Venice 3-day itinerary
Italy
Where to go and what to see in Venice to get the most from your trip – a 3-day itinerary from destination expert and travel writer Nicky Swallow.
Bucket list experience:
Venice, Veneto, Italy
Credit Shutterstock.com/Isogood_patrick
Venice’s scuole (schools) were established from the 13th century by the patrician class, partly as religious and charitable institutions, partly as guilds and confraternities, that had members from all walks of society.
By the 15th century, there were some 400 minor scuole and six more important, powerful ‘Scuole Grandi’ which commissioned the great artists of the day to beautify their headquarters. Carpaccio, for example, decorated San Giorgio agli Schiavoni and Tintoretto San Rocco.
Want more recommendations in this destination?
Destination Guide >Recommended itineraries by our writers that include this experience
Italy
Where to go and what to see in Venice to get the most from your trip – a 3-day itinerary from destination expert and travel writer Nicky Swallow.
Italy
Where to go and what to see in Venice to get the most from your trip – a 5-day itinerary from destination expert and travel writer Nicky Swallow.
Venice, Veneto, Italy
Founded in 1261, the oldest scuola grande has a beautiful carved portal by Pietro Lombardo. Climb Mauro Codusso’s superb double ramp staircase to see the upper rooms decorated by Tiepolo’s son Giandomenico and others. The best paintings originally commissioned from Carpaccio and Bellini are now in the Accademia.
Best for ages: 18+ | £4
Venice, Veneto, Italy
This Renaissance confection built in 1495 is partly occupied by a hospital, but several restored rooms are open to the public. The facade sports trompe-l’oeil panels and the chapter house has a fabulous gilded coffered ceiling and houses cases containing ancient manuscripts and historical hospital records.
Best for ages: 18+ | £7
Venice, Veneto, Italy
The richest of the six Scuole Grandi, San Rocco commissioned Tintoretto to decorate its headquarters in 1564: he spent 23 years on his masterwork resulting in fabulous paintings filling walls and ceilings such as the Crucifixion, Annunciation and Flight into Egypt.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
Venice, Veneto, Italy
The jewelbox-like Scuola Grande of St George of the Slaves houses one of Vittore Carpaccio’s best known painting cycles, illustrating the lives of saints George, Tryphone and Jerome (1502). These delightful, colourful works are full of vivid detail such as the little dog in St Augustine’s study.
Best for ages: 18+ | £4
Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
Venice, Veneto, Italy
A legendary 5-star resort hotel that combines the beauties of La Serenissima with A-grade facilities and service. Its dreamy Giudecca location is a boon when the calle of Venice’s historic centre are clogged with tourists in high season.
Official star rating:
Venice, Veneto, Italy
An 11-room boutique hotel with a lovely courtyard, personalised service and a centralissima location within easy reach of the Accademia, the Rialto and Piazza San Marco. The contemporary, design-led interior provides a refreshing contrast to the usual flock wallpaper and swathes of brocade.
Official star rating:
Venice, Veneto, Italy
Perfect for a honeymoon or other romantic celebrations, this intimate, stylish and sophisticated bolt-hole lies just across a pretty bridge from the Salute church in artsy Dorsoduro. The rooms are extravagant and sexy, the service personalised and charming.
Official star rating:
Venice, Veneto, Italy
The grandest Dame of Venice’s classic hotels and wonderfully opulent, the Gritti lords it over the Grand Canal from a superb spot across from the Salute church and just 10 minutes’ walk from Piazza San Marco.
Official star rating:
Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
Veneto, Italy
Crammed with picturesque canals, Renaissance palazzos and artistic masterpieces, this unique and alluring city is heaven-on-earth for art lovers and romantics.