Venice Film Festival week: a 5-day travel itinerary (Luxury)

Rough USD planning ranges for this luxury travel style in Venice — lodging, meals, activities, and getting around for a 5-day trip.

Accommodation: $220–400 per night. Food: $90–150 per day. Activities & tours: $80–160 per day. Transport: $60–110 per day (car share, transit, or short transfers).

Typical daily total: $420–680. Typical 5-day total: $2,100–3,400. Season, fuel, and booking lead time can push either end of the range.

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

Start with breakfast at Brunch Cafe — Great · highly reviewed · Venice, Metropolitan City of Venice, Italy Vibe / cuisine: Brunch. Pricing: Dinner ~$16 per person. Stop by Brunch Cafe for a delicious brunch before or after your festival activities. It's a great spot to refuel and enjoy the local atmosphere.

Continue on to Doge's Palace — a well-reviewed sight that rewards a slow visit.

Break for lunch at La Nuova Perla — Excellent · highly reviewed · Venice, Metropolitan City of Venice, Italy Vibe / cuisine: Venetian. An excellent spot at Venice, Metropolitan City of Venice, Italy — useful when you want a crowd-tested meal without gambling on a random reservation.

Begin at Lido di Venezia — Island — Lido di Venezia offers a unique island experience with beautiful beaches, stunning Art Nouveau architecture, and the world-renowned Venice Film Festival. It's a perfect escape for a day of relaxation and culture away from the bustling crowds of Venice.

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 Film Tour: Explore Iconic Movie Locations. Explore iconic movie locations across Venice on a private tour, perfect for fans of classic and modern cinema. Your guide will share commentary about the making of famous film scenes shot in the city.

Wind down with dinner at La Piazza Zone — Excellent · highly reviewed · Venice, Metropolitan City of Venice, Italy Vibe / cuisine: Italian. An excellent spot at Venice, Metropolitan City of Venice, Italy — useful when you want a crowd-tested meal without gambling on a random reservation.

Day 2 of this 5-day Venice itinerary stays walkable around Metropolitan City of Venice.

Start with breakfast at Bistrò 1473 — Excellent · highly reviewed · Venice, Metropolitan City of Venice, Italy Vibe / cuisine: Bistro. Pricing: from 3 EUR per person table fee. An excellent spot at Venice, Metropolitan City of Venice, Italy — useful when you want a crowd-tested meal without gambling on a random reservation.

Continue on to Piazza San Marco — a well-reviewed sight that rewards a slow visit.

Break for lunch at Hostaria Sant'Aponal — Great · highly reviewed · Venice, Metropolitan City of Venice, Italy Vibe / cuisine: Restaurant. A great spot at Venice, Metropolitan City of Venice, Italy — useful when you want a crowd-tested meal without gambling on a random reservation.

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.

Continue on to 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.

Wind down with dinner at Regina Sconta — Venetian — Dinner ~$35 per person — Enjoy authentic Venetian cuisine at Regina Sconta, a highly-rated local favorite. — an easy walk from the previous stop.

If you want a guided option nearby, consider Tour of The Real Hidden Venice. Join your Venetian guide for a stroll through authentic local neighborhoods and past captivating hidden gems. Delve into the history and lore of the Jewish Ghetto on this tour of The Real Hidden Venice.

Wind down with dinner at Ai Mercanti — Great · highly reviewed · Venice, Metropolitan City of Venice, Italy Vibe / cuisine: Restaurant. A great spot at Venice, Metropolitan City of Venice, Italy — useful when you want a crowd-tested meal without gambling on a random reservation.

Day 3 of this 5-day Venice itinerary stays walkable around Metropolitan City of Venice.

Start with breakfast at FLUFFY BRUNCH — Great · highly reviewed · Venice, Metropolitan City of Venice, Italy Vibe / cuisine: Brunch. Pricing: Dinner ~$18 per person. A great spot at Venice, Metropolitan City of Venice, Italy — useful when you want a crowd-tested meal without gambling on a random reservation.

Continue on to St Mark's Campanile — a well-reviewed sight that rewards a slow visit.

Break for lunch at Dal Moro's Venice | Fresh Pasta Restaurant — Excellent · highly reviewed · Venice, Metropolitan City of Venice, Italy Vibe / cuisine: Fresh Pasta. Pricing: from 10.00 to 13.00. Grab a quick and delicious bite of fresh pasta before or after your festival fun in Venice.

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.

Close the day around Saint Mark's Basilica — A must-see in Venice, Saint Mark's Basilica is an architectural marvel with stunning mosaics. Plan to spend a good amount of time admiring its opulent interior and rich history. — an easy walk from the previous stop.

If you want a guided option nearby, consider St Mark's Basilica, Doge's Palace. Maximize your time in Venice with this comprehensive tour that includes exploring St. Mark's Basilica with an art historian guide and enjoying a scenic gondola ride on the canals.

Wind down with dinner at Alle Corone — Great · highly reviewed · Campo de la Fava, 5527 Vibe / cuisine: Italian. A great spot at Campo de la Fava, 5527 — useful when you want a crowd-tested meal without gambling on a random reservation.

Day 4 of this 5-day Venice itinerary stays walkable around Metropolitan City of Venice.

Continue on to Saint Mark's Basilica — a well-reviewed sight that rewards a slow visit.

Break for lunch at Bistrot de Venise — Great · highly reviewed · Venice, Metropolitan City of Venice, Italy Vibe / cuisine: Venetian. A great spot at Venice, Metropolitan City of Venice, Italy — useful when you want a crowd-tested meal without gambling on a random reservation.

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.

Wind down with dinner at La Piazza Zone — Italian — €6 / €19 / €45 / €19 / €23 / €28 — Enjoy authentic Italian cuisine at this highly-rated spot in Venice. — an easy walk from the previous stop.

Wind down with dinner at L’Osteria di Santa Marina — Great · highly reviewed · Campo Santa Marina, 5911 Vibe / cuisine: Italian. Enjoy authentic Italian cuisine at L'Osteria di Santa Marina, a charming spot perfect for a pre or post-festival meal.

Day 5 of this 5-day Venice itinerary links stops best covered with short drives around Campo dei Tolentini.

Continue on to Ponte di Rialto — a well-reviewed sight that rewards a slow visit.

Start with a meal 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.

Break for lunch at La Vacaria — Steak — La Vacaria is a highly-rated steakhouse in Dorsoduro, perfect for a satisfying meal after a day of exploring. — an easy walk from the previous stop.

Break for lunch at Hostaria Osottoosopra — Excellent · highly reviewed · Venice, Metropolitan City of Venice, Italy Vibe / cuisine: Restaurant. An excellent spot at Venice, Metropolitan City of Venice, Italy — useful when you want a crowd-tested meal without gambling on a random reservation.

Wind down with dinner at Antica Osteria Cera — Fine Dining — This fine dining establishment offers an exquisite culinary experience in the heart of Venice. It's a perfect spot for a special occasion or a memorable meal during your trip. — about 9.9 mi from the previous stop.

Regina Sconta — Excellent · highly reviewed · Venice, Metropolitan City of Venice, Italy Vibe / cuisine: Venetian. Pricing: Dinner ~$35 per person. Enjoy authentic Venetian cuisine at Regina Sconta, a highly-rated local favorite.

Private Grand Canal & Minor Canals Boat Tour in Venice — Experience Venice's grandeur by gliding past magnificent palazzos on this private boat tour. It's a stylish way to see the city's iconic waterways. Source: tours-italy.com

Private Gondola Ride in Venice — Enjoy a truly iconic Venetian moment with a private gondola ride through the picturesque waterways. This is a classic experience not to be missed. Source: tours-italy.com

Private Veneto Wine Tour — Wine enthusiasts can savor exquisite vintages on this private tour, exploring the renowned wine regions near Venice. It's a perfect excursion for those looking to indulge in local flavors. Source: tours-italy.com

Rialto island — Discover the iconic attractions located on the main Rialto island. This area is a central hub for experiencing the city's charm.

Browse tours on Viator · Browse tours on TourRadar

Distinctive Airbnb-style villas and scenic stays (4.5★+, 100+ reviews) for a private luxury base.

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.

Unique Venice — Well-reviewed Amenities: Wifi; Kitchen; HDTV. Perks: Terrace; Canal view; City skyline view; Walkable neighborhood. Experience authentic Venice from this charming apartment in a restored 1850s building. Enjoy your meals on the private terrace overlooking gondolas and the Grand Canal.

Find stays on VRBO · Find stays on IHG Hotels & Resorts · Find stays on Expedia · Find stays on Booking.com

Fine dining and standout restaurants (4.5★+, 500+ reviews) near Beaches for this luxury itinerary.

La Piazza Zone — Excellent · highly reviewed · Venice, Metropolitan City of Venice, Italy Vibe / cuisine: Italian. Pricing: €6 / €19 / €45 / €19 / €23 / €28. Enjoy authentic Italian cuisine at this highly-rated spot in Venice.

La Vacaria — Excellent · highly reviewed · Dorsoduro, 2245 Vibe / cuisine: Steak. La Vacaria is a highly-rated steakhouse in Dorsoduro, perfect for a satisfying meal after a day of exploring.

Antica Osteria Cera — Excellent · highly reviewed · Lughetto, Metropolitan City of Venice, Italy Vibe / cuisine: Fine Dining. This fine dining establishment offers an exquisite culinary experience in the heart of Venice. It's a perfect spot for a special occasion or a memorable meal during your trip.

Bernina Express — Embark on the iconic Bernina Express, a legendary train journey renowned for its breathtaking scenic vistas. This route is celebrated for its spectacular views and is a must-do for any train enthusiast.

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express — Experience the glamour of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, a luxurious train that offers an unforgettable journey. This classic train evokes an era of sophisticated travel.

Cinque Terre Express — Ride the Cinque Terre Express to experience the beauty of five picturesque seaside towns along the Italian coast. Connects the five beautiful seaside towns of the Cinque Terre coastline.

Sila Train — Embark on a unique journey aboard the Sila Train in Calabria, a vintage steam train that travels through Sila National Park. This vintage steam train reaches 1400 meters high, offering amazing views of valleys and mountains. It provides a slower pace to enjoy the moment and focus on the journey.

Spend-based hotel perks and premium credit card travel benefits tied to Venice — lounge access, dining and event credits, transport upgrades, and exclusive booking extras. Confirm current card and property terms before you rely on them.

Ideas for Using your Resort Credit — You can use your resort credit for extra services that would normally have an additional cost like spa services, private beachside picnics, or romantic dinners.

JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa Bar and Lounge: Pictures & Reviews — There is a very nice bar / lounge area in the lobby. you get free wi-fi in your room. Otherwise, there is a $7-8 charge per day.

JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa — The check-in time at JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa is 3:00 pm and the check-out time is 12:00 pm. Source: marriott.com

The Lounges at Venice Airport — Opening hours: Open every day from 5:00 am to 10:30 pm. The lounge is located on the second floor.