Hi, I will have the great fortune of staying in an apartment in Venice for 8 nights (with my husband and two kids, ages 8 & 13) in late July; since we will have lots of time - we can consider taking a day trip or two off the island to surrounding towns. Without a car, what are some good day trips (Verona, Treviso, etc...). Also, more specifically, we might like to do a beach day on Lido. Does anybody know of any particular beach or area on Lido we should go. I've never heard of anyone's experience with the beaches on Lido. Are they nice? We will have spent time in Amalfi & CT before getting to Venice, will we be disappointed in Lido?
Posted by
Ann Arbor, Mi
3696 posts
We took a boat trip to Murano. It was a colorful little area that was fun... shopping, food and just wandering. We also took a train trip for a night to Tirol (I can't think of the town) It was beautiful and so different from Venice...Have no experience with the beaches. I have heard great things about Verona...not been there yet. And yes...it is very good fortune to have 8 nights in Venice. You really get a totally different view of Venice by staying that long. Take at least one morning and get up early and go down to the water and watch the sunrise as the city wakes up. Spectacular!
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
7737 posts
I envy you - eight days in one of the most beautiful cities on the planet. Do you have the RS Venice book? It's got lots of day trip info in it. We're going to Venice Lido in May, before summer season really starts. It's our third time to Venice. Good luck.
Posted by
St. Louis, MO USA
1976 posts
Hi Kerry. As far as daytrips, what kinds of things are you guys interested in? I have a degree in art history (specifically medival art) so I lean towards art and architecture. Verona has an ancient Roman arena, "Juliet's" balcony, and some cool medieval architecture (crenellations). In Padova (or Padua) there's St. Anthony's Church which has some of the preacher's relics, and Donatello's equestrian statue "Gatta Melatta." There's a also a nice park surrounded by statues.
Posted by
OP
Tinton Falls, NJ
792 posts
Sarah, in answer to your questions...I love medieval architecture and feeling like you've been thrown back in time. We also love being out and about amongst locals (and other travellers) in lively town squares and on the streets, seeing the city from the outside and soaking up the ambiance of a particular village or city.
Posted by
Carbondale, IL, USA
1201 posts
I am always reluctant to encourage people to travel away from Venice while you are staying there, even if only for a daytrip. There are so many wonderful things to see and do that Venice has to offer. While eight nights may seem like a long time, it really isn't. It will give a wonderful chance to explore all of Venice's six sestieri and see a lot of places that most tourists never see. I'll pop back in with some specific suggestions for you in Venice and on the lagoon. When in July will you be there?
Posted by
OP
Tinton Falls, NJ
792 posts
Ron, I'm thrilled to have so much time in Venice and we definitely plan on doing a lot of wandering and hanging out in various squares, tapas bar hopping, etc... We plan to shop at the Rialto market and do some of our own cooking too. I'd be thrilled with any information you can provide. Further, I can't seem to find any detailed info on Lido. We will be in Venice from July 26 - August 3rd.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
7737 posts
Be sure to save one day to tour the outer islands. The RS Venice book lays out a nice trip to see San Michele, Murano, Burano and Torcello. Each one has its own character. Torcello, for example, has an amazing medieval church.