W E L C O M E TO TH E
G O O D L I F E
I N
V E N I C E
P L A N N I N G
Venice rewards visitors who embrace its rhythm and quirks. With no cars or bikes, the city is made for walking, boating, and getting wonderfully lost. Its compact size means you can explore much of it on foot, but it’s worth planning your days to group nearby attractions and minimize backtracking.
The best times to visit are late spring (April–June) and early autumn (September–October), avoiding the summer crowds and the high water (acqua alta) that can occur in winter. Staying in the San Marco or Dorsoduro districts keeps you close to key sites while offering a mix of bustling and quieter areas.
While Venice is famous for its luxury, it also has plenty of charming, off-the-beaten-path experiences. Our knowledgeable guides can help you navigate the city’s hidden corners and share its fascinating stories.
M U S E U M & S I T E B O O K I N G
St. Mark’s Basilica: Entry is free, but booking a skip-the-line ticket for the museum or a guided tour is highly recommended. The basilica’s golden mosaics are at their most dazzling when illuminated during morning light.
Doge’s Palace: Tickets for this Gothic masterpiece often sell out, especially in peak seasons. Book in advance for access to the Bridge of Sighs and the prison cells.
Galleria dell'Accademia: Open seven days a week, but closes at 14:00 on Mondays. Tickets can be had here.
Peggy Guggenheim Collection: This canalside modern art haven is best visited with timed tickets. Mornings are quieter, allowing for a more intimate experience.
Rialto Market: Arrive early (before 10 AM) to see the market in full swing and enjoy its vibrant atmosphere. No tickets are required, but a guide can bring its history and flavors to life.
Murano, Burano & Torcello: Our guides can help you sort out transportation or arrange private transport to explore these islands efficiently. Glassblowing demonstrations in Murano and lace-making workshops in Burano often require advance reservations.
S U G G E S T E D I T I N E R A R Y P O I N T S
DAY I
Venice’s Iconic Heart
Morning: Start at St. Mark’s Square, visiting St. Mark’s Basilica and its stunning treasury. Then, tour the Doge’s Palace, walking across the Bridge of Sighs and exploring the dungeons.
Lunch: Enjoy a leisurely meal at a canalside restaurant near the Rialto Bridge.
Afternoon: Wander through the Rialto Market and explore Venice’s quieter streets, discovering charming shops and hidden courtyards.
Evening: Take a gondola ride at sunset, followed by dinner featuring classic Venetian seafood dishes, such as baccalà mantecato or sarde in saor.
DAY II
Art, Islands & Atmosphere
Morning: Stroll through Dorsoduro’s quieter streets, stopping at the Accademia Gallery to admire Venetian masters.
Lunch: Grab cicchetti and a glass of wine at a local bacaro (wine bar).
Afternoon: Head to Murano for a glassblowing demonstration, then continue to Burano to marvel at its colorful houses and artisanal lace.
Evening: Return to Venice for a twilight walk along the Zattere promenade, finishing with dinner at a tucked-away trattoria.
DAY III
Hidden Treasures & Local Life
Morning: Walk the quieter Cannaregio district, visiting the Jewish Ghetto and its historic synagogues.
Lunch: Try Venetian street food at a local market or bacaro.
Afternoon: Take a water taxi to Torcello to see its serene cathedral and Byzantine mosaics.
Evening: Enjoy a final meal in Venice, perhaps indulging in risotto al nero di seppia (squid ink risotto) or fritto misto (mixed fried seafood). That said, the author would probably just have another spaghetti alla vongole, out of a sense of deep joy.
You might also want to stay longer, and here’s why we think you should:
Extend your visit to explore the Venetian Lagoon’s lesser-known islands, such as Sant’Erasmo, known as the “vegetable garden” of Venice, or San Giorgio Maggiore for its breathtaking bell tower views.
For those with a passion for craftsmanship, consider a deeper dive into Murano’s glass workshops or join a lace-making class in Burano. Or spend some time discovering the other artisanal shopping treasures of Venice, many of which are now nearly impossible to find anywhere else in the world.
Alternatively, use Venice as a base to explore nearby gems like Verona or Padua, each offering its own unique blend of history, art, and culture.
DAY IV PLUS
M E E T Y O U R G U I D E
All of our guides can offer you a spectacular experience. As each person has a slightly different look at the world, due to their own unique interests and specialties, we'd encourage you to read a few profiles.
