talk about San Marco, which is the glamorous heart of Venice and home to St. Mark's Basilica, the Doge's Palace, and the famous piazza that everyone dreams of seeing at least once in their life. It's beautiful but also very busy, a place of icons, history, and grandeur that is the only part of Venice most tourists ever see. Next, we have the Sempolo neighborhood, which is one of the oldest districts and sits just across the Grand Canal from San Marco. It's both lively and atmospheric, and is known for the Rialto Market, tiny baccari, which are the traditional bars serving Chiquetti, and narrow lanes that feel distinctively local once you step away from the Grand Canal. Now, my favorite neighborhood is Dosto Douro, where you'll find Venice's elegant and artistic soul. It's home to the Gallerie dell'Accademia, the Peggy Guggenheim collection, and peaceful canals lined with cafes. It also feels more residential and relaxed, making it a great place to stay for visitors who want to get away from the crowds. The evening vibes here are also immaculate with lots of bars and restaurants lining the squares and canals. Canareggio is another great neighborhood to base yourself in as it is within walking distance from the train station and stretches along the northern part of Venice, including the historic Jewish ghetto. It attracts fewer visitors but is filled with authenticity, charming canals, and excellent restaurants. The lesser-known area of Castello is Venice's largest and most residential district. Parts of it are bustling, especially near San Marco, but the further east you go, the more local and quiet it becomes, with wide streets, leafy parks, and hidden churches. Lastly, Santa Croce is a smaller, more tranquil neighborhood located closer to both the bus and train station. While it isn't as visually iconic as some other areas, it is incredibly convenient and full of charm. Having a general understanding of these neighborhoods will help you choose where to stay, where to wander, and how to get lost intentionally. Which, in all honesty, is one of the best things you can do in Venice and is what makes the city so remarkably unique. Now, Venice is a city with distinct seasons and weather, so choosing when to visit will dramatically shape the types of experiences you'll have. Spring, especially late April to early June, is one of the best times to visit as the weather is warm but not too hot. The canals sparkle under the gentle sunlight, and the city feels alive but not overly crowded. It's perfect for long walks, boat rides, and enjoying the city's outdoor cafes. Autumn, particularly September and October, also offer beautiful light, cooler temperatures, and a slightly calmer atmosphere after the summer rush. As a bonus, this is the season when many art and cultural events are happening. Summer, expectantly, is very hot, very busy, and sometimes even humid. But it also brings long days, warm evenings, and lively island nightlife. So if you plan well, especially by getting up early to beat the major crowds and prioritize exploring less popular areas, then it can still be a magical time to visit. Winter is quiet, atmospheric, and often misty. Sometimes there is flooding, so just be aware of that. But with far fewer crowds and a dreamlike quality to the canals, it's still a great time to go. It's also a lot cheaper, except for a few popular festive periods. Speaking of festivals, Venice is famous for them and they can completely transform your experience. The most famous festival is Carneval, which is held every February and is when people dress up in elaborate masks and costumes, turning the entire city into a stage. Attending Carneval means wandering through piazzas filled with music, taking part in masquerade balls, sampling the delicious fried sweets, and enjoying a level of drama and beauty that only Venice can offer. Having visited Venice during Carneval myself, I can attest to just how magical it is. Now I visited Venice on four separate occasions, and by far the most memorable was during Carneval. Another important event to know about is the Venice Biennale, which alternates each year between art and architecture. This festival turns the city into a huge creative playground filled with exhibitions, installations, and contemporary works that are on display and open year-round. For cinema buffs, the Venice Film Festival takes place in late August and early September on the nearby Lido, bringing celebrities, screenings, and an elegant energy to the lagoon. It's a fun time to visit if you enjoy glamour and maybe a little celebrity spotting. If you're planning a visit in July, then don't miss the Festa del Redentore, one of Venice's most beloved traditions. The event celebrates the end of a 16th-century plague with stunning fireworks over the lagoon and a temporary bridge connecting the city to the Redentore Church. Locals decorate boats, gather with family, and enjoy a night of celebrating Venetian traditions. Finally, the Regatta Storica, which is held the first Sunday of September, is a spectacular historical parade of 16th century boats, gondolas, and rowers all dressed up in period costumes. They also close down the Grand Canal for this event, so it is quite a sight to see. Now, just one last piece of helpful information before we jump into the day-by-day itinerary. By far the most common question I get from clients traveling to Venice is how do I get around? Well, since most visitors arrive either by plane or train, getting to the city is actually quite simple. If you're flying, you'll most likely land at Venice Marco Polo Airport. From there, you have two options: either the bus or a water taxi. The bus is the quickest and most affordable way to reach the city, taking you directly to Piazzale Roma, the city's main transport hub. Understandably, the water taxi is more expensive, but it does offer the most cinematic arrival imaginable, weaving you through canals and delivering you right to your hotel's doorstep if it has a water entrance or at the nearest pontoon. You can choose a shared water taxi to help keep costs low, or for the ultimate experience, splurge on a private pickup. Now, if you are arriving by train, then you'll glide straight into Venezia Santa Lucia station, which drops you directly on the banks of the Grand Canal. It's got to be the most scenic train station in the world. From there, you can either walk to your accommodation or hop onto one of the Vaporettos, which is Venice's public water bus system. The Vaporetto is one of the best and fastest ways to get around the city. Tickets can be purchased at Kiosk, on land, vaporetto stations, or even online. You can also use your contactless card to simply tap on at each station. Boats run frequently and connect all major areas, including outer islands like Murano and Burano. Line 1 is the slow but scenic route along the Grand Canal, while lines 4.1 and 4.2 loop around the northern and southern edges of the city. Once you understand the Vaporetto system, Venice becomes wonderfully accessible and beautiful to explore. Alright, I won't delay our magical trip to Venice any longer. So grab a cup of coffee, get comfy, and let's escape to Venice. Welcome to your first day in Venice, and we're going to begin our exploring in the magical early morning light. Now for context, I recommend arriving during the afternoon or evening the day prior to allow you three full days in the city. There is a lot to do here, so a minimum of four nights is definitely needed. On this first morning in Venice, I suggest getting up early around 7 or 8 a.m. Yes, I know it's early, but trust me, you'll be glad when you get to enjoy the city's quiet streets and squares before all the day trippers arrive. Plus, it's the perfect time to explore the Rialto market. This bustling collection of produce and fish stalls opens at 7.30 a.m. and gives you an authentic glimpse into the daily life of locals living in Venice. Now, depending on the day, you'll see vibrant vegetables, fragrant herbs, spices, and a huge array of freshly caught seafood. The market is closed on Sundays, so just make sure to factor that into your visits. Following your market explorations, you'll need to cross the iconic Rialto Bridge, making sure to stop at the top to admire the views of the Grand Canal. And bonus, because you got up early, there's barely anyone else around. Continue walking through cramped streets and over bridges until you reach the lively square of Piazza San Marco. Take a wander, do a little people watching, and avoid sitting down at one of the cafes unless you're happy to pay an exorbitant price for coffee. If it's a caffeine injection you seek, then walk a few streets back for a cheaper and probably tastier coffee from one of the many hidden hole-in-the-wall style bars sprinkled all over Venice. This morning is your chance to visit St. Mark's Basilica, which has to be one of the most breathtaking churches in the world with its glittering gold interior and wall-to-ceiling mosaics. You will need to book time entry tickets in advance to skip the lines, and I do recommend opting for either a guided tour or an audio guide, as it certainly helps bring the mosaics and centuries of history to life. Rick Steves also has an audio guide specifically for the Basilica, which is packed with fascinating insights and is easily downloadable through the Rick Steves Audio Guide app. Once you've completed your wanderings inside the Basilica, make your way to the nearby Doge's Palace, a masterpiece of Venetian Gothic architecture and the former home of Venice's governing heads. The opulent interiors, grand staircases, and richly decorated halls offer a window into the immense power and wealth of the Venetian Republic. These tickets must also be booked well in advance to ensure availability for your preferred time and date. But a combined basilica and palace tour might be the best choice if you are wanting the full experience without waiting in long lines, plus an expert guide to share fascinating tales along the way. Before leaving Piazza San Marco, walk towards the water's edge and take in the view of the Bridge of Sighs from the Ponta della Paglia. The bridge is a beautiful sight as it extends high above the canal connecting the Doge's Palace to the nearby prison, and is believed to have got its name from the prisoners crossing it who would sigh at their last view of beautiful Venice before imprisonment. For lunch today, it's a chance to treat yourself to your very first taste of Chicetti, Venice's most beloved snack. A small plate of little bread bites topped with everything from marinated sardines and creamed cod to cured meats and pickled vegetables. There are fantastic chicchetti bars scattered all over Venice, but the ones located in the Dossodoro and Sampolo neighborhoods are by far the most atmospheric as they're often tucked beside peaceful canals. Pair your chicchetti with an Aperol Spritz or a small glass of local wine and just enjoy the calming rhythm of the city. Also, top tip, since Venice is the birthplace of the Aperol Spritz, you can actually find places serving it up for only€3 or€30. This is especially nice as in Milan or Rome, you'd easily pay 10 euros or more, and yes, there are places in Venice charging this price, but if you know where to look, then you'll be able to enjoy an Aperol Spritz every day, and you really should. And for those who like something a little bit sweeter, then try a Hugo Spritz. In the afternoon, you can stay in San Paulo to explore more of its hidden backstreets, or cross the Rialto Bridge again and explore more of the Canareggio and Castello neighborhoods. Remember, Canareggio is where you'll find the historic Jewish ghetto and Castello is the more residential area. Both have plenty of hidden gems and secret squares that await you. You may even stumble upon the quirky libreria aqua alta, known for its insta-famous books displayed in bathtubs and gondolas. Although there is very little space inside, so maybe save it for an early morning or late afternoon when there are just fewer tourists around. You can also continue wandering towards Campo Santa Maria Formosa, a lovely and charming square surrounded by classic Venetian buildings and canals. And if you make it as far as the Arsenale, then you can see the remnants of a shipyard from the peak of the Venetian Republic. After all, Venice would have been nothing not for its boats and conquests along the entire length of the Adriatic. As the day begins to soften into evening, this is the perfect moment for a gondola ride. A 30-minute ride in a gondola before 7 pm should cost 80 euros, while a gondola ride after 7 pm does come at a premium and will set you back about€100. Yes, it is expensive, but the experience is truly unforgettable, especially if you make an effort to find a gondolier in one of the many quiet side streets rather than on the busy Grand Canal. You'll get to appreciate the charming, quieter side of Venice. Plus, you won't be rocked around as much. It can get pretty violent when you pass by a speed vote or the Vaporeto. Now, if you'd like to lower the price a bit, then consider sharing your gondola with a few other travelers. Most gondolas can take up to five people at a squeeze, but four is definitely more comfortable. Trust me when I say your trip to Venice is simply not complete until you take a gondola ride. I skipped this during my first visit because I simply could not justify the price, but the second time I went, I was determined to do it, and my experience truly changed how I saw the city. Everything was more magical and more special from the perspective of a gondola. I'll admit my first impressions of Venice many years ago were actually not very positive. But having returned multiple times, I swear I fall more in love with the city each visit. Now the perfect ending to a magical first day in Venice is a delicious dinner somewhere cozy. Choose a restaurant with candlelit tables, soft lighting, and dishes featuring fresh lagoon seafood. After dinner, you can enjoy a slow stroll across bridges and linger by the water as the city settles into its nighttime stillness. It's during these quiet moments you completely forget just how busy the city can get. And that's the beauty of choosing to stay in Venice. You get to enjoy the city at its very best, in the early mornings and the late evenings. Good morning, it's now your second day in Venice, and we're going to begin with a short walk to the Galleria della Accademia, where you'll find the city's most important and largest collection of Venetian art. You can easily spend an hour or so wandering through rooms filled with masterpieces by Titian and Viranese. It's an art lover's paradise. But if you do not consider yourself an art lover, then I suggest skipping the museum and instead taking this morning to join a guided experience. Consider booking a food tour or hidden gems walking tour. Both are designed to take you away from the crowds and into the silent backstreets where local life somehow manages to continue undisturbed. Then for a breathtaking viewpoint over the city, you can book timed entry tickets to climb the Campanile, Venice's largest bell tower located right next to St. Mark's Square. Thankfully, you actually don't need to climb it as there is an elevator that will whisk you to the top for 360-degree views over the city and the lagoon. If you visit on a clear day, then you may even be able to see all the way towards the Dolomites mountain range, which borders neighbouring Austria. For lunch today, search for an authentic Venetian trateria that's serving up fresh seafood dishes caught that very morning. The best restaurants in Italy are not the ones with fancy white tablecloths and multi-page wine lists. No no no, the absolute best restaurants are the ones where you'll enjoy dishes just like Nonna would make. They have basic paper tablecloths and only two wine options, the house red and the house white. Bonus points if they serve the wine in cups and not glasses, as this is the real Italian dining experience. Now, if by afternoon our art lovers are not fully satisfied, then you can also add in a visit to the Peggy Guggenheim collection. This modern art museum's Set in Peggy's former home offers a charming mix of sculptures and paintings that overlook the Grand Canal. And again, if art isn't your thing, then an afternoon simply spent wandering through the Dorsodoro neighborhood is always a great idea. Here, you'll find quiet lanes that feel wonderfully local, with laundry hanging from windows, boats bobbing gently along the canals, and artisans working tucked away in small studios. You can then take a leisurely stroll along the Zatere Promenade where the lagoon opens up in front of you, offering fresh sea breezes and stunning views towards the island of Judeca, which is only reachable from Venice by vaporetto or private boat. Make sure you stop for gelato along the way, or if you find yourself craving an aperitivo, which is the Italian custom of having a pre-dinner drink and some light snacks, then plan a stop at the Squareo di San Trovaso, which is an active gondola workshop located in Dosto d'Oro, where you can enjoy some chicchetti and an aparol spritz from the nearby bar that overlooks the workshop. If you are interested in learning more about how they build and repair the city's gondolas, then you can also book a short guided tour. From here, it's only a couple hundred meters further to reach the beautiful basilica of Santa Maria della Salute. Standing proudly at the entrance of the Grand Canal, this church was built as an offering after Venice survived a devastating plague. Step inside to admire the elegant interior before wandering outside again to enjoy the sweeping views across the water towards St. Mark's Square. From the spot marked on Google Maps as Punta della Dogana, you can watch boats glide in and out of the Grand Canal, see the sky change colours at sunset behind St. Mark's, and experience Venice at its most magical. No matter how many times I visit Venice, I will always make time to come back here to sit and reflect on the wonder that is this floating city. You can then end your evening with dinner in Dosodoro at one of the many waterfront restaurants. Enjoy a relaxed meal with a view of the passing boats and the twinkling reflections on the water. Life really doesn't get more picturesque and magical than this. Welcome to your third and final day in Venice, which means it's time to explore some of the surrounding islands. You can choose to do this day entirely self-guided and rely on the public vaporettos to get you between the islands, or for a more relaxed experience, you should book a small group or private tour which comes with a boat, driver, and tour guide for the day. For those using the Vaporetto, you'll want to check Google Maps for the fastest route to reach the first island of Murano. Fondamente Nove is a Vaporetto station located on the northern edge of Venice and is the most direct way of reaching Murano. Lines 4.1 and 4.2 take about 15 minutes, making it an easy and scenic trip. Now, if you do get seasick easily, then you'll want to prepare in advance. The journey itself isn't too bad, but the rocking of the boat, especially on windy days, is definitely enough to cause motion sickness. The island of Murano is world famous for its glassmaking traditions, and naturally one of the best things to do here is watch a glass blowing demonstration. It's mesmerizing to see the artisans transform molten glass into delicate works of art, from statues to vases, plates, and even jewellery. Now, there are many glass blowing workshops on the island, and if you are coming with a tour, then you'll just go to the one that they've already arranged to visit. But if you're doing it solo, then make sure to research the different workshops in advance, as some are sadly quite touristy and borderline tourist traps. Also, for the smaller workshops, they may require you to book your visit in advance as they are not always available to give tours. The workshops will usually also have an adjacent shop displaying their many creations, so it's the perfect place to pick up a special Venetian souvenir. If you've got some extra time before your next Vaporetto, then you can also take a wander through Murano's peaceful and colourful canal-lined streets. Then it's time to take your next Vaporetto to the island of Burano. The journey takes about 35 minutes on line number 12, and as soon as you step off the boat, you'll be greeted by the most colourful houses you've ever seen. Murano is certainly a dream for photographers with its bright, cheerful homes reflected in the quiet canals. Take your time to wander through the narrow streets, browse its many lace shops, and soak in the islands slower pace. Find a place for lunch that's serving fresh seafood and homemade pasta. If possible, try to book ahead as the island does get very busy by midday with tour groups and day trippers coming from Venice. Then, if you have time, hop over to the island of Torcello. It's only five minutes away by taking the Vaporetto No. 9. When you arrive, you'll instantly notice that Torcello feels worlds apart from Venice, with wide open spaces, a peaceful countryside atmosphere, and a 7th century basilica covered in stunning mosaics. It's quiet, ancient, and deeply atmospheric. A perfect contrast to the busier islands as most visitors to Venice simply just don't get here. Then, when you're ready to return to Venice, take the Vaporetto line number 12 back to Fondamente Nove. And just like that, you've successfully completed a self-guided tour of Venice's most beautiful outer lagoon islands. Now, if navigating the Vaporetti and timetable seems just too overwhelming, remember there are many small group and private guided tours that handle all the logistics for you while offering valuable insights along the way. For your final evening in Venice, consider treating yourself to a special dinner, maybe a restaurant with a canal view. It's the perfect treat to celebrate a wonderful three days in this inspirational city. Then, when night begins to fall, take one last wander around the city and enjoy the peaceful and mystical atmosphere. Venice may be one of the most visited cities in the world, but if you know how to do it right, you can enjoy pockets of its magic and charm all to yourself. Now, if you're lucky enough to have some extra time to explore the region, Venice serves as the perfect base for discovering the surrounding Veneto region and beyond. So without further ado, here are seven incredible day trips that offer a mix of culture, food, history, and natural beauty. Starting with day trip number one, Verona. Located just over an hour from Venice by train, Verona is a romantic city filled with ancient architecture and charming streets. During your visit, you can explore the Verona Arena, which is one of the best preserved Roman amphitheaters in the world. The city is also famous for being the setting of Shakespeare's most popular play, Romeo and Juliet. While in Verona, you can also visit Juliet's house, roam around the elegant square of Piazza della Erbe, and take in the stunning views of the city from Castle San Pietro. Verona is one of my all-time favorite Italian cities, so I'll definitely be doing a full podcast episode on this city and its surroundings in the near future. For day trip number two, we're going to Padua. Only 30 minutes by train from Venice, Padua is a university city with a strong artistic identity. Here you can visit the Scrovedni Chapel, where the interior is covered in vibrant frescoes by the famous Italian painter Giotto and are considered a masterpiece of early Renaissance art. Then take some time to wander through Prato della Valle, which is one of the largest squares in Europe. The city is an often overlooked gem, and for those seeking to experience another side of Italy, one where you'll see more locals than tourists, Padua makes the perfect day trip. Next up we have day trip number three, Treviso. The charming town of Treviso is located just an hour north of Venice by train and is often thought of as a smaller, quieter version of the canal city. With its very own lovely canals, elegant bridges, and beautiful piazzas, Treviso is a wonderful place to wander without any plans. The fish market sits on its own tiny island surrounded by cafes and fresh seafood vendors. Plus, Treviso is famous for being the birthplace of Tirimesu. So if you're a lover of Italian desserts, then you must plan a visit. Day trip number four is taking us to the island of Chioggia. Located at the southern end of the Venetian lagoon, Chioggia is often called Little Venice because of its bridges, canals, and pastel buildings, but it has far fewer tourists. You can reach it easily by bus from Venice's main transport hub of Piazza Le Roma. And in summer, there's even a direct ferry. While here, you can spend the day wandering around its pretty streets and don't forget to visit the bustling fish market. As you can imagine, the seafood here is exceptional and the restaurants along the canal offer some of the freshest dishes in the entire region. Now, if you're a wine lover, then you're going to adore day trip number five. It's the Prosecco Wine Region. This is one day trip that is best done either as a small group tour or by renting a car. But remember, if you're driving, then no drinking. The Prosecco Hills are a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with rolling vineyards, picturesque villages, and world-class wineries. While here, you can visit elegant Prosecco estates, each offering tastings and stunning views. I also highly recommend taking a leisurely drive along the incredibly scenic Prosecco Road, which winds through the hills, offering endless photo opportunities and peaceful walking paths. For those happy to travel a little further, then the breathtaking Dolomites await you on day trip number six. Now you can combine the Prosecco Hills and Dolomites together as one day trip or keep them separate and linger longer in each place. If you're craving mountain air, dramatic landscapes, and alpine charm, the Dolomites are about two and a half hours drive away. Again, this day trip is possible as either a small group tour or by renting a car and driving yourself. During this day, you can visit the Chic Mountain town and host to the 2026 Winter Olympics Cortina d'Empazio. Nearby, there are also stunning lakes to explore like Lago di Mizarina and Aronzo. Hikers can also take on the iconic Trecime dell'Avaredo, or for something a little less intense, take the cable car up to Falloria for panoramic views over the mountains. No matter when you visit, the Dolomites are breathtaking in any season, from snow-covered peaks in winter to bright green meadows in summer. But the weather is unpredictable, so it can be difficult to plan your visit ahead of time. Our seventh and final day trip is a little closer to Venice. It's the Lido di Venezia. Just a short vaporetto ride away, the Lido makes for the perfect summer beach day when you need a break from sightseeing. The island has wide sandy beaches, plenty of private beach clubs with lounges and umbrellas for rent, plus lots of cafes and gelaterias. The Lido feels wonderfully relaxing and offers the ideal balance between city exploration and coastal chill. So that wraps up our list of seven incredible day trips to take from Venice. I hope maybe one or two have piqued your interest and inspired you to linger a little longer in this lagoon city. It truly is one of the most unique and magical places in the world to explore. The first thing to know is that Venice is a city built for walking. You will spend most of your time on foot, weaving through narrow streets and crossing tiny arch bridges. Distances look intimidating on a map, but Venice is much smaller than people usually imagine. Walking from the train station to Piazza San Marco only takes about 30 to 40 minutes at a relaxed pace, and almost everything you'll want to see falls within a comfortable wandering range. That being said, be prepared to walk more than you expect, so comfortable shoes are essential here, because the paving stones may be uneven and the bridges add a surprising number of mini stair workouts to your day. Now, on the topic of what to pack, did you hear me mention stairs? Venice is also a great place to travel light. Backpacks and small carry-on suitcases are the recommended. Anything bigger, and you may need to consider either booking somewhere close to the train station or take a private boat transfer to your accommodation. Your absolute last resort is to take the Vaporetto, as believe me, it gets incredibly crowded, so it's not very fun when you have to lug your suitcases on and off in shoulder-to-shoulder crowds. Also, many hotels do not have elevators, especially in historic buildings, so you'll maybe want to rethink packing those seven pairs of shoes. For traveling longer distances in Venice, you'll rely on the Vaporetto system, which I explained a bit earlier in this episode. But as a quick recap, these are Venice's public water buses that allow you to get around Venice easily, as well as to many of the other lagoon islands. For more details on how to plan your arrival to Venice, please rewind to the beginning of this podcast episode. Now let's talk about crowds because Venice receives millions of visitors each year and managing your time can completely transform your experience. Early mornings are your ally here. Venice at 7 a.m. is soft, quiet, and almost dreamlike. Fog drifts across the water, delivery boats glide silently past, and the streets are nearly empty except for locals heading to work. If you can build your itinerary around early starts, then you'll avoid the biggest crowds and enjoy a more intimate version of Venice. Evenings are equally beautiful, especially after 9 pm, when day trippers have left and the streets become peaceful once again. Midday is when you'll find the busiest periods and the biggest crowds, especially around St. Mark's Square, the Rialto Bridge, and other major museums. So it's a great time to slip away to the quieter areas like Canareggio, Castello, or even the nearby island of Judeca. No surprise here, but food in Venice is wonderful if you know where to look. The key is to avoid tourist traps. So restaurants with photos of food outside or menus in several languages, you're going to want to avoid this. Instead, seek out traditional baccari, which are tiny Venetian wine bars where locals go for those tasty small bites called chicchetti. Order a spritz or a small glass of wine and treat it like your very own Venetian ritual. Something slow and unhurried but an important part of each day. And because Venice is surrounded by water, seafood is exceptional here. Look for dishes that highlight the lagoonic self, like spaghetti alvangole or granciola, which is Venetian spider crab. Dining in Venice is a joy when you stick to restaurants that focus on local seasonal ingredients. So make an effort to look for spots filled with Venetians, not just tourists. And where possible, try to make reservations as the good spots always fill up first. Now at the end of your meal, you may feel obliged to tip, but remember that tipping in Venice follows the standard Italian approach of it is appreciated but never required. Most restaurants already include e coperto, which is a small cover charge, and you don't need to tip on top of that unless the service was truly exceptional. And on that note, keep in mind that service can be slower in Italy than in many other countries, not because the staff is inattentive, but because dining is meant to be relaxed and unhurried. When you sit down at a table, it's usually considered yours for the night, so no waiter is going to try to move you on unless you initiate it by asking for the bill. Shopping in Venice is a lot like searching for restaurants. It's delightful when you know what to look for. There are a lot of touristy shops selling fake Murano glass and other cheap knick-knacks, but for a truly special Venetian souvenir, seek out things like handmade Venetian mass, Murano glass from authentic artisans, and traditional paper marbling studios. Okay, next let's talk a little bit about weather. If you're visiting in summer, be prepared for heat and humidity, especially in July and August. So staying hydrated is very important. The good news is that Venice has many free drinking fountains scattered all over the city. Look for the metal taps with a constant flow of fresh cold water. It's both perfectly safe to drink and a great way to refill your bottle during the day. On the other hand, in winter, Venice can be cold, misty, and very atmospheric, but you'll want to be aware of the aqua ulta, which is the high tide flooding that sometimes affects certain areas of the city. When it happens, raised walkways made out of wooden planks are put out, and locals simply continue life as usual. It's far less dramatic than the headlines make it seem, but waterproof boots or shoe covers can make your experience much more comfortable. Now, my top tip that surprises many people is how getting lost is just part of the Venice experience, even when you're trying your best not to. The city's tangled layout means GPS apps like Google Maps can glitch and alleyways sometimes lead to dead ends or even private courtyards. Instead of fighting it, embrace the fact that Venice is a place where wandering is part of the itinerary. Keep an eye out for the yellow signs posted on the corners of buildings pointing to major landmarks like Rialto and San Marco. They'll guide you back whenever the city feels like a labyrinth. Also, the streets can be very narrow, so if stopping to check your map, then make sure to step to the side and allow the foot traffic to continue flowing. Venice is also a city that rewards slowness. It is not a place to rush through checklists or rush from site to site. So make sure to leave space for the unexpected, like a quiet canal glowing under the afternoon sun, or a small church where you didn't plan to enter. And maybe a cafe where you sit for an hour just listening to the soft hum of the lagoon. This is how Venice reveals itself. Finally, Venice is delicate. Be mindful of your impact by avoiding single-use plastics, respecting private areas, and supporting local artisans rather than mass-produced souvenir shops. Every little action helps protect this extraordinary city for future generations to come. Venice is one of those rare places that stays with you long after you've left. It's a city that invites you to slow down, wander without a plan, and appreciate the beauty of getting a little lost. Those who approach it with genuine curiosity and care will be rewarded a thousand times over. So I hope this episode has given you the inspiration, confidence, and practical tools you need to plan your very own Venetian adventure. Whether you're dreaming of gondola rides at sunset or mornings spent exploring hidden squares, Venice is waiting with open arms and endless surprises. Thank you so much for joining me today on this journey to Europe. If you enjoyed this episode, then make sure to follow the podcast so you never miss a new itinerary. And if you'd like to support the show, then sharing it with a friend or leaving a review makes a huge difference. If you would also like to access the full written itinerary with links to all the places I've mentioned, then make sure to check out the show notes or visit my website, that's travelwithler.com. Next week, I'll be taking you through a step-by-step guide on how to plan a winter trip to Bansko, Bulgaria, a popular ski resort and the place I've chosen to call my home. It's going to be an episode filled with skiing, spas, and seasonal celebrations. Until then, keep dreaming, keep exploring, and keep that European Wanderlass alive!