9 of the Top Day Trips from Venice

Art aficionados will be happy to know that one of the most important works in the history of Western art sits less than 30 minutes from Venice. Padua is home to the Scrovegni Chapel, where Giotto introduced perspective and human expression into medieval art with a series of spectacular frescoes. Book your tickets in advance, as daily visitor numbers are limited to protect the 14th-century masterpieces, or admire the chapel as part of a private walking tour that includes admission. Most Venice day tours to Padua also take in the city’s charming historic center, massive Basilica of St. Anthony, and Prato della Valley square.

Festive Prosecco is arguably Italy’s flagship sparkling wine, but most fans don’t know that it’s produced in the hills about an hour’s drive north of Venice. Join a wine tour to explore the picturesque terraced vineyards between Conegliano and the Valdobbiadene, stopping at local wineries for tours, tastings, and even lunch.

Some day trips also include time in Bassano del Grappa to sample the traditional spirit from the area’s grappa distilleries. Either way, set off with a Prosecco wine tour from Venice that includes transportation, or hire a private driver so you can imbibe worry-free.

Shakespeare set his tale of star-crossed lovers in the northern Italian town of Verona, and the historic center looks much as it did 500 years after Romeo and Juliet was penned. In addition to Juliet’s House, where the famed balcony is a major tourist attraction, walking tours of the city generally visit such highlights as the Piazza delle Erbe market square and the Castelvecchio Bridge spanning the Adige River. This historic town near Venice is also known for its perfectly preserved ancient Roman arena, which continues to host opera and other performances each summer.

Bologna marks the eastern border of Food Valley, the fertile stretch of Emilia Romagna where iconic specialties including parmigiano reggiano, prosciutto di Parma, balsamic vinegar from Modena, and lambrusco wines are produced. You can sample these and more in the food-forward Quadrilatero district in the heart of Bologna, an easy 1.5-hour trip from Venice. Once the city’s market hub, this corner of the old town is still stuffed with gourmet shops, delis, eateries, and artisan pasta makers—ideal for food tours. While in town, visit city landmarks including Piazza Maggiore and the San Petronius Basilica with a guide to combine culture and cuisine.

Italy’s largest lake captures the country’s famed “la dolce vita” spirit with its laid-back resort towns, postcard-perfect scenery, and excellent dining scene. Book a driver to reach Lake Garda in less than two hours and make the most of your Venice day trip itinerary by village-hopping along its shores, with stops in Sirmione, Desenzano del Garda, and Peschiera del Garda. Some Lake Garda day trips also take in the Valpolicella wine country, breaking up the drive with a winery tour and tasting. While on the lake, join a boat tour or stretch your legs with a hike or bike ride through the surrounding hillsides.

Architecture buffs delight at the gem-like city of Vicenza, set an hour inland from Venice and home to masterpieces by the Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio. Join a walking tour to stroll Corso Palladio—considered one of the most elegant streets in Italy—and take in highlights such as the Palladian Basilica, Palazzo Chiericati, and the Teatro Olimpico. The surrounding hills and banks of the Brenta River are dotted with Palladio’s UNESCO–listed 16th-century residences, known collectively as the Palladian Villas; Venice countryside excursions by e-bike and day trips to this area generally cover La Rotonda, La Malcontenta, and other headliners.

The Dolomites are home to magnificent alpine vistas and sit just about two hours north of La Serenissima. Among the most striking natural attractions near Venice, this chain of peaks offers plenty for outdoor enthusiasts, with hiking and biking trails and scenic drives with wow-worthy panoramas, via ferrata routes for climbing, plus lifts and gondolas that operate in both summer and winter to reach the high-altitude chalet restaurants serving rib-sticking local specialties. Most Dolomites day trips include transport to photogenic spots such as the Auronzo and Misurina lakes, plus time in the resort town of Cortina d’Ampezzo to browse the shops or enjoy a meal.

Surrounded by Slovenia, the port city of Trieste is one of Italy’s most diverse and unique. A singular mix of Mediterranean and Slavic influences, this elegant town tops the list of Venice culture day trips. Sip a capo in b (mini cappuccino) in one of its Austrian-influenced coffee houses, tour its ancient Roman ruins, and soak in the fairytale atmosphere of the Miramare Castle on a day trip from Venice.

Insider tip: It takes about two hours to get there, so you’ll want to optimize your time with a guided sightseeing tour and prebooked tickets to the most popular sights.

Not all Venice coastal day trips require hours of travel. The Venice Islands, set in the Venetian Lagoon, are among the most popular destinations outside of the Floating City. Murano is famous for its traditional glass-blowing workshops, while Burano’s colorful houses attract everyone from photographers to families. Quiet Torcello is where Venice was founded, and is an ideal escape from the crowds for history buffs. Visit one of these islands by public vaporetto (water bus), or streamline your logistics with a boat tour that includes stops at all three.