4-Day Venice and Lake Garda Itinerary: Relaxation, City Experiences, and Nature on a Shoestring Budget

Day 1: Exploring the Canals

Venice, Italy

8:00AM

Breakfast at Pasticceria Rosa Salva

Start your day with a delicious cornetto and an espresso at this local bakery.
Located in the San Marco area, easily walkable.
EUR3, 1 hour

9:30AM

Stroll around St. Mark's Square

Walk to the iconic St. Mark's Square, taking in the stunning architecture of St. Mark's Basilica and the Campanile.
A short 10-minute walk from the bakery.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Visit Doge's Palace

Explore the rich history of Venice at the Doge's Palace and its stunning rooms filled with art.
Located next to St. Mark's Square.
EUR25, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Trattoria Al Gatto Nero

Enjoy affordable Venetian cuisine at this charming trattoria in Burano.
Take the Vaporetto to Burano, around 30 minutes.
EUR15, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Burano Island

Discover the vibrant colours and lace shops, a lesser-known gem of the Venetian lagoon.
Walk around the island, everything is close by.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Vaporetto Ride back

Return to Venice enjoying a scenic ride along the canals.
From Burano back to Venice by Vaporetto.
EUR7, 30 minutes

6:00PM

Evening Stroll

Wander through the quiet streets of Venice, enjoying the serene ambiance as the sun sets.
Explore at your leisure.
Free, 1 hour

7:30PM

Dinner at Osteria Al Merca

Finish your day with a modest yet tasty meal of cicchetti (Venetian tapas) and wine.
A short walk from your previous location.
EUR12, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Cultural Immersion

Venice, Italy

8:00AM

Breakfast at Caffè Florian

Enjoy a lavish breakfast at one of Venice's most historic cafés, an experience in itself.
Located in St. Mark's Square.
EUR7, 1 hour

9:30AM

Gallerie dell'Accademia

Visit the Gallerie dell'Accademia to see an incredible collection of Venetian art.
A 20-minute walk from Caffè Florian.
EUR12, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Pizzeria da Michele

Savour an authentic pizza with local ingredients at this popular eatery.
10-minute walk from the gallery.
EUR10, 1 hour

1:00PM

Walking tour in the Jewish Ghetto

Take a free walking tour of the historic Jewish Ghetto, learning about its rich culture and history.
Nearby is the Jewish Ghetto, easily explored on foot.
Free, 2 hours

3:00PM

Visit to the Rialto Market

Explore the bustling Rialto Market, where local produce and seafood are showcased.
It’s a short 15-minute walk from the Ghetto.
Free, 1 hour

4:30PM

Take photos at the Rialto Bridge

Capture the picturesque views from the iconic Rialto Bridge.
Just beside the Rialto Market.
Free, 30 minutes

5:00PM

Evening Gondola Ride

Experience Venice from the water with a shared gondola ride to keep costs low.
Gondola stations are nearby Rialto Bridge.
EUR20, 30 minutes

6:00PM

Dinner at Antiche Carampane

Looking for a lovely dining experience? Enjoy traditional Venetian dishes in a quaint setting.
15-minute walk from the gondola station.
EUR25, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Day Trip to Lake Garda

Lake Garda, Italy

7:00AM

Breakfast at your accommodation

Enjoy a quick breakfast before your day trip to Lake Garda.
Grab something simple from your hotel.
EUR5, 30 minutes

8:00AM

Train to Peschiera del Garda

Board the train from Venezia Santa Lucia to Peschiera del Garda, admiring the scenery along the way.
About 30 minutes' walk to the train station.
EUR15, 1 hour

9:00AM

Arrive at Peschiera del Garda

Step off the train and take in the beautiful lakeside views.
Walk to the lakeshore and enjoy the scenery.
Free, 30 minutes

9:30AM

Exploring the Fortifications

Visit the historical fortifications surrounding Peschiera, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Easily reached on foot from the lakeside.
Free, 2 hours

11:30AM

Boat ride on Lake Garda

Take a short boat ride for stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
Board at Peschiera's dock.
EUR10, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Ristorante Al Gondolier

Enjoy a lakeside meal featuring fresh fish and local dishes.
A short walk from the boat dock.
EUR20, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Sirmione

Take a bus or ferry to the charming town of Sirmione, famous for its thermal baths and picturesque streets.
Easily accessible by boat from Peschiera.
EUR12, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Sirmione

Wander through the historic streets, visiting the Grottoes of Catullus and enjoying the views of the lake.
Walking distance in the town.
EUR6 (entry fee for site), 2 hours

5:00PM

Return to Peschiera

Take the ferry back to Peschiera to catch your train back to Venice.
Departure point from Sirmione.
EUR12, 1 hour

6:00PM

Train back to Venice

Board your train back to Venice, reflecting on a lovely day at Lake Garda.
Peschiera train station.
EUR15, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Osteria ai 4 Feri

Finish your day with a delightful meal at this affordable Venetian eatery.
A short walk from your accommodation.
EUR15, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Nature Escape

Venice, Italy

8:00AM

Breakfast at Pasticceria Tonolo

Indulge in fresh pastries and coffee at this well-loved bakery.
Located in Dorsoduro, a walk from your hotel.
EUR5, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Giardini della Biennale

Spend a peaceful morning exploring the beautiful gardens and pavilions of the Biennale.
After breakfast, walk for about 25 minutes.
EUR12, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Dal Moro's Fresh Pasta

Grab some fresh pasta to-go and enjoy it by the water.
15-minute walk back through Dorsoduro.
EUR10, 1 hour

1:00PM

Island of Lido

Take a Vaporetto to Lido for a relaxing afternoon on the beach.
30-minute Vaporetto ride from Venice.
EUR7, 2 hours

3:30PM

Relax on the Beach

Unwind on Lido's beautiful sandy beach, the perfect spot to soak up the sun.
Accessible from the Vaporetto stop.
Free, 2 hours

5:30PM

Return to Venice

Head back to Venice by Vaporetto, reflecting on the serene nature experiences of the day.
Return via Vaporetto.
EUR7, 30 minutes

6:00PM

Dinner at Osteria ai 4 Feri

Enjoy delicious local dishes at an affordable price to cap off your trip in Venice.
Just a short walk from the Vaporetto stop.
EUR15, 1.5 hours
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