We’ve visited Venice twice now—and it keeps getting better. Our first time was part of a longer Italy adventure, while our second visit was a quick stop before boarding a Mediterranean cruise (just a few hours to soak it all in before a train to Trieste!). We kicked things off with a Vaporetto ride through the Grand Canal, grabbed espresso at the iconic Caffè Florian, and took in the golden glow of St. Mark’s Basilica. Instead of just the usual gondola ride, we took a Row Venice lesson and learned just how tricky (and fun) it is to steer a gondola ourselves. We have tried both a daytime and nighttime gondola ride and prefer the daytime for the better views (and it’s cheaper), though both have their charm. A trip to Venice should be on everyone’s bucket list!

Two Day Itinerary

This itinerary is based on a two day visit August 27-28, 2016.

Day 1: Arrival in Venice 🇮🇹

• ✈️ 7:30 AM: Arrive in Venice (Get Euro € cash from ATM near baggage claim)
• 🚌 7:50 AM or 8:20 AM: ATVO express bus to Piazzale Roma (€8, Reservation recommended)
  • Bus Stop: Between vehicle lanes outside arrivals – look for No. 2 stop left of door D
• 🚤 Take Vaporetto #1 through Grand Canale to “San Marco – San Zaccaria” (€7.50, ~40m)
  • Sit on bow (if available) for best views
  • 🎧 Listen to Rick Steves Grand Canale Cruise audio tour (👉 download App)
• 🧳 Drop bags at Hotel Rio Venezia
• 🏛️ Explore Riva degli Schiavoni & St. Mark’s Square
• ☕ Caffè Florian: open 9 AM – Midnight (World’s oldest continuously-operated coffee shop and visited by Dickens and Casanova, live music starts at 10 AM)
• ⛪ 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM: St. Mark’s Basilica (Free, Reservation recommended)
  • Best lighting from 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
  • Shoulders must be covered (€1 shoulder covers can be purchased)
  • Three exhibits that charge admission: Treasury, Golden Altarpiece, Museum
• 🍽️ 12:30 PM: Lunch (venture away from San Marco for less touristy options)
• 🏨 1:30 PM: Check in to Hotel Rio
• 🍨 Try gelato
• 🛶 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM: Row Venice lesson (€85, Reservation recommended)
• 🍕 Pizza for dinner

Day 2: Venice Exploration 🏰 🚣

• 🏛️ 9:55 AM – 12:00 PM: Doge’s Palace Secret Itineraries Tour (€41, Reservation recommended, Bridge of Sighs and prison included)
• 🖼️ Options for the afternoon (time permitting):
  • 🛶 Gondola ride (30 minutes, €80 before 7 PM or €100 after 7 PM)
  • 🏛️ Ca’ Rezzonico Palace (10 AM – 6 PM, €10)
  • 🍫 Nutella Terrace (1 PM – 8 PM) & Skyline Rooftop Bar (5 PM – 1 AM) – Hilton shuttle from San Zaccaria
  • 🌅 San Giorgio Island for panoramic views
  • 🎶 Opera (most from 8:30 PM – 10 PM)

Row Venice

Other Pictures

One Day Itinerary

This itinerary is based on a September 2023 NCL start point with boarding at Trieste by 3 PM.

• 🚶Walk to San Marco via Rialto (27 min)
• 🏛️ Explore Riva degli Schiavoni & St. Mark’s Square
  • ☕ Caffè Florian espresso (open 9 AM – Midnight , world’s oldest continuously-operated coffee shop and visited by Dickens and Casanova, live music starts at 10 AM)
• 🚣 Gondola ride (~€80, no need to prebook – plenty available)
• 🍽️  11:00 AM – Quick lunch/snack (Ristorante Pizzeria Dolfin by hotel opens at 11 AM)
• 🚶 11:45 AM – Checkout of hotel, walk 15 min to train station, pack day essentials in backpacks
• 🚊 12:39 PM – 2:44 PM (2h 5m direct) – 3567 Train from Venezia San Lucia to Trieste Centrale ($40)
• 🚕 2:45 PM: Taxi from Trieste Centrale to Via Della Rampa Pier 57 (Taxi driver should know based on ship name, adjust timing for specific cruise line)
• 🏛️ Options for the afternoon (time permitting):
  • Miramare Castle (€12, 9a-7p, 15-20 min from Trieste)
  • Castle and Cathedral of San Giusto (€5, 10a-7p)
  • Revoltella Museum – Gallery of Modern Art (€7, 9a-7p)
  • Teatro Romano di Trieste (Roman theatre ruins, free)

@perfuzion

First stop on our Mediterranean cruise! Venice is so breathtaking! #venice #venezia #gondola #mediterraneancruise @Scott Perdue

♬ Dolce Nonna – Wayne Jones & Amy Hayashi-Jones