A Day in Venice guidebook

The Italy Heaven guide to getting the most from Venice in one day (if you really can’t stay longer!)

Venice in a day – could you? Should you? Here’s how

Only have one day in Venice? Want to see as much as possible and experience the city’s fascinating variety? The Italy Heaven one-day guide will provide you with a carefully-tailored itinerary to introduce you to the best aspects of Venice without the stress.

Having spent years in Venice, I know that you cannot do justice to all the city’s charms in a few hours. But I have used my knowledge of Venice and its secrets to create a tour which will show you as much as possible, from the biggest sights to some hidden treasures. Of course the tour includes a cruise down the Grand Canal and a detailed introduction to the sights of St Mark’s Square. But you will also have the chance to follow my walking directions to get away from the crowds and off the beaten track.

How it works

The guidebook begins with some background information to help you get the most from your limited time in Venice: from practical advice to the city’s history and an introduction to Venetian art and how the city was built. You’ll find detailed travel advice covering the various points of entry into the city – whether you are arriving from a local airport (Venice Marco Polo or Treviso), by train or from the cruise ship terminal. Next comes the itinerary, which includes links to more detailed descriptions (provided in a later chapter) of the museums and churches included on the route. There’s also advice about ordering food, helpful Italian vocabulary and money-saving tips.

Grand Canal view, Venice
View from the Accademia Bridge to the Salute, Venice

The itinerary

The itinerary can be started and finished at either Piazzale Roma (the bus terminus, close to cruise ship berths) or the railway station (directions are included in the text). The day is divided into three sections, to help with the planning – some day-visitors will have much more time than others. Full directions and instructions are provided as well as suggestions for good places to eat and drink on the route. The route passes various sights, museums and churches, which the traveller can choose to visit as an optional extra (most have detailed descriptions included). Points of interest, including artisan shops, good cafes and chances to admire historical art, are indicated along the way. There are drop-out points for visitors who are running out of time and wish to catch a ferry back to their starting-point.

Sights you will see include: the Grand Canal and its palaces; St Mark’s Square, the Basilica di San Marco; the Doge’s Palace; the Rialto Bridge; the churches of San Zaccaria, the Frari, Santi Giovanni e Paolo (San Zanipolo), Santa Maria dei Miracoli and others; the Scuola Grande di San Rocco (full of paintings by Tintoretto); and some of Venice’s finest squares (known as campi) and most picturesque canalsides.

Get the guidebook

Buy the Kindle guide:
> A Day in Venice (Italy Heaven Guide) – Amazon.co.uk
> A Day in Venice (Italy Heaven Guide) – Amazon.com (US)

If you’re not sure the guidebook is for you, read the free sample provided before you spend any money. Amazon Prime members can also borrow the book free for their Kindle device. If you find the book helpful, please consider writing a comment on Amazon to help other travellers with their choice.

Detailed maps are not included in the guidebook – the walk directions provided are designed to stand alone as a guide, but – especially if you plan to branch off from the itinerary – it may be helpful to pick up a paper map when you arrive in Venice.

If you are spending more than a day in Venice, consider the Italy Heaven in-depth guide to the city and lagoon: Venice: Italy Heaven Guide.