Venice Film Festival week: a 5-day travel itinerary

Day 1 of this 5-day Venice itinerary links stops best covered with short drives around Beaches at a moderate pace.

Begin at Lido di Venezia — Island — Visit Lido di Venezia for its beautiful beaches, stunning Art Nouveau architecture, and the world-famous film festival. It's a charming island escape perfect for a relaxing day trip.

Continue on to Giardini della Biennale — Wander through the beautiful Giardini della Biennale, a lovely green space in Venice that hosts the art biennial. It's a peaceful escape from the bustling city, perfect for a relaxing stroll. — about 2.8 mi from the previous stop.

Close the day around Skyline Rooftop Bar — Cocktail bar — Enjoy a sophisticated cocktail experience with stunning city views from this popular rooftop bar. — about 3.1 mi from the previous stop.

If you want a guided option nearby, consider Venice Biennale Art Exhibition Private Tour: Giardini 2026. From $98.78.

Day 2 of this 5-day Venice itinerary stays walkable around Metropolitan City of Venice at a moderate pace.

Begin at Doge's Palace — Explore centuries of Venetian history and art at the Doge's Palace, a stunning Gothic masterpiece that once served as the seat of government for the Republic of Venice.

Continue on to Bridge of Sighs — Bridge — This iconic enclosed bridge connects the Doge's Palace to the new prison. It's a must-see for its historical significance and picturesque views of the canals. — an easy walk from the previous stop.

Continue on to Saint Mark's Basilica — A great sight — worth building this part of the day around. — an easy walk from the previous stop.

Wind down with dinner at Hostaria Castello — Italian — This Italian restaurant is a great choice for a meal in Venice. With a high Google rating from over a thousand reviews, it's a popular spot. — an easy walk from the previous stop.

If you want a guided option nearby, consider Venice In a Day St Mark's Doges Palace Gondola Ride and City Tour. Stroll across the Rialto Bridge and browse the lively Rialto fish market, then hop aboard a traditional gondola for a romantic cruise along the Grand Canal.

Day 3 of this 5-day Venice itinerary stays walkable around Metropolitan City of Venice at a moderate pace.

Begin at St Mark's Campanile — Climb to the top of St. Mark's Campanile for breathtaking panoramic views of Venice and its lagoon. It's a classic Venetian experience offering a unique perspective on the city's stunning architecture.

Continue on to Piazza San Marco — Plaza — Piazza San Marco is the principal public square of Venice, Italy, and is a must-see for any visitor. It's a grand and historic space that has been the center of Venetian life for centuries.

Close the day around Ponte di Rialto — Bridge — The Ponte di Rialto is one of Venice's most iconic landmarks, offering stunning views of the Grand Canal. It's a must-see spot for any visitor exploring the city. — an easy walk from the previous stop.

If you want a guided option nearby, consider Venice Film Tour: Explore Iconic Movie Locations. Explore iconic movie locations across Venice on a private tour designed for cinema fans. Your guide will share commentary about the making of famous film scenes shot in this beautiful city.

Day 4 of this 5-day Venice itinerary stays walkable around Metropolitan City of Venice at a moderate pace.

Begin at Grand Canal — The Grand Canal is the main waterway in Venice, offering stunning views of palaces and bridges. It's a quintessential Venetian experience, perfect for a romantic gondola ride or a Vaporetto tour.

Break for lunch at Hostaria Osottoosopra — Italian — This Italian restaurant is a great choice for a meal in Venice. With a high Google rating from thousands of reviews, it's likely to offer a memorable dining experience. — about 0.5 mi from the previous stop.

Wind down with dinner at Arcicchetti Bakaro — Bar — €1 per shot and spritzes in three different formats from €2.3 to €3.8 — This bacaro offers a classic Venetian bar experience, perfect for a quick stop during your travels. — about 0.5 mi from the previous stop.

If you want a guided option nearby, consider Tour of The Real Hidden Venice. From $68.85.

Day 5 of this 5-day Venice itinerary stays walkable around Metropolitan City of Venice at a moderate pace.

Start with a meal at Ristorante Antica Mola — Italian — Enjoy authentic Italian cuisine at Ristorante Antica Mola, a highly-rated spot in Venice perfect for a delicious meal during your travels.

Wind down with dinner at Mare Magno — Italian — Dinner ~$16 per person — Mare Magno is a highly-rated Italian restaurant in Venice. It's a great spot to enjoy a meal during your travels. — about 0.5 mi from the previous stop.

Pisa — Consider an optional trip to Pisa to see the iconic Leaning Tower and other historic sites. This excursion offers a glimpse into the region's rich architectural heritage. Optional trip to Pisa to see the Leaning Tower and other historic sites. Source: tourradar.com

Bologna — Explore the vibrant city center of Bologna, from Piazza Malpighi to Piazza del Nettuno and Piazza Maggiore. Don't miss a visit to the impressive Basilica of San Petronio. Light lunch experience in Bologna. Source: tourradar.com

Montepulciano — Discover the charming town of Montepulciano, known for its scenic beauty and culinary delights. Enjoy a delicious lunch at a typical local restaurant. Lunch at typical restaurant in Montepulciano. Shopping in Montepulciano. Source: tourradar.com

Murano and Burano — These islands in the Venetian Lagoon offer a different atmosphere from the main tourist areas, maintaining an authentic Venetian feel. Murano is known for its world-class glass-making, while Burano is famous for its vibrant colors and lace production. You can visit one or both islands in a day. Take the Line 12 vaporetto from Fondamente Nove Pier A. It's a 10-15 minute ride to Murano, and then another 25-30 minutes from Murano to Burano. Line 13 from Pier D goes to Sant'Erasmo Island. Source: adventurouskate.com

Browse tours on Viator · Browse tours on TourRadar

The Great Dolomites Road — This is the most famous road in the Dolomites, also known as Grande Strada delle Dolomiti. It stretches about 100km and covers many beautiful areas, starting in Bolzano and ending in Cortina D’Ampezzo. Take your time to enjoy this road. There are lots of great viewpoints and resting areas to have a picnic. It is recommended to do this in a few days, making stops in little villages and taking photos. Source: theworldisacircus.com

Sella Pass — Located not far from the Great Dolomites Road, Sella Pass offers beautiful drives with great views of the huge Langkofel mountains. These mountains are also known as Sassolungo or Saslonch. Follow the SS48 from Canazei, which turns into the SS242, to reach Sella Pass. Source: theworldisacircus.com

Passo Gardena — This mountain pass connects Selva in the Val Gardena valley with Corvara in the Val Badia valley, reaching an elevation of 2,136 meters. Be prepared for a road that turns and turns, especially during summer. This road is popular with motorcyclists and cyclists during the summer. Source: theworldisacircus.com

Looking for scenic driving route from Venice to Florence — The direct route goes via Padova, Ferrara and Bologna. on the motorway you could easily do this in less than a day, but you'd be missing loads of good things. Source: fodors.com

Highly rated stays near Venice — hotels at 4.5★ with 500+ reviews and a short hop from the main sights. Graded picks first.

Venice 2025 Hotel Al Ponte Mocenigo — Excellent · highly reviewed · ~0.7 mi from Venice Located just under a mile from the main attractions, Hotel Al Ponte Mocenigo offers a convenient base for exploring Venice. With a high Google rating from over 600 reviews, it's a well-regarded choice for your stay.

Hotel L'Orologio Venezia — Great · highly reviewed · ~0.9 mi from Venice Pricing: from $182. Hotel L'Orologio Venezia is a well-regarded hotel, conveniently located less than a mile from the city center. Its high Google rating suggests a pleasant stay for travelers.

Hotel Palazzo Paruta & Wellness Suites — Great · highly reviewed · ~0.9 mi from Venice This hotel is conveniently located less than a mile from your current location, making it an easy addition to your itinerary.

Maison Venezia | UNA Esperienze — Great · highly reviewed · ~1.0 mi from Venice Pricing: Typical nights from ~$222 - $485. A great stay about 1.0 miles from the venue — practical when you want less transit stress.

VRBO pick: Lagoon Suites 3 - Apartment with private garden and lagoon view. — Excellent · highly reviewed · ~2.2 mi from Venice Pricing: from $76. Lagoon Suites 3 offers an apartment with a private garden and lagoon view, perfect for a relaxing stay.

A few rare, scenic Airbnb-style stays (4.5★+, 100+ reviews). When pricing is sourced, we lean toward steal or reasonable nights — amenities included so you can compare at a glance.

Beautiful 2 Bedroom Canal Home, Little Venice — Well-reviewed Steal: great value for a scenic stay. Pricing: Typical nights from ~135 a night. A good stay — solid when you want a well-reviewed base nearby.

Venezia Canal View — Excellent · 4.8★ (107 reviews) · ~0.4 mi from Venice · Fondamenta Cannaregio, 925, 30121 Venezia VE, Italy Pricing: Typical nights from ~$258. Enjoy a charming stay in Venezia Canal View, conveniently located just a short walk from the heart of the city.

The Venice Clock House Beautiful Unique Home — Well-reviewed Amenities: Wifi; Dedicated workspace; Free street parking; Pets allowed; Kitchen; Step-free access. Perks: bikes; surfboards; beach equipment. This unique Venice apartment offers a peaceful retreat with a gourmet kitchen and easy access to the beach, shops, and restaurants. Enjoy complimentary bikes, surfboards, and beach gear for a perfect California getaway.

Breccia de Venice-2 Adult's Top Scenic view room — Well-reviewed Amenities: Wifi; Dedicated workspace; Free parking on premises. Perks: Ocean view; Sea view; Pool. This unique boutique hotel offers breathtaking panoramic ocean views from its hilltop location, featuring private infinity pools and chiropractor-endorsed mattresses for ultimate comfort. Enjoy an exceptional check-in experience and a truly unbeatable location.

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Top-rated restaurants (4.5★+, 500+ reviews) near Beaches for this itinerary.

Hostaria Osottoosopra — Excellent · highly reviewed · Venice, Metropolitan City of Venice, Italy Vibe / cuisine: Italian. This Italian restaurant is a great choice for a meal in Venice. With a high Google rating from thousands of reviews, it's likely to offer a memorable dining experience.

Ristorante Antica Mola — Excellent · highly reviewed · Venice, Metropolitan City of Venice, Italy Vibe / cuisine: Italian. Enjoy authentic Italian cuisine at Ristorante Antica Mola, a highly-rated spot in Venice perfect for a delicious meal during your travels.

Hostaria Castello — Excellent · highly reviewed · Venice, Metropolitan City of Venice, Italy Vibe / cuisine: Italian. This Italian restaurant is a great choice for a meal in Venice. With a high Google rating from over a thousand reviews, it's a popular spot.

Mare Magno — Excellent · highly reviewed · Venice, Metropolitan City of Venice, Italy Vibe / cuisine: Italian. Pricing: Dinner ~$16 per person. Mare Magno is a highly-rated Italian restaurant in Venice. It's a great spot to enjoy a meal during your travels.