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5 BEST Venice Tours from Milan (selected by an Italian)

Venice, the city of canals, is a captivating location with striking Gothic Architecture and a unique layout. The city comprises over 100 small islands, and the only way to get around them is by boat, one of the most special traits of Venice. 

Its gondolas gliding down the canals, arched bridges, and narrow alleys contribute to the charm of one of Italy’s most coveted destinations.

Located 167 miles (270km) east of Milan, a day trip from the fashion capital is sometimes overlooked due to the distance between the two cities. I always recommend spending two or 3 days in Venice.

I mean – Venice totally deserves it! And if you’re on a 2-week trip around Italy, you simply cannot miss it.

However, I understand that not everyone has the available vacation time to make it happen. In this case, it’s entirely possible to visit Venice on a day trip from Milan.

Image of the Grand Canal in Venice

That’s why I have selected the very best Venice tours from Milan to help you plan an unforgettable trip. Check them out below! 

Can you trust me with your travel plans? Having grown up in Bologna, Italy, I’ve committed the past decade to helping millions of people in organizing memorable trips to Italy. My expertise lies in pinpointing enjoyable activities and ensuring that you take part in only the most outstanding tours.

I generally use Viator and Get Your Guide to book tours around the world. I especially recommend them for their great cancellation policy. If for any reason you need to cancel your tour, you can do so up to 24 hours in advance and get a full refund. 

Limited time? These are the top tours:

THE BEST TOURDay Trip to Venice with Guided City Tour from Milan
PRIVATE TOURPrivate Full Day Tour from Milan to Venice

OUR PICK: The BEST Venice Tour from Milan 

This Day Trip to Venice with Guided City Tour from Milan is our top pick. It’s a very comprehensive, 14-hour excursion that checks all the boxes by offering the perfect introduction to the city of canals.

The tour starts early in the morning at the Milan Visitor Center, where you’ll hop on an air-conditioned bus and either enjoy the views or take a quick nap as you make the trip to Venice, one of the most fascinating cities in Northern Italy.

The first activity of the day will be a lagoon boat trip, sailing along the canals exactly how it should be in a city with waterways instead of streets. Admire the buildings on both sides and take in the many islands that comprise Venice before disembarking on the main island, where you’ll start your tour on foot.

You’ll check out the impressive St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace in St. Mark’s Square, and learn about their architecture and history from your guide. (Psst! Ask them about Casanova’s escape from Doge’s prison – yes, that Casanova).

Enjoy a guided tour around the major sights on the island, and then break at noon, when you’ll have free time to get some lunch, and explore on your own or visit other attractions you didn’t get to on the tour.

By the end of the day, you’ll have a camera roll full of pictures (I guarantee it), great stories about Venice’s history and legends, and the iconic experience of gliding on a boat on Venetian canals checked off your bucket list, so you’ll be ready to return to Milan.

Why this tour? It’s a super complete tour that allows you to take in the beauty of Venice to the fullest. You’ll enjoy hassle-free transfers, and an expert guide will introduce you to Venice’s history, architecture, and legends.

After getting to know the city on a guided tour, you’ll be free to check off other bucket list items, like gondola riding or having aperitivo by the canals. All in all, it combines all the best things to do in Venice in a single excursion.

Read what the reviews say:

This day was simply amazing!!! Driver’s was very good and professional, our guide was more than PERFECT!!!! very kind, smile all the time, 10 of 10 ! This money is worth it 100%. Amazing day and amazing service! Thank you to all of the team for this spectacular day!”

Monika – Read more reviews

This day trip to Venice from Milan includes: Roundtrip transfers, a guide, a boat trip, and a guided tour. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Another Great Option to Consider

The Venice Full-Day Guided Tour From Milan is a 14-hour journey with roundtrip transfers to the fashion capital. Upon reaching Venice, you’ll follow your guide around the city, learning about its fascinating history.

Admire landmarks such as San Marco’s Square and Basilica, the Rialto Bridge, and the Bridge of Sighs, and watch the gondolas glide along the canals.

After an informative guided tour, you’ll have free time to explore at your leisure, and indulge in local bites.

This tour includes: Roundtrip transfers, a guide, and a guided visit in Venice. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Private Venice Tours from Milan

▶️ This Private Full Day Tour from Milan to Venice with Local Guide and Fast Train accommodates up to 15 people. Your group will experience a very personalized, unique day trip led by an expert guide.

You’ll be picked up at Venice’s train station by your guide (train tickets are included in the tour), and get to explore the city right away.  

Learn about the history, culture, and architecture of Venice as you pass by its main attractions. St. Mark’s Square, the Rialto Bridge, and the Bridge of Sights are but a few of them!

Then, get some free time to stroll on your own. Go shopping, have a meal overlooking the canals, or enjoy a gondola ride before it’s time to head back. 

This Milan to Venice tour includes: Roundtrip train tickets, pick-up at the station, a guided tour of Venice, and free time. ➥ BOOK IT HERE


▶️ This Full Day Private Driving Tour of Venice from Milan takes private groups of up to 13 to the bewitching city of canals. You’ll travel in a luxury vehicle after a convenient pick-up at your hotel.

In Venice, you’ll have a 2-hour guided tour around the city, getting to admire its UNESCO World Heritage Sites as you learn about them. Be mesmerized by the enchanting canals and impressive architecture, all of which are awe-inspiring.

Step foot in St. Mark’s Basilica, get up close to Venetian art, and opt for a gondola ride along the Grand Canal to make your trip all the more memorable.  

This Venice tour from Milan includes: Hotel transfers, a guided tour, taxes, and insurance. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Venice & Verona Tour from Milan

Ready for a romantic experience? Join the Venice and Verona Full Day Tour from Milan to visit two of the most mesmerizing cities near Milan.

Venice is known for its enchanting canals and picturesque bridges. And Verona has been a synonym for love ever since Shakespeare set Romeo and Juliet there. 

This trip makes its first stop in Venice, where you’ll have a very interesting guided tour before being granted free time to wander around. Make sure to snap countless pictures, shop for souvenirs, and taste the famous cicchetti!  

Then, make your way to Verona, an equally enchanting location. There you’ll have the perfect balance between a city tour and time to explore at your leisure. Juliet’s house, Castelvecchio, and the Arena di Verona are unmissable landmarks to visit!

This tour includes: Transportation, a guide, and a comprehensive tour in both cities. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

  • Stefania Guglielmi

    Stefania Guglielmi is the founder of Every Steph. Originally from Bologna, Italy, she's been traveling full-time since 2016 and has visited over 50 countries across 6 continents. She believes sustainable travel and luxury travel can go hand in hand and has been advocating for responsible tourism since 2014. Stefania's advice and travel experiences have been featured in important publications such as Business Insider, Refinery29, and Yahoo Money.