One Busy Day Venice Itinerary
Just arrived in Venice on a cruise. Here is the Ultimate Itinerary built to follow one step after the other according to location of attractions. Once you get to St. Mark’s Square you can change up on the order. Have Fun!
- Take the Grand Canal Tour – with a jump off the vaporetto at the Mercato Rialto stop, go to the right bank and see the action at the Market. Hop back on the vaporetto.
- From the vaporetto then jump off again at San Toma to tour the Italian Gothic Frari Church.
- Time for Lunch – look for a restaurant in the Friar Church area
- St. Marks Square – arrive there by the vaporetto on to the Museum. Vaporetto stop: San Marco or San Zaccaria
- Correr Museum – purchase ticket here for this museum and the Doge’s Palace
- St. Mark’s Basilica – stop in a see this amazing church.
- Doge’s Palace – Tour the Doge’s Palace
- Tour St. Mark’s Square
- Dinner – restaurant or pub
- Gondola Ride at Sunset
- Drink on St. Mark’s Square in the evenin
Descriptions – One Busy Day Venice Itinerary
- Market at the Rialto Bridge
The Market surrounds Rialto Bridge with souvenir stalls that are open daily. The Fish Market is closed Sunday and the Produce Market is Closed Sun-Mon. Vaporetto stop Rialto Bridge.
- Frari Church (Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa del Frari)
Frari Church has an Italian Gothic style architecture with beautiful art inside featuring three great Renaissance masters: Donatello, Giovanni Bellini, and Titan. Built by the Franciscans in 1250, finished in 1396. Hours: Mon-Sat: 0900-1830, Sun: 1300-1730. Cost: Please check on current price. Vaporetto Stop San Toma.
- St. Marks Square (Plazza San Marco)
St. Mark’s Square is a grand square that is culturally surrounded by historical buildings and sights such as: St. Mark’s Basilica, the Dog’s Palace, the Campanile Bell Tower and the Correr Museum. Step into the square with the many pigeons, tourists and music lovers by day and at night sit at one of the many cafes and people watch. Cost: free. Vaporetto stop: San Marco or San Zaccaria
- Correr Museum (Museo Correr)
The Correr Museum is a good overview of Venetian history and art that makes stopping here in the uncrowded museum worth a stop. Besides the Doge memorabilia of armors, banners and statues, see the views of St. Marks Square. Here you will also see paintings by the Bellini family and others.
Hours: 1000-1700 or 1900 depends on the time of year.
Ticket suggestion is to purchase a combo ticket which includes the Correr Museum and the Doge’s Palace. A Museum pass is also offered if you are staying more days. Cost: check on the current price.
- Doge’s Palace (Plazzo Ducale)
The Doge’s Palace is a Venetian home of the ruling duke, or doge. This palace shows off the wealth and power of the Republic for 400 years that sits on a half-acre of land in Europe. The doge lived on the first floor with his family which you will see when you enter the building and finishes with the Bridge of Sighs and the prison.
Ticket can be purchased as a combo ticket which includes the Correr Museum. If your visiting other museums you can purchase a museum pass which includes the Doge’s Palace.
Hours: 0830 to 1730-1900 depending on the time of year. Last admittance is 1 hr before closing. Cost: check for current price.
- St. Mark’s Basilica (Basilica di San Marco)
St. Mark’s Basilica is a 11th century Eastern style church that has been re-built. They say the church is decorated by the booty from the returning sea captains. See the interior glow with gold mosaics and colored marble as you walk around. You will also find the Patron Saint, St. Mark’s bones here since A,D. 830.
Hours: Mon – Sat 0945-1600 Sunday & Holidays 1400-1600 Cost: free but tours are offered for a fee.
The link gives a history of where the idea of the Gondola Ride came about. Before motorized boats locals navigated the canals by Gondola. Suggested place to ride a gondola is on the corner of St Marks square. Its always suggested to discuss the price before going aboard and the prices usually go up after 1900. The cost can range anywhere from Euro 80-120 or more.
Etcetera – One Busy Day Venice
Hope you enjoyed your One Busy Day Venice Itinerary. For an overview of Venice history see the Heartbeat of Venice blog on this amazing city. Venice is one of my favorite cities that I keep going back to visit. I always find something new to see. Make sure to download the Mini-Guide Venice to take with you on your trip. Please leave a comment of your favorite place to visit or a hotel or restaurant your recommend. Look for my next blog on a Multi Stay in Venice or for other destinations visit me at 1Adventure Traveler. You can always follow me on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram.
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Thanks for this guide – I am headed to Venice this fall and though I will have 3 days this will be helpful. Lovely photos!
Thanks Jill, glad the guide is helpful plus check out the printable guide that includes all those activity tips. Enjoy your trip plus looking forward to seeing your photos and posts.