Venice tour packages in Italy

Your questions about Venice tours, answered

We’ve pulled together the most common questions we hear about visiting Venice below. You’ll find even more practical information and local tips in our Italy travel guide.

And here’s some peace of mind upfront: when you choose us, you can Book With Confidence, knowing your payments are protected. Curious about the details? You’ll find them in our booking terms and FAQs.

1. How long do I need for a trip to Venice?

It depends on how much of Italy you want to see, alongside Venice. On a 7-day tour, you could explore Venice, Florence and Rome at a good pace. 10 to 12 days lets you add the Italian lakes - Como, Garda, or both. Meanwhile, 14 days gives you real breathing room and even opens the door to combining Italy with the Alps.

As a general rule, give Venice at least 2 full days. The city rewards slow exploration far more than a quick visit.

2. What are the best places to visit on a trip to Venice?

Venice is an Italian icon, packed with wish-list-worthy spots. The obvious starting points are St Mark's Basilica, the Grand Canal, Rialto Bridge, and the island of Murano. But the real beauty of Venice comes when you meander the city’s back streets and dine al fresco at a place the locals go.

There’s plenty to see surrounding Venice as well. If you’re coming from the north, Lake Como and Lake Garda are exceptional. Or, if coming from the south, Tuscany's rolling hills, Florence’s Renaissance masterpieces, and Rome’s ancient heart all make compelling stops.

3. What is the best time of year for trips to Venice Italy?

April to October is the best time of year to visit Venice, and for good reason – the light is extraordinary and the surrounding countryside is at its most photogenic.

May and September are particularly good. You get warm, settled weather – typically 20–28°C (68–82°F) – with fewer visitors than the peak summer months. Between June and August it can get up to around 35°C (95°F) in cities. It’s also busier at the height of summer, especially in Venice itself.

Read our weather and climate guide to learn more. Or check out this blog on the best time to visit Italy if you’d like to plan around a specific season.

4. Is Venice really worth visiting?

Every bit of it. Venice is one of the few places that genuinely exceeds expectations – the absence of cars, the winding alleys, the fact that every corner reveals something remarkable.

The key is arriving early. St. Mark’s Basilica at dawn, before the day-trippers arrive, is a completely different experience to visiting mid-afternoon. The same goes for the Rialto Bridge. Plan your days around the quieter hours and Venice delivers something memorable at every turn.

5. Is Italy a good destination for a honeymoon or romantic trip?

Yes. In fact, few other destinations come close to Italy in the romance stakes. The combination of stunning lakeside scenery, legendary food and wine, and cities that feel designed for falling in love make Italy one of the world’s most romantic destinations.

If you’re looking for an itinerary packed with inclusions and designed to make your experience completely seamless, check out our La Dolce Vita tours. They include a private airport arrival transfer, Rome cooking class, guided tour of Venice’s Saint Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace, and Chianti wine tour from Florence.

Or simply pick any Italy tour and personalise it to match your travel wish list. Add airpost transfers, wine tastings, and extra nights at romantic spots like Lake Como.

Get inspired by these Italy honeymoon tours, or ask our local experts for more romantic trip ideas.

6. What’s the difference between a self-drive and a guided small group tour to Venice?

On a self-drive tour we’ll arrange your rental car, book your accommodation, and provide a personal itinerary with a hand-marked route map. You travel at your own pace, stop where you like, and set your own rhythm – the planning is all done, the freedom is all yours.

On a small group tour, a professional English-speaking guide leads the way. Transport is in a premium mini-coach, with groups capped at 16 travellers. Depending on the itinerary you go for, experiences like a gondola ride, Colosseum tour and Florence Cathedral tour are included.

Self-drive is perfect if you’re after independence and want the freedom to linger or take detours. Or, go guided and leave the navigation to someone else while enjoying the company of a small, like-minded group.

Not sure about taking the heel in Italy, or want to find out more about small groups? Get in touch, our Rome-based experts will happily talk it out with you.

7. Can I customise my Italy tour package?

Of course. Tailor your tour when you book online, or ask your travel consultant about adding extra nights and optional excursions to make your itinerary your own.

Extend your stay on stops along the route – an additional night in Venice, another evening on Lake Como, more time in Florence or Rome. You can also add optional experiences, such as gondola rides, museum tours, cooking classes, and wine tastings.

If you have something specific in mind that isn’t listed, just let your personal travel consultant know. They’ll do what they can to make it happen.

8. What’s included in a Venice Italy tour package?

All our tours include accommodation with daily breakfast, either a rental car (self-drive) or guided transport (guided tours), a personal itinerary with a hand-marked map, and our Italy travel guide packed with insider tips. Plus, every tour comes with access to our 24/7 helpline for round-the-clock support during your trip.

Some tours include additional experiences. For instance, small group tours include the likes of a gondola ride, Florence Duomo entry with a private balcony visit, a Tuscan winery lunch, and a Colosseum tour. And some self-drive trips include cooking classes, guided museum or city tours, and wine tastings.

To see what the tour you’re interested in comes with, check out the “What’s included” tab for a full list of inclusions.

9. What should I pack for a summer trip to Italy?

Italy in summer (June to August) can be very warm – typically 25–35°C (77–95°F) in cities, cooler at the lakes and in higher-altitude areas. Here are a few essentials to pack:

• Comfortable walking shoes (and sandals for the lakesides)
• Light, breathable clothing
• A scarf or shawl for visiting churches – shoulders and knees need to be covered
• Sunglasses, sunscreen and a sunhat
• A swimsuit for Lake Como and Lake Garda
• A warm layer and waterproof jacket if you’re combining Italy with the Alps

Read our Italy packing guide for more tips on what to bring.