Family Friendly Italy Itinerary: Explore Venice and Beyond

Day 1: Explore Venice

Venice, Italy on May 10, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Pasticceria Dal Mas

Start your day with some delicious pastries and coffee at this well-loved local bakery.
Walk or take a vaporetto to the bakery, easy access in Venice.
EUR10, 1 hour

9:30AM

St. Mark's Basilica

Marvel at the stunning architecture and mosaics of the iconic basilica.
Walk from breakfast to the main square, it's about a 15-minute walk.
EUR5, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Gondola Ride

Experience Venice from the water on a relaxing and memorable gondola ride.
Board a gondola from the nearby docking area.
EUR80 for 30 mins, 30 minutes

12:30PM

Lunch at Osteria alla Staffa

Enjoy some delicious authentic Italian pasta with views of the canals.
A 10-minute walk from the Gondola ride docking point.
EUR60, 1 hour

2:00PM

Doge's Palace

Tour the stunning rooms of power and history located in this impressive palace.
It's a short 5-minute walk from your lunch spot.
EUR25, 2 hours

4:30PM

Rialto Bridge

Take in the views from one of Venice's most famous landmarks and shop for souvenirs.
Walk for about 15 minutes to reach the bridge.
Free, 1 hour

5:30PM

Dinner at Trattoria Al Gatto Nero

End your day with a sumptuous seafood dinner at this highly-rated restaurant.
You can take a water bus to the restaurant; it is located on Burano Island.
EUR100, 2 hours
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Day 2: Day Trip to Padua

Padua, Italy on May 11, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Cafe Riviera

Fuel up for your day trip with a breakfast of pancakes and fresh fruit.
Take a 30-minute train to Padua from Venice.
EUR25, 1 hour

9:30AM

Basilica of Saint Anthony

Visit this stunning church known for its beautiful architecture and artwork.
Walking distance from the cafe, about 10 minutes.
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Padua Botanical Gardens

Explore the beautiful gardens and learn about rare plant species.
A 15-minute walk from the basilica.
EUR10, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Gelateria Pappagallo

Treat yourselves to fresh gelato and some light lunch options.
Just a 5-minute walk from the gardens.
EUR30, 1 hour

2:00PM

Prato della Valle

Wander around one of Italy’s largest public squares decorated with beautiful statues.
A 15-minute walk from lunch.
Free, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Piazza delle Erbe

Enjoy local cafes, shops, and the vibrant market atmosphere.
Walking distance, about 10 minutes.
Free (shopping extra), 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Train back to Venice

Relax on the return train trip.

6:00PM

Dinner at La Zucca

Dig into delicious vegetarian dishes that the whole family will love.
Located close to where you will arrive back in Venice.
EUR75, 2 hours
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Day 3: Day Trip to Verona

Verona, Italy on May 12, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Pastificio Artigiano

Savor artisan pastries and coffee to get energized for the day.
Train to Verona, takes about 1.5 hours.
EUR20, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Juliet's House

See the iconic balcony and learn about the legend of Romeo and Juliet.
A short walk of about 15 minutes from the train station.
EUR10, 1 hour

10:45AM

Explore Verona Arena

This ancient Roman amphitheater is still used for concerts and events today.
A 10-minute walk from Juliet's House.
EUR12, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Osteria Al Duca

Indulge in traditional Veronese dishes using local ingredients.
A 5-minute walk from the Arena.
EUR50, 1 hour

1:30PM

Piazza delle Erbe

Explore the vibrant market and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
Just a 5-minute walk from the restaurant.
Free (shopping extra), 1 hour

2:45PM

Castel Vecchio

Visit the historic castle and walk across the famous bridge with stunning views.
A 10-minute walk from Piazza delle Erbe.
EUR8, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Gelato at Gelatissima

Reward yourself with the best gelato while sorting through the day's memories.
A quick 5-minute walk from the castle.
EUR15, 30 minutes

5:00PM

Train back to Venice

Take a leisurely trip back to Venice to conclude your day.

6:30PM

Dinner at Antiche Carampane

Treat your family to a delightful dinner featuring fresh seafood.
A short distance from your accommodation.
EUR90, 2 hours
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Day 4: Visit Lake Garda

Lake Garda, Italy on May 13, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Caffe Florian

Enjoy a classic Italian breakfast at this historic cafe.
Take a train to Desenzano del Garda, a journey of about 1.5 hours.
EUR30, 1 hour

9:30AM

Take a Ferry Ride on Lake Garda

Slowly cruise the largest lake in Italy and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding area.
Board the ferry from the dock, which is a 10-minute walk from the train station.
EUR20, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Visit Sirmione Castle

Explore the well-preserved castle and its stunning views of the lake.
Disembark at Sirmione and walk to the castle (15-minute walk).
EUR10, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Ristorante Al Pescatore

Feast on local fish dishes while taking in the lovely lakeside views.
Walk back to the port to find the restaurant, about a 10-minute walk.
EUR50, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Relax at the Beach

Spend quality family time playing at the beach along Lake Garda.
Access the beach, a 15-minute walk from the restaurant.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Gelato at Gelateria della Musica

Cool down with some of the best gelato in the region.
Take a quick stroll over (5 minutes).
EUR15, 30 minutes

5:00PM

Ferry Back to Desenzano

Enjoy the boat ride back to Desenzano as you relax after a fulfilling day.

6:30PM

Dinner at Trattoria da Nino

Conclude your day with sumptuous Italian dishes in a cozy setting.
Casual walking distance from the train station.
EUR70, 2 hours
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Day 5: Relax in Venice

Venice, Italy on May 14, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Cafe Lavena

Enjoy breakfast in St. Mark's Square while watching the world go by.
A quick walk from your accommodation.
EUR40, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Peggy Guggenheim Collection

Discover modern art in this beautiful museum showcasing works by renowned artists.
Accessible via a 20-minute walk.
EUR15, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Take a Vaporetto to Murano Island

Enjoy the sights on your way to the famous glass-making island.
Catch the vaporetto near the museum.
EUR10, 30 minutes

12:00PM

Lunch at Trattoria Busa Alla Torre

Savor traditional Venetian dishes while enjoying a charming ambience.
A five-minute walk from the vaporetto stop.
EUR60, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Visit Glass Blowing Factory

Watch a live demonstration of the famous Murano glass craftsmanship.
Easily accessible by walking from the restaurant.
Free, 1 hour

2:30PM

Stroll and Shop in Murano

Wander the charming streets discovering beautiful glass art and souvenirs.
Explore on foot around the island.
Free (shopping extra), 2 hours

4:30PM

Return to Venice

Ride back via vaporetto and prepare for the evening.
Catch the vaporetto back to Venice.
EUR10, 30 minutes

6:00PM

Farewell Dinner at Ristorante Quadri

Enjoy a final meal at a historic restaurant with stunning views of St. Mark's Square.
A leisurely walk back to the square.
EUR120, 2 hours
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