Veneto Travel Guide (Northeast Italy/Italy/Europe)

Introduction to Veneto

Veneto is a breathtaking region located in Northeast Italy. Its capital is Venice, which is famous for its canals and Carnival celebrations. Veneto offers a mix of historical cities, seaside towns, and beautiful natural views.

Whether you’re a history buff, foodie, or outdoor enthusiast, Veneto promises to enchant you with its unique attractions and cultural heritage. In this travel guide, we’ll delve into the top places to visit, the best things to do, where to stay and eat, and how to get around in Veneto.

List of Places to Visit in Veneto

Veneto boasts several cities and towns with cultural and historical significance. Here are the must-visit places:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Venice: This stunning city is famous for its canals and romantic gondola rides. Explore St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace to see beautiful Gothic architecture and works of art.
Verona: The city of Verona is known as the setting for Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Visit Juliet’s balcony and the Roman amphitheater, which still hosts open-air performances every summer.
Padua: This city is home to the world’s oldest botanical garden, the Orto Botanico di Padova. It also boasts impressive architectural landmarks, including the Basilica of Saint Anthony and the Scrovegni Chapel.
Vicenza: This city is famous for its palaces and villas designed by renowned architect Andrea Palladio. Don’t miss the Palazzo Chiericati and the Villa Capra “La Rotonda”.

Natural Attractions of Veneto: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Dolomites: The Dolomites are a mountain range with breathtaking views and outdoor adventures. Go hiking, skiing, or rock climbing, or take a scenic drive to see these magnificent peaks.
Lake Garda: This largest lake in Italy is a great destination for water sports, scenic drives, and charming lakeside towns. Explore Sirmione’s ancient ruins, Malcesine’s medieval castle, and Tremosine’s hiking trails.
Colli Euganei: This volcanic set of hills features natural hot springs and scenic vineyards. Take a hot spring spa treatment or enjoy a wine tasting in this tranquil setting.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Veneto

Veneto has some of the most beautiful landscapes for hiking and biking. Here are some of the best routes:

Prosecco Hills: These hills are famous for producing the sparkling wine called Prosecco. Take a guided bike tour through the vineyards and taste some of the most exquisite wines.
Euganean Hills: These hills offer excellent hiking trails and natural hot springs. Explore the Parco Naturale dei Colli Euganei and enjoy the scenic views from the top.
The Venetian Lagoon: This lagoon is perfect for a leisurely bike ride on the islands of Lido and Pellestrina. You can also visit Murano and Burano, known for their glassmaking and lace traditions.

Best Things to Do in Veneto: Activities and Tours

Apart from the above mentioned, there are numerous other things to do and tours to take in Veneto. Some of these include:

Carnival in Venice: Join the festive atmosphere of Venice’s famous Carnival. Dress up in traditional costumes and masks and take part in the parades, parties, and music events.
Wine Tasting Tours: Take a wine tasting tour in Valpolicella, Soave, or other wine regions of Veneto. The region produces excellent reds and whites that are perfect for pairing with local dishes.
Gondola rides in Venice: Explore the canals of Venice with a traditional gondola ride. Enjoy the scenic views of the city’s bridges and palaces from the water.
Olive Oil Tasting Tours: Veneto is also known for producing some of the best olive oils in Italy. Take an olive oil tasting tour and learn about the production and taste some of the finest oils.

Week-Long Itinerary for Veneto

Here’s a week-long itinerary for exploring the best of Veneto:

Day 1: Arrive in Venice and explore the city’s canals and landmarks.

Day 2: Take a day trip to Verona and explore the city’s Roman ruins, churches, and street markets.

Day 3: Visit Padua and see its beautiful frescoes and historic landmarks.

Day 4: Take a scenic drive to Lake Garda and explore the lakeside towns and natural attractions.

Day 5: Go hiking or biking in the Prosecco Hills or the Euganean Hills and enjoy the views and vineyards.

Day 6: Visit Vicenza and see its beautiful palaces and villas designed by Andrea Palladio.

Day 7: Depart from Venice, or stay for an extra day to see Carnival celebrations.

Food and Drink Scene of Veneto

Veneto has a rich culinary tradition, with local dishes that are worth trying. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

Bigoli: This thick pasta dish is typically served with a red sauce made with onions, anchovies, and sardines.
Fegato alla veneta: This dish of liver and onions is sauteed in butter and oil and topped with a balsamic vinegar sauce.
Baccalà alla vicentina: This dish is made with salted dried cod, milk, onions, and olive oil.
Sarde in saor: This sweet and sour dish of marinated sardines is typically eaten as an appetizer.

Local Beverages

Prosecco: This sparkling wine is made from Glera grapes grown in the hilly vineyards of Veneto.
Aperol Spritz: This popular cocktail is made with Aperol, prosecco, and soda water.
Grappa: This strong alcoholic drink is made from fermented grape skins and is often served as a digestif.

Where to Stay in Veneto: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Veneto has accommodations for all budgets and tastes. Here are some options:

Luxury: Hotel Danieli in Venice, Due Torri Hotel in Verona, and Hotel Miramonti in Colli Euganei.
Mid-Range: Hotel Abbazia in Venice, Hotel Europa in Vicenza, and Hotel Ca’ Vittoria in Valpolicella.
Budget: Ostello Venezia in Venice, Alekin Hostel in Verona, and B&B Al Canton in Padua.

What to Buy in Veneto: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Veneto is known for its handmade crafts, wines, and food products. Here are some things you can buy:

Murano Glass: This glassmaking tradition originated in Venice and is famous for its colorful and intricate designs.
Lace: The island of Burano is known for its lace-making tradition, which dates back to the 16th century.
Prosecco: Bring home a bottle of the sparkling wine from the vineyards of Valdobbiadene or Conegliano.
Olive Oil: Veneto produces some of the best olive oils in Italy, which are perfect for cooking and dressing salads.

Local Culture and Customs of Veneto

Veneto has a unique cultural heritage, with its own language, traditions, and festivals. Here are some aspects of local culture and customs:

Venetian Mask-Making: The art of making masks dates back to the 13th century in Venice. The masks are traditionally worn during Carnival and other festivals.
Prosecco Tasting Rooms: Many wineries in Veneto offer tasting rooms where you can sample their wines and learn about the production process.
The Feast of the Redentore: This festival is celebrated in July in Venice, with a spectacular fireworks display on the lagoon.

Best Time to Visit Veneto

The best time to visit Veneto is from April to June and from September to November. These months offer mild weather, fewer crowds and reasonable prices. July and August are high season months that can be crowded and hot. Winter months can be cold and rainy, but also offer skiing and winter sports opportunities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Veneto

To enjoy Veneto fully, keep these do’s and don’ts in mind:

Do:

Learn some Italian phrases and greetings.
Visit the lesser-known towns and attractions.
Try the local cuisine and wines.
Dress appropriately for visits to churches and other religious sites.

Don’t:

Over-tip in restaurants and bars.
Wear revealing clothing in churches and other religious sites.
Swim or sunbathe topless on public beaches.
Touch the marble structures in St. Mark’s Square.

Safety and Health

Veneto is a relatively safe region for tourists. However, you should take standard precautions to prevent theft and pickpocketing. As for health, Veneto has excellent medical facilities, and it’s always advisable to carry travel insurance.

Safety in Veneto

Be aware of your surroundings and avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
Take care of your belongings and don’t leave them unattended.
Follow traffic rules and take extra care when crossing roads.

Health in Veneto

Veneto has excellent medical facilities that are accessible to tourists.
It’s advisable to carry travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.
Tap water is safe to drink in Veneto.

Getting to Veneto: Transportation Options and Logistics

Veneto is well-connected by air, rail, and road. Here are some transportation options:

Airports Near Veneto

Marco Polo International Airport in Venice.
Catullo Airport in Verona.
Canova Airport in Treviso.

Bus Stations Near Veneto

ATVO bus network connects Venice, Verona and other towns in the region.
ACTV buses connect Venice with nearby towns and islands.
ATV bus network operates in the Belluno region.

Other Options

Trains: Veneto has an extensive rail network, with high-speed trains connecting major cities and towns.
Car rental: Renting a car is a popular option for exploring Veneto’s countryside and natural attractions.
Bike rentals: You can rent a bike in most cities and towns in Veneto and explore the area on two wheels.

How to Get Around in Veneto

Veneto’s cities and towns are well-connected by public transport. Here are some options for getting around:

Buses: Local buses operate in most cities and towns, and long-distance buses connect different regions of Veneto.
Trains: The rail network in Veneto connects different cities and towns.
Ferries: You can visit nearby islands and coastal towns by ferry.
Taxis and Uber: Taxis are readily available in most cities and towns of Veneto, and Uber can be used in Venice.

Where to Go Next from Veneto: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Veneto has close proximity to many other Italian regions that are worth visiting. Here are some nearby destinations:

Lombardy: This region is home to Milan, Lake Como, and the Italian Alps.
Emilia-Romagna: Known for its cuisine and art, this region boasts cities of Bologna, Modena, Parma, and Ferrara.
Trentino-Alto Adige: Known for its scenic landscapes, this region is perfect for hiking, skiing, and winter activities.

Conclusion

Veneto in Italy is a charming and captivating destination for travelers looking for a mix of cultural experiences, natural beauty, and gastronomic delights. With its landmarks, outdoor activities, and food and drink scene, there’s something for everyone in Veneto. We hope this guide has helped you plan your trip and discover the many wonders of Veneto. Arrivederci!