Off the beaten track in Venice

One day, I ferry hopped Fondamente Nuove to Burano to Torcello to Burano to Punta Sabbioni to Lido to San Marco. Lived off the land. Lingered or not at each stop. It was a mini adventure capped off by cicchetti "back home" in Venice.

I am a big fan of the Chorus Pass, 10 euro for 16 churches. The pass comes with a map/suggested itineraries. You will see some great art and architecture plus see parts of Venice you may otherwise not see. One of our favorites is San Pietro, "the church" before San Marco.

Torcello is worth the trip, I think. It's the original Venice, although very sparsely populated now. The day I was in Torcello there was a wedding at the church, which has beautiful decoration inside. I've been to Burano a couple of times, glad I went but not in a rush to go back. I also liked getting lost in the streets of the Ghetto in Venice.

I agree with the suggestion that you visit Torcello. Also, the Museo Storico Navale is a worthwhile stop if you enjoy history, ships, etc., It's at the Arsenale vaparetto stop. Admission is very inexpensive and the museum was practically empty when I visited.

Agree with the island hopping idea. Did that the last time I was there and had a great day. There's also a Dali exhibit going on right now at the Diocesan museum. Mainly bronze statues and etchings but found it interesting.

While getting about to far flung spots on the laggon is interesting, with only three days, I'd suggest staying closer in rather than several hours on a vaporetto. Here are some suggestions that a lot of tourists miss: Isola di San Giorgio Maggiore off the eastern point of Guidecca for the Palladio designed church. Make sure to go up in the campanile for stunning views to Venice. the yacht basin also makes for an interesting visit. the eastern end of Venice on the way to Isola Sant Elena is completely different with tree and parks. the arsenale is also an interesting walk. Getting up very early and wandering Venice to the Rialto Market as they set up is also very fun. /you need to arrive in the 06:00 to 07:00 range and even that early the vegetable market will be mostly set up. But the fish market will be in full swing with all sorts of squiggly things coming of the boats and on to the ice. If you are going to the Guggenheim, then take some time to wander the area east of the Accademia. Lots of art shops. Santa Maria della Salute is one of favorite churches in Venice. Take a bit extra time and walk out to the fondamenta at the very end of Dorsoduro. From there, while you are in Dorsoduro stroll down the entire length of the Zattere and wind up at the Chiesa San Sebastiano. this was Veronese's parish church and he had several commisions there.

I think Burano is worth a visit. I visited it in '03 & will visit Burano again next year. I loved taking pictures of all the brightly colored homes.

Here's a great walk in the Dorsoduro neighborhood from the Zattere to Piazzale Rome. The Eyewitness Travel Guide for Venice/Veneto also has some excellent walks. We were there last May and I enjoyed taking pictures in the Cannaregio area which at times I felt I had all to myself.

When in Venice a few years ago on a RS tour, his guide book recommended attending a Gregorian Chant mass at San Giorgio Maggiore. It was early morning and I think it began at 8 AM, but not sure. The Palladian style church is worth a visit on it's own, but I will always remember the haunting sounds of the Gregorian Chant as I headed to the abbey's small chape to the rear and right of the main altar.

Michael in Seattle, thanks for the intro to yet another website I can obsess over. I love walking tour (self guided) as a way to see a city. InItaly.com looks like a great resource. I think I know what tonight's activity will be. <SIGH>

Love this question because I was going to ask it! I'm going to be in Venice a full week so I guess that's enough time to do the usual things and off the beaten track! I'm going to print all the great suggestions!
Thank you!!!!!!

Oh yes, one thing I do know, being a musician I will want to visit the Vivaldi museum. I heard it is pretty new. Since Rick Steves is real big on music, I'm very surprised he didn't list it in his Venice guide book! I guess he thought no one would be interested in Vivaldi! I'm a music nerd! lol! But, I'm wondering if anyone here has been to that museum? The Vivaldi Museum. In the rear of the Pieta Church, around the side. This small new museum has a few Vivaldi ephemera but also an interesting collection of items relating to the Ospedale della Pieta, an "orphanage" where Vivaldi was maestro dei concerti and where he worked for many years. It is open Mondays and Wednesdays, 11AM to 4 PM, €3 fee.

I loved my little day trip to Burano and think it was well worth the visit. Beautiful scenery from the boat and time to just sit and relax, take pictures and catch up on my journal writing,

My additions to the list: the Fondazione Cini which is the former monastery next to the San Giorgio Maggiore church, lovely cloisters by Palladio. It hosts occasional exhibitions - check website for opening days and times. Also, the Biennale of contemporary art is on till 27 Nov, and many exhibits around the city are housed in palazzi that are normally closed to the public - the buildings are sometimes more interesting than the art! Admission is free to these exhibitions, but not to the main Biennale sites of Giardini and Arsenale.

WOW!! Thanks so much for all the good suggestions! I was kinda bummed about having to go by myself as my friend got a new job and for some reason felt that was more important ;) but now I'm excited again!

Have you done RS's Grand Canal Podcast? We loaded it on my phone and did it. But we did it a little different. We sat at the back of the Vapporeto alone at night (it was cold and no one went back there). The podcast with the book for reference was great. That small change to night time, changed the perspective on everything Rick described. It was a little different and the Grand Canal at night was beautiful.

I was underwhelmed by Burano and Torcello, but the boat ride across the Lagoon was nice from Venice to Burano and back. Torcello takes a long time - you have to transfer to another boat. Take the tour of the Jewish Ghetto. Take the Secret Itineraries tour at the Doge's Palace (but not recommended in hot weather).