We are planning our May 2025 trip to Northern Italy. For Venice, we are booked for three nights and almost three full days, as our plane arrives at 8:30 a.m. Recognizing we likely will have some jet lag that first day, we are thinking of taking Rick’s recommended Grand Canal vaporetto tour that first day, plus wander the city. We are staying near the Rialto Bridge so can see that too on Day 1. On Day 2, visit St. Mark’s Basilica and Museum, the Doge’s Palace (Secret Itineraries tour), Bridge of Sighs and Correr Museum. On Day 3, half day going to Murano (wife wants to see glass studios and make purchases). Maybe see Accademia museum in the afternoon? Each evening, if we are up to it, after dinner, head to St. Mark’s Piazza for the music. Does this sound reasonable? Are there other "must-sees" we should include? Finally, how much time should we allow for the Basilica and Doge tours so we can reserve online with enough time in-between? Thank you!
Posted by
Atlanta
5235 posts
Since you are staying in the Rialto Bridge area, consider an early moring visit to the nearby fish and veggie market. The ghetto is also an interesting and moving place to visit.
Posted by
San Diego, California, USA
1144 posts
I think the Basilica and Dodge's Palace are probably enough for one day. If you are doing them both I personally would not have been up for another museum after seeing both of those, but that's up to you. I have done the Dodge's Palace, quick lunch and the Basilica scheduled at something like 9:00 or 9:30 and 1:00 (it's been a while) and that worked out well enough.
Tips: You will actually cross the Bridge of Sighs as part of the Dodge's Palace tour so while you can see if from the outside as well there's no real need to schedule it as a "sight".
Be sure you "add on" the museum part of the Basilica upstairs to your ticket if you haven't already. (You can buy the additional ticket inside at the turnstile.) Since the museum us interesting but also includes the roof top view of San Marco and the Grand Canal.
If you you're trying to sneak in lunch between the Basilica and Palace you could do Rossopomodoro which is a Milan based semi-fast food chain. They have a huge (for Venice) indoor setting area and are happy to whisk you in and out which is often not true of sit down places in Italy.
Venice is amazing, have a great trip,
=Tod
Posted by
North Carolina, USA
371 posts
on one of your afternoon walkabouts go to the spur that the santa maria delle salute sits on. the sunset view of juddica is beautiful. take a vaporetto to judicca for a reverse view of the main island. on the same vaporetto route visit san giorgio maggiore for a view of pizza san marco across the canal. depending on your interest venice is full of churches with amazing art and architecture. san zaccharia with bellini's alterpiece is one of my favorites. so is the small but perfectly proportioned chiesa di santa maria dei miracoli. enjoy.
Posted by
Wilmington, DE, USA
1065 posts
My absolute must do in Venice is a very late night ride up and down the Grand Canal. The peace of the city then is such a welcome change from the crowds. The gentle rocking of the boat also guarantees a great night's sleep. If you are early morning people, the same ride shows the city in a totally different light!
Posted by
Gettysburg PA
7225 posts
Day 3- as long as you are in the lagoon visit Burano and Torcello as well
You’ll need to check English tour time for Secret Itineraries I believe it’s 11 or 11:30
We did San Marco first then Secret Itineraries
It’s also very nice to ge in the Basilica when they turn on the lights 11:45?
So you’ll have to work out which order you prefer
Posted by
OP
U.S.A.
64 posts
Thank you everyone!