Daytrip’s guide to Veneto
Veneto is renowned for its diverse scenery, from the romantic canals of Venice to the dramatic peaks of the Dolomites. This region is also the birthplace of classic Italian flavors, including tiramisu and prosecco.
In the warmer months, travelers head to the Venetian Riviera for sun, or hike in the Dolomites. Winter brings world-class skiing and quieter cities. The region also boasts a few incredible festivals, including Venice’s extravagant Carnevale and several wine festivals further north.
Veneto cherishes its strong artistic heritage, with a wealth of traditional craftsmanship on display. Local artisans creating lace, blown glass, leather goods, and fine paper products are a great living connection to Italy’s traditions. Many travelers here spend some time in Venice, but the surrounding islands (especially Murano and Burano) are worth visiting for their glassblowing and lace-making.
Beyond iconic Venice, Veneto is known for cities like Padua and Verona. Padua is rich in religious history and Early Renaissance Art. Verona, famously the setting of Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet”, is romantic and overflowing with world-class red wines. Whether you’re after unforgettable food, art, or an escape outdoors, Veneto does not disappoint.
Main airports:
- Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE)
- Treviso Airport (TSF)
About the author
Morgan Carpenter is a US-based writer who has been lucky enough to visit Italy several times. She loves the country’s food, dramatic natural beauty, and cultural emphasis on community.
Veneto in brief
Regional capital
Venice
Largest city
Verona, featured in Romeo and Juliet
Natural features
The Dolomites, the Adriatic Sea, Lake Garda
Food
Polenta and rice dishes, seafood, bite-sized appetizers
Our favourite cities in Veneto
Enjoy picturesque Northern Italian landscapes in Veneto. Driving through this region is the best way to appreciate the incredible variety of scenery. Pass staggering mountains, rolling vineyards, and historic cities. Our travelers favor these six cities.
Enjoy picturesque Northern Italian landscapes in Veneto. Driving through this region is the best way to appreciate the incredible variety of scenery. Pass staggering mountains, rolling vineyards, and historic cities. Our travelers favor these six cities.
When to go
Spring
Best time to visit Veneto. Explore Venice in March to avoid peak crowds. Hike the Dolomites in April and May for pleasant weather.
Summer
Most crowded time to visit. Enjoy consistent sun along the Venetian Riviera from June to August, but expect busy sands. Relax along Lake Garda.
Autumn
Explore with dwindling crowds. Daytrip travelers frequently visit in September for milder weather while seas are still warm. Come in October and November for wine festivals and quieter cities.
Winter
Ideal time for ski trips in the Dolomites. Skiing peaks from early December through February. Take day trips to see Verona’s Christmas market and Venice’s Carnevale.
Our picks: things to do in Veneto
Enjoy Veneto’s unique blend of Roman and Venetian influence. After the Roman Empire, Veneto was ruled by the wealthy Republic of Venice. Both periods funded elaborate architecture and shaped the strong local identity. Here are some of the ways to make the most of your time in Veneto.
Enjoy Veneto’s unique blend of Roman and Venetian influence. After the Roman Empire, Veneto was ruled by the wealthy Republic of Venice. Both periods funded elaborate architecture and shaped the strong local identity. Here are some of the ways to make the most of your time in Veneto.
Admire historic architecture
Veneto boasts everything from ancient Roman monuments to intricate Gothic cathedrals.
- Catch a show at the Arena di Verona, an ancient Roman amphitheater
- Admire the Basilica di San Marco and the Doge’s Palace in Venice
- Wander the Palladian palaces in Vicenza
- See the Basilica of Saint Anthony in Padua, standing since the 1200s
- Explore the medieval city of Cittadella, strolling the stone walls
Celebrate local traditions
Join local festivals to feel immersed in Veneto’s cultural heritage.
- Celebrate Carnevale in Venice with masquerade balls and parades
- Watch a giant, live human chess match in Marostica in February
- Enjoy Palio del Recioto in Negrar, a traditional festival with horse races
- Sip wine at the Festa dell’Uva in September in the Euganean Hills
- Visit Bardolino for a wine festival on Lake Garda in October
Hike or Ski
Make the most of Veneto’s mild spring weather with a hike, or take to the slopes in Northern Italy’s pristine mountains.
- Ski in Cortina d’Ampezzo, especially in the “Hidden Valley”
- Enjoy cross-country ski trails at the Altopiano di Asiago
- Walk the Tre Cime di Lavaredo in the Italian Alps
- Stroll among the vineyards of the Valpolicella Wine Route
- Trek to Lake Sorapis from Passo Tre Croci for cliffs and glacial waters
See remarkable art
Admire masterpieces spanning centuries in the Veneto region.
- See Giotto’s intricate frescoes in Padua’s Scrovegni Chapel
- Visit the Gallerie dell’Accademia for its Venetian art collection
- Check out Museo Canova in Possagno for unique sculptures
- Witness Titian’s famous Annunciation in the Duomo of Treviso
- Head to Palazzo Sturm in Bassano del Grappa to see quirky ceramics
Shop for handcrafted souvenirs
Bring home a piece of Veneto and support local artists.
- Shop for blown glass wine stoppers or jewelry from Murano
- Head to Burano for handcrafted lace pieces
- Collect unique stationery and art prints in Bassano del Grappa
- Find locally made leather goods in Verona
- In the center of Venice, look for handmade papier mache masks
Taste regional favorites
Experience the flavors born in this corner of Northern Italy.
- Sip on Prosecco, created from Glera grapes throughout Veneto
- Enjoy a “pick-me-up” in the form of tiramisu, created in Treviso
- Snack on bite-sized Cicchetti (meats or sardines on bread)
- Indulge in a classic Aperol Spritz, created in Padua
- Around Christmas time, try a star-shaped Pandoro dessert from Verona
What to eat, drink, and order
Veneto is responsible for a range of Italian favorites, including Tiramisu and Prosecco. However, it’s also home to several unique dishes that showcase Northern Italy’s flair for hearty fare.
Veneto is responsible for a range of Italian favorites, including Tiramisu and Prosecco. However, it’s also home to several unique dishes that showcase Northern Italy’s flair for hearty fare.
Sarde in Saor in Venice
Savor fried sardines in a sweet-and-sour sauce with onions, raisins, and pine nuts. Traditionally made in Venice and is still easily found there today.
Risotto all'Amarone in Verona
Sample this creamy rice dish flavored with Verona’s famous Amarone wine. These bold flavors are best appreciated in Verona itself for the most authentic experience.
Risotto al Radicchio in Treviso
Enjoy Treviso’s unique risotto created with bitter chicory leaves. The town is known for growing radicchio, making it the perfect place to sample this bold, cheesy dish.
Bigoli con l’Anatra in Vicenza
This signature Vicenzan dish features rough, thick, egg-based pasta noodles in a rich, savory slow-cooked duck ragu. This Sunday staple is usually seasoned with herbs like rosemary, sage, and bay leaves.
Risi e Bisi in Scorze
Spoon up this not-quite-a-soup dish that translates to “rice and peas.” This is a popular spring meal in Scorze, especially during the pea festival (Festa dei Bisi).
Bigoli in salsa in Padua
Taste years of tradition in these thick, handmade noodles served in an onion and anchovy sauce. This salty comfort food is popular in Padua, which favors simple, hearty dishes.
Getting around Veneto
Veneto is best explored by car. While public transport connects the most popular cities, the best scenery is more accessible by road. You’ll pass dramatically changing landscapes, from the steep peaks of the Dolomites to sparkling Lake Garda. With a car, you’ll also avoid travel disruptions from transport strikes and have more flexibility with your plans. A Daytrip private transfer offers a stress-free option for exploring Northern Italy without having to navigate mountainous roads.
Our recommended routes in Veneto
Venice to Trieste
1h 53min • 162km (100.7mi)
From €345
Venice to Florence
2h 58min • 270km (167.8mi)
From €538
Venice to Milan
3h 4min • 281km (174.6mi)
From €553
Ravenna - Cruise Port to Venice
2h 9min • 138km (85.7mi)
From €371
Verona to Venice
1h 25min • 121km (75.2mi)
From €296
Venice to Cortina d'Ampezzo
2h 9min • 158km (98.2mi)
From €332
Verona to Milan
2h 3min • 161km (100.0mi)
From €352
Venice Marco Polo Airport to Vicenza
55min • 80km (49.7mi)
From €287
Treviso to Vicenza
1h 8min • 91km (56.5mi)
From €289
Padua to Riva del Garda
1h 58min • 167km (103.8mi)
From €336
Trieste Airport to Treviso
1h 22min • 116km (72.1mi)
From €296
Treviso to Bolzano
2h 44min • 191km (118.7mi)
From €402
Day trips from Veneto's top cities
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