Florence and Venice are two of Italy’s most iconic cities, known for their art, architecture, and unique cultural heritage. Florence, the capital of Tuscany. It is known for its stunning Renaissance art and architecture. If you’re planning a trip to Italy, Florence to Venice day trip is a must-do. While the cities are about 150 miles apart, it’s possible to see the highlights of Venice in a day, making for an unforgettable experience.
We are excited to offer you an unforgettable travel experience through the heart of Italy. On this Florence to Venice day trip, you’ll have the opportunity to explore two of Italy’s most beautiful and historic cities, Florence and Venice. Our carefully crafted itinerary ensures that you’ll see all the must-see sights and hidden gems that these cities have to offer. Our expert guides will be with you every step of the way, sharing their knowledge and passion for the history and culture of Florence and Venice. You’ll also have plenty of free time to explore on your own and our team will be happy to offer recommendations for restaurants, cafes, and other activities.
In this article, we’ll cover a comprehensive guide to planning a Florence to Venice day trip, transportation options, suggested itineraries, must-sees, and where to eat. Let’s get started!
What is the distance between Florence and Venice?
The distance between Florence and Venice is approximately 260 kilometers (162 miles) by road. The journey by car or bus takes around 3 hours and 30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. The fastest way to travel between the two cities is by high-speed train, which takes around 2 hours and 5 minutes. There are several train companies that offer services between Florence and Venice, including Trenitalia and Italo. The high-speed trains on this route typically run at a frequency of several times per hour, making it easy to find a convenient departure time.
Planning your day trip by transportation
There are several ways to travel from Florence to Venice day trip, including by train, bus, car, or private tour. The most popular option is by train, which takes about 2-3 hours and offers a convenient, reliable, and cost-effective way to travel between the two cities. If you prefer to drive, it’s about a 3-hour journey by car.
Time frame and itinerary
While it’s possible to visit Venice on a day trip from Florence, you’ll want to plan your time carefully to make the most of your visit. A typical day trip would involve leaving Florence early in the morning, spending the day in Venice, and returning to Florence in the evening. You may want to consider booking a guided tour to ensure that you see the top sights and make the most of your time.
Drive from Florence to Venice
Driving from Florence to Venice is a great way to explore Italy’s stunning countryside and charming small towns. The distance between the two cities is around 260 kilometers (162 miles) and the journey takes approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes, depending on traffic and route taken. The most direct route from Florence to Venice is via the A1 Autostrada, which runs north from Florence to Bologna and then continues northeast towards Venice. You can also take the A13 Autostrada from Bologna to Padua and then continue on to Venice.
Guided Tour from Florence to Venice
A knowledgeable local guide will accompany you on the tour, providing insights and information about the history, culture and attractions of both Florence and Venice. Depending on the length of the tour, you may also have some free time to explore Venice on your own. This could include shopping, dining, or simply wandering through the city’s charming streets and alleys. It has also included a boat tour of Venice’s canals, allowing you to see the city from a unique perspective and take in the stunning views of the architecture and waterways.
What to do on the Florence to Venice day trip?
1.Take a train from Florence to Venice day trip
The first step in your day trip will be to travel from Florence to Venice. You can take a high-speed train from Santa Maria Novella station in Florence, which will take you directly to Venice in just over two hours.
2. Visit St. Mark’s Square
After arriving in Venice, head straight to St. Mark’s Square, one of the most famous landmarks in the city. This large, open square is surrounded by beautiful architecture and is home to many cafes, shops and restaurants. One of the most popular activities in Mark’s Square is to feed the famous pigeons that gather there. While some people consider this to be a charming tradition, others criticize it as unhygienic and harmful to the birds.
3. Explore the Canals
Venice is famous for its canals and a great way to experience the city is by taking a gondola ride. Alternatively, you can take a water bus or water taxi to explore the canals and get a unique perspective of the city. The best way to experience the canals is by taking a gondola ride, which is a quintessential Venetian experience. However, there are other options available for those who want to explore the canals without breaking the bank.
4. Visit the Doge’s Palace
The Doge’s Palace is a stunning example of Venetian Gothic architecture and was the residence of the Doge, the leader of Venice. The palace now houses several museums, including the Museo dell’Opera, which showcases many works of art from the palace. The most striking features of the Doge’s Palace is its beautiful façade, adorned with intricate details and sculptures. You can also admire the palace’s stunning courtyard, which features a well and a staircase leading to the upper floors.
5. Walk Across the Rialto Bridge
The Rialto Bridge is one of the most iconic landmarks in Venice and it’s a great place to take a stroll and enjoy the views of the Grand Canal. The bridge is also home to many shops and restaurants. The Rialto Bridge is a beautiful example of Renaissance architecture, with its elegant arches and decorative details. The bridge is made of Istrian stone, a type of limestone that is commonly used in Venetian architecture. Today, the Rialto Bridge remains one of the most popular tourist attractions in Venice. You can go to admire its beauty and to take in the stunning views of the Grand Canal. The bridge is particularly spectacular at sunset when the warm light bathes the city in a golden glow.
6. Enjoy Venetian Cuisine
Venetian cuisine is a delicious and unique blend of Italian and Mediterranean flavors, heavily influenced by the city’s proximity to the sea. So be sure to try some local specialties like seafood risotto, spaghetti alle vongole, or squid ink pasta. You can also enjoy some gelato or tiramisu for dessert.
- Seafood Risotto: This classic Venetian dish is a must-try for seafood lovers. It’s made with arborio rice, cooked in a flavorful broth made with fish stock, white wine, onion, and tomato, and topped with fresh seafood such as mussels, clams, shrimp, and squid.
- Spaghetti alle Vongole: Another popular seafood dish, spaghetti alle vongole is made with fresh clams, garlic, parsley, and chili flakes, all tossed together with spaghetti in a white wine sauce. It’s a simple yet delicious dish that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.
- Fegato alla Veneziana: This dish of sautéed calf liver with onions is a Venetian classic that is full of flavor. The liver is cooked until tender and then mixed with sweet onions, vinegar, and butter, creating a sweet and tangy sauce that perfectly complements the rich flavor of the liver.
- Sarde in Saor: This sweet and sour sardine dish is a perfect example of Venetian cuisine. The sardines are fried in olive oil, then marinated in a mixture of onions, vinegar, raisins, and pine nuts, creating a unique and delicious combination of flavors.
- Polenta: Polenta is a traditional Italian dish made from cornmeal and it’s a staple of Venetian cuisine. It can be served in a variety of ways, including creamy, fried, or grilled, and is often paired with rich meat or seafood dishes.
- Tiramisu: This classic Italian dessert is a must-try in Venice. Made with layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers, mascarpone cream and cocoa powder, it’s a rich and indulgent dessert that’s perfect for ending a meal.
- Gelato: No trip to Italy is complete without trying some gelato and Venice has some of the best. Whether you prefer classic flavors like chocolate and vanilla or more unique combinations like fig and almond, you’re sure to find a gelateria that will satisfy your sweet tooth.
7. Visit Murano Island
If you have time, consider taking a boat tour to Murano Island, which is famous for its glass-making industry. You can watch local artisans create beautiful glass objects and even buy some souvenirs to take home. To get to Murano Island, you can take a water bus or water taxi from Venice. The journey takes around 30 minutes and you’ll be able to enjoy some great views of the Venetian lagoon along the way. Once you arrive on the island, you can explore the various glass factories and studios or simply wander around the quaint streets and enjoy the local architecture and scenery.