. Venice-4-day-itinerary

November 6, 2024

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

Arrive at Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) and take a water bus (vaporetto) or private water taxi to your accommodation
Check-in to your hotel, such as Hotel Danieli or Ca’ Sagredo
Start your day at St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco), the heart of Venice
- Visit St. Mark’s Basilica, a stunning example of Byzantine architecture
- Explore the Doge’s Palace, once the residence of the Doge of Venice

Get lost in the narrow streets and canals of Venice, discovering hidden gems and taking in the unique atmosphere
Visit the Rialto Bridge (Ponte di Rialto), a iconic symbol of Venice
Stop for lunch at Cantina Do Mori, a cozy trattoria serving traditional Venetian cuisine

Take a romantic gondola ride through the canals, enjoying the city’s beauty from a different perspective
Enjoy dinner at Al Covo, a family-run restaurant offering delicious seafood dishes
End your day with a stroll along the Grand Canal, taking in the sights and sounds of this magical city

Be prepared for crowds and long lines at popular attractions
Wear comfortable shoes, as you’ll be walking on cobblestone streets and bridges
Don’t forget to try some traditional Venetian cicchetti (small snacks) and ombre (wine)

Day 2: Art and Culture

Visit the Gallerie dell’Accademia, featuring an impressive collection of Venetian art
Stop by the Scuola Grande di San Rocco, a beautiful example of Renaissance architecture
Explore the Dorsoduro neighborhood, known for its charming canals, historic buildings, and lively atmosphere

Visit the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, a modern art museum housed in the Palazzo Venier dei Leoni
Take a break at Caffè Florian, a historic café in St. Mark’s Square
Explore the Rialto Market, where you can find fresh seafood, fruits, and vegetables

Enjoy dinner at La Zucca, a cozy restaurant serving creative, farm-to-table cuisine
Take a sunset stroll along the Zattere promenade, offering breathtaking views of the Grand Canal
End your day with a visit to the Teatro La Fenice, one of the most famous opera houses in the world

The Gallerie dell’Accademia and Peggy Guggenheim Collection offer free admission on certain days of the week/month, so plan accordingly
Be respectful of the city’s unique environment and avoid littering or touching the historic buildings

Day 3: Islands and Lagoons

Take a vaporetto to the island of Murano, famous for its glassmaking traditions
- Visit a local glass factory, such as Fornace Ferro Murano, to see artisans at work
- Explore the charming streets and canals of Murano

Head to the island of Burano, known for its brightly colored houses and lace-making traditions
- Visit a local lace shop, such as Museo del Merletto, to learn about this ancient craft
- Enjoy lunch at Trattoria al Gazzettino, serving traditional Venetian dishes

Return to Venice and enjoy dinner at Osteria alla Testa, offering creative, seafood-focused cuisine
Take a romantic evening stroll through the Cannaregio neighborhood, known for its charming canals and historic buildings
End your day with a visit to the Campo Santa Marina, a picturesque square in the heart of Venice

Be prepared for some walking and exploration on the islands, as they are less crowded than Venice proper
Don’t forget to try some local seafood specialties, such as fritto misto (mixed fried seafood) or bigoli in salsa (pasta with anchovy sauce)

Day 4: Day Trips and Departure

Take a day trip to the nearby Lido di Venezia, a beautiful beach town
- Relax on the beach, take a bike ride along the coast, or visit the historic Hotel Excelsior
- Enjoy lunch at Ristorante La Tavernetta, serving seafood and Venetian specialties

Return to Venice and spend some time shopping for souvenirs or exploring any last-minute sights
Visit the San Polo neighborhood, known for its charming canals, historic buildings, and lively atmosphere
Enjoy a farewell dinner at Osteria da Fiore, offering creative, farm-to-table cuisine

Take a water bus (vaporetto) or private water taxi back to the airport for your departure flight

Plan your day trip according to the season and weather conditions
Don’t forget to validate your vaporetto ticket before boarding, as fines can be steep for non-compliance

Transportation

Vaporetti (water buses): an affordable way to navigate the city’s canals
Private water taxis: a convenient, but more expensive option for traveling with a group or luggage
Gondola rides: a romantic way to explore the city’s canals, but be prepared for a higher cost

Tips and Essentials

Get lost in Venice: don’t be afraid to wander and discover hidden gems
Wear comfortable shoes: cobblestone streets and bridges can be challenging
Respect the city’s environment: avoid littering, touching historic buildings, or feeding the pigeons
Learn some basic Italian phrases: it will enhance your experience and interactions with locals
Book accommodations and restaurants in advance: especially during peak season (June-September)