9 of the Best Weekend Getaways from Venice

Anchored by the elegant port city of Trieste, the understated region of Friuli-Venezia Giulia offers a welcome respite from the crowds of Venice. Begin with a guided sightseeing tour of Trieste to cover Miramare Castle and other sights, then spend the rest of your first day exploring the city’s storied coffee houses and ancient Roman ruins. Afterwards, move on to regional gems such as the architecture-forward town of Udine, the UNESCO–listed Roman remains of Aquileia and Renaissance fortress of Palmanova, and the medieval old town of Cividale del Friuli.

Insider tip: The best way to get around the region is with a private driver from Venice.

The Slovenian border sits just an hour from the Venetian Lagoon, so Slovenia is one of the easiest—though often overlooked—Venice weekend destinations. Settle into Ljubljana’s charming old town and kick off your weekend with a walking tour of the city and its historic castle above, followed by a scenic river cruise. Spend the rest of your weekend taking day trips to the surrounding sights, including Lake Bled, Postojna Cave, and Predjama Castle. Outdoor enthusiasts can also spend time hiking, rafting, and cycling in the Triglav National Park and Julian Alps.

Italy’s most iconic gourmet specialties are produced in the agricultural hills of Emilia-Romagna, and this region tops the list of short breaks from Venice for traveling foodies. Hop on a train directly to Bologna, the region’s cultural and culinary hub. Explore the old town with a guide, with stops to sample beloved specialties such as mortadella and tortellini pasta. Dedicate your second day to Food Valley (the countryside from Modena to Parma, where delicacies including Prosciutto di Parma, Parmigiano Reggiano, and balsamic vinegar of Modena are produced.

Did you know?: Gearheads can book a day trip to the numerous car museums and factories in this area, also known as Motor Valley.

Venice is just one of many historic cities in the Veneto region, which stretches west from the Adriatic coast to Lake Garda. Many of the highlights lie less than an hour away from La Serenissima, so you can pack several stops into a single weekend rather than having to take multiple day trips from Venice. Spend a romantic overnight in Verona, where you can catch a performance at the ancient Roman arena. Move on to Vicenza to admire its Renaissance architecture, both in the old town and the surrounding hills. End with a stop in Padua to take in the richly frescoed Scrovegni Chapel.

While the Floating City oozes with historic heft, Milan is the symbol of modern Italy and one of the top weekend destinations from Venice. It’s home to a few cultural headliners—including its ornate cathedral (Duomo) and Leonardo Da Vinci’s “Last Supper”—but the city’s biggest draw is its cosmopolitan downtown that overflows with top-tier boutiques. Check off the sights with a Milan walking tour, then turn your attention to the city’s excellent shopping in areas such as Via Montenapoleone and Brera. Spend your evenings dining and imbibing in the Navigli District, a favorite spot for food tours and cocktail tastings.

You can visit the alpine town of Cortina d’Ampezzo on a day trip from Venice, but you need to linger longer to fully experience the grandeur of the surrounding Dolomite peaks. Topping the list of the most scenic weekend escapes near Venice, this protected swath of mountains is a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts. Fill three days with hiking and biking excursions or via ferrata (assisted climbing adventures), making use of the vast network of lifts and gondolas that operate both in summer and winter. More relaxed travelers can stick to scenic drives, hearty meals at the summit chalet restaurants, and strolls around the Auronzo and Misurina lakes.

High-speed ferries connect Venice and Croatia’s main ports, meaning you can be over to Istria in about three hours. Wander among the colorful houses and picturesque coastline of Rovinj, visit the ancient Roman amphitheater in Pula, and marvel at mosaics and architectural details at the UNESCO–listed Euphrasian Basilica in Porec. Cruise along the coastline by boat or book a driver to reach inland delights such as Croatia’s Istrian wine country, an A-lister among Venice weekend travel ideas, or the Baredine Cave, located northeast of Porec.

One of the most exclusive destinations in northern Italy, Lake Como is an ideal Venice weekend adventure for travelers who want to relax surrounded by sublime views and celebrity visitors. Choose a mid-lake town such as Bellagio, Varenna, or Menaggio to use as your base, hopping on the ferry south to browse Como’s boutiques and stroll the lush gardens surrounding Villa del Balbianello, Villa Melzi, and Villa Carlotta. Ferries north will take you to the peak-backed shores of Gravedonia and Colico, popular with hikers and cyclists. To channel the lake’s VIP vibe, book a private boat tour and take in its villages and villas from the water.

Though they seem worlds apart in cityscape and atmosphere, Florence and Venice are separated by just a roughly 2-hour high-speed train ride. Jaunts to the “cradle of the Renaissance” top the list of popular weekend tours from Venice, and are an excellent way to optimize your time in Italy. Hit the ground running with a walking tour of Florence’s historic center, ending with a stop to glimpse Michelangelo’s “David” at the Accademia Gallery. Fill your next day with time inside the Uffizi Galleries and the Duomo complex, then cap off your weekend perusing the city’s markets and shops.

Related: Visiting Florence for the First Time? Here's What To See and Do