15 Best Day Trips from Venice, Italy

15 Best Day Trips from Venice, Italy

Explore the rich culture, natural beauty, and charming towns surrounding Venice with these unforgettable day trips. Here’s your comprehensive guide including how to get there, when to go, where to eat vegan, and what to do in each location.

Venice may be a destination unto itself, but one of the best things about it is how easy it is to explore the surrounding gems of northern Italy. Thanks to high-speed trains and regional rail networks, you can reach places like fair Verona, the open-air museum of Bologna, or the elegant city of Vicenza in under two hours. Some day trips take just a half hour—perfect if you’re short on time but still want to dive into Renaissance art, sip Prosecco in the hills, or stroll along medieval walls. Whether you’re traveling independently or with a tour guide from companies like Perillo Tours, you’ll find no shortage of culture, history, and culinary delights along the way.

Start your early morning with a train ride and spend your free time exploring highlights like the Casa di Giulietta in Verona, the Basilica of St. Anthony in Padua, or the shores of Lake Como. Each destination offers something unique, from mosaics in Ravenna to mountain views in the Dolomites. These quick getaways are not just convenient—they’re also an opportunity to step into another world for a day, often without even needing to change hotels. With vegan-friendly restaurants scattered throughout the region, you can enjoy northern Italy without compromising your lifestyle or palate.

Where to Stay in Venice

1. Verona

• History: Known as the setting of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, Verona is a UNESCO World Heritage city with Roman roots and Renaissance charm.
• How to get there: 1h 15min by train from Venice Santa Lucia.
• When to go: Spring or early autumn.
• Vegan eats: La Lanterna, Flora.

 

• Top 5 Things to Do in Verona:
  1. Visit Juliet’s House and Balcony
  2. Explore the Roman Arena
  3. Walk through Piazza delle Erbe
  4. Stroll along the Adige River
  5. Climb Castel San Pietro for panoramic views

2. Padua (Padova)

• History: One of Italy’s oldest cities, home to the second-oldest university in Europe.
• How to get there: 30 min by train.
• When to go: Year-round.
• Vegan eats: Veganda

 

• Top 5 Things to Do in Padua:
  1. See the Scrovegni Chapel frescoes by Giotto
  2. Visit the Basilica of Saint Anthony
  3. Wander through the Botanical Garden (UNESCO site)
  4. Explore Prato della Valle square
  5. Enjoy street life along Via Roma

3. Treviso

• History: A walled city known for canals, prosecco, and quiet charm.
• How to get there: 35 min by train.
• When to go: Spring.
• Vegan eats: Triangoli

 

• Top 5 Things to Do in Treviso:
  1. Walk along the Buranelli Canal
  2. Visit the Duomo and its crypt
  3. Explore the city walls and gates
  4. Try local prosecco (many producers offer vegan options)
  5. Shop at the farmers’ market in Piazza dei Signori

4. Vicenza

• History: Famous for Palladian architecture and a UNESCO-listed historic center.
• How to get there: 45 min by train.
• When to go: Autumn.
• Vegan eats: Silene

 

• Top 5 Things to Do in Vicenza:
  1. Visit Teatro Olimpico
  2. Tour Palladio’s Villa La Rotonda
  3. Walk along Corso Andrea Palladio
  4. Explore Basilica Palladiana
  5. Relax in Parco Querini

5. Chioggia

• History: Known as “Little Venice” with a fishing town feel.
• How to get there: 1.5h by bus or ferry via Pellestrina.
• When to go: Summer.
• Vegan eats: CorteVerde
• Top 5 Things to Do in Chioggia:
  1. Visit the fruit market
  2. Walk along Corso del Popolo
  3. Relax at Sottomarina Beach
  4. Climb the bell tower of Sant’Andrea
  5. Take a boat ride in the lagoon

 

6. Murano, Burano & Torcello

• History: Islands of glass-making, lace, and ancient churches.
• How to get there: Vaporetto from Fondamente Nove (~40 min).
• When to go: Weekdays.
• Vegan eats: Pack a picnic.

 

• Top 5 Things to Do in Murano, Burano and Torcello:
  1. Watch glassblowing in Murano
  2. Photograph Burano’s colorful houses
  3. Visit Santa Fosca Church in Torcello
  4. Climb the bell tower of Torcello for views
  5. Walk the canals with a vegan gelato

7. Valdobbiadene (Prosecco Hills)

• History: UNESCO World Heritage wine region.
• How to get there: Train to Conegliano + local taxi.
• When to go: Autumn.
• Vegan eats: Agriturismo Vedova

 

• Top 5 Things to Do in Valdobbiadene:
  1. Wine tasting at local vineyards
  2. Walk the Prosecco Road (Strada del Prosecco)
  3. Hike in the surrounding hills
  4. Visit the Molinetto della Croda watermill
  5. Enjoy panoramic views from Cartizze hill

8. Bologna

• History: A medieval city known for its porticoes, cuisine, and leftist culture.
• How to get there: 1.5h by high-speed train.
• When to go: Spring or autumn.
• Vegan eats: Botanica Lab, Fram Cafe
• Top 5 Things to Do in Bologna:
  1. Climb the Asinelli Tower
  2. Stroll under the Portico di San Luca
  3. Visit Piazza Maggiore and Basilica di San Petronio
  4. Explore the University of Bologna area
  5. Browse the Quadrilatero food market

 

9. Ferrara

• History: A Renaissance city with a moated castle and bike-friendly streets.
• How to get there: 1.5h by train.
• When to go: Autumn or winter.
• Vegan eats: La Vegana
• Top 5 Things to Do in Ferrara:
  1. Tour the Castello Estense
  2. Visit Palazzo dei Diamanti
  3. Walk along the city walls
  4. Explore the medieval Jewish ghetto
  5. Rent a bike and cycle through the old town

 

10. Ravenna

• History: Known for stunning Byzantine mosaics and former capital of the Western Roman Empire.
• How to get there: 2.5h by train.
• When to go: Spring.
• Vegan eats: Amaranto

 

• Top 5 Things to Do in Ravenna:
  1. Visit the Basilica di San Vitale
  2. Admire mosaics in the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia
  3. Explore Dante’s Tomb
  4. Wander through the historic center
  5. Tour the Arian Baptistry

11. Lake Garda (Desenzano or Sirmione)

• History: Italy’s largest lake, beloved since Roman times for its thermal springs and scenic beauty.
• How to get there: Train to Desenzano (1.5h), ferry to Sirmione.
• When to go: Late spring or early autumn.
• Vegan eats: Il Vicolo Corto

 

• Top 5 Things to Do in Lake Garda:
  1. Explore Scaliger Castle in Sirmione
  2. Bathe in the thermal spas
  3. Walk or bike along the lakefront
  4. Visit Grotte di Catullo (Roman villa ruins)
  5. Take a boat tour of the lake

12. Dolomites (Cortina d’Ampezzo)

• History: UNESCO-listed mountain range famous for hiking and winter sports.
• How to get there: 2h by bus or 2.5h via train+bus.
• When to go: Summer or winter.
• Vegan eats: Ristorante Lago Scin
• Top 5 Things to Do in the Dolomites:
  1. Hike to Tre Cime di Lavaredo
  2. Ride the Faloria cable car
  3. Ski or snowboard in winter
  4. Visit the Olympic Ice Stadium
  5. Shop local crafts in town

 

13. Grado

• History: A Roman-era seaside town with a charming historic center.
• How to get there: Train to Cervignano + bus (2h).
• When to go: Late spring or early summer.
• Vegan eats: Motus
• Top 5 Things to Do in Grado:
  1. Relax on Grado’s beaches
  2. Visit the Basilica of Sant’Eufemia
  3. Walk the Lungomare Nazario Sauro
  4. Discover the Roman ruins
  5. Explore the old town alleys

 

14. Trieste

• History: A cosmopolitan port city once part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
• How to get there: 2h by train.
• When to go: Year-round.
• Vegan eats: Milady

 

• Top 5 Things to Do in Trieste:
  1. Tour Miramare Castle
  2. Walk along the Molo Audace pier
  3. Visit Piazza Unità d’Italia
  4. Take in views from the Opicina tram
  5. Explore Caffè San Marco, a historic literary café

15. Aquileia

• History: An ancient Roman city with remarkable archaeological remains.
• How to get there: Train to Cervignano + bus (2h).
• When to go: Spring or autumn.
• Vegan eats: Ristorante Patriarchi (vegan on request), or bring your own.
• Top 5 Things to Do in Aquileia:
  1. Visit the Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta
  2. See the ancient Roman Forum
  3. Tour the Archaeological Museum
  4. Walk or cycle along the Patriarchal Path
  5. Admire the early Christian mosaics

 

Final Thoughts on Day Trips from Venice

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning to your favorite place in Italy, these 15 day trips from Venice will deepen your appreciation for the region’s diversity and charm. All it takes is an early start, a fast train, and a bit of curiosity to discover some of the best places Italy has to offer—one unforgettable day at a time. Have you been to any of these places? I’d love to hear about your experience in the comment section.

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THE 5 ITEMS WE WERE SO HAPPY TO HAVE FOR ALL OF OUR TRIPS:

1. Merrell women’s light hiking shoes – these are amazing because they are lightweight, but are extra grippy and helpful! I also have this pair that I always get compliments on: Merrell Rainbow shoes. Fernando loves his Asics trail runners which are also grippy and perfect for walking on cobblestone streets.
2. Thermoflask water bottle – like a Hydroflask, but more affordable! We don’t go anywhere without these water bottles full of purified water.
3. North Face Aphrodite 2.0 capris – Seriously, I wear these pants every.single.day! I couldn’t live without these ultra-comfy, lightweight pants that dry so quickly. They are 100% worth the money!
4. Osprey Day Pack – this is an awesome lightweight backpack! We easily put the belongings we need at hand for traveling around the city and on public transportation.
5. Travel-friendly chewable toothpaste tablets – these are so fantastic for keeping your teeth clean on the go!

OUR FAVORITE EUROPEAN SERVICES:

1. DISCOVER CARS – If you want to rent a car while you’re in Europe, our favorite car rental aggregator is Discover Cars. We frequently rent cars and they always have the best prices and great quality vehicles.
2. iTalki – if you want to learn another language before traveling to Europe or while you’re there, we love iTalki. We highly recommend their language services.
3. NORD VPN – perfect to use your technology in other countries!
4. Airalo E-Sim – this let’s you use your phone anywhere in the world without having to get a physical sim! We use this all the time when we travel outside Europe!
5. Big Bus Tours – the perfect way to see the city when you first arrive!
6. Get Transfer – transfers between all of the airports and cities