Venice Day Trip from Milan

Visit the breathtaking city of Venice on an action-packed day trip from Milan, and see the city’s top sights with a local guide! On a walking tour, discover must-see Venetian landmarks such as St Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace and Rialto Bridge, while learning about their history. After wandering through St Mark’s Square and alongside the Grand Canal, visit a prestigious glass-making workshop to see a demonstration by a local craftsperson. Before returning to Milan, enjoy a 30-minute gondola ride at your own expense or simply enjoy some free time.

Meet your host in central Milan, and then leave the city by air-conditioned coach. Relax on the journey east and, after roughly 2.5 hours on the road, arrive in Venice. Hop out of your coach to meet your local guide, and then set off on your 2-hour walking tour. Stroll along Riva degli Schiavoni, the city’s paved promenade, and then pass the Bridge of Sighs that connects a prison to Doge’s Palace. Hear tales of the doges who once ruled Venice from the imposing building as you amble into St Mark’s Square.

Following your guide, weave around the throngs of street musicians, visitors, locals and pigeons who converge on the square, and stop for photos in front of its many monuments. Strike a pose by St Mark’s Basilica with its beautiful Byzantine façade, and gaze up at its bell tower with its distinctive green-and-gold peak. See Libreria Sansoviniana (the city library) and the clock tower, and then wander across to Rialto Bridge. Continue alongside the Grand Canal, and admire the elegant architecture of the grand mansions that line its banks.

In addition to Venice’s big-name sights, your walking tour also takes in some city gems that many visitors miss. Discover the calli, a labyrinthine web of narrow Venetian streets and canals, and learn about life in the city as a local.

After a break for lunch (own expense), visit a glass-making workshop near St Mark’s Square to see a skilled craftsperson creating glass vases. Browse the wares in the onsite shop after watching the demonstration and perhaps shop for well-crafted souvenirs to take home.

Last, but not least, why not finish your day in Venice with an optional 30-minute gondola ride around the Venetian lagoon? The ride by flat-bottomed gondola is considered a must-do Venice experience, and takes in several atmospheric side canals as well as a stretch of the Grand Canal. Alternatively, use the time to wander around the Venice streets at leisure.

Return to your coach at the prearranged time, and travel back to the start point in Milan where your tour finishes.