We just turned in frequent flyer miles and to get the flights we want, we will arrive in Venice earlier than expected. Not that we're complaining but I would love to hear some of the out-of-the-ordinary sights and things to do. Also, are there any day trips outside Venice by train? A few years ago, I read the post about things to do in Paris... we took the list with us and were able to see and do nearly everything suggested. Would be overjoyed to have a list for Venice, too. Thanks to all... Sandy

There's always the boat trip to the Murano glass factory.

Day trips outside Venice: Verona is a charming town that has enough to occupy you for a full day. If you go, I woud suggest a meal at La Greppia near the Piazza delle Erbe (It's traditional rather than innovative Italian cuisine; I'm sure there are others who can suggest innovative alternatives.) A few of the sites: the Tombs of the Scaglieri, Castelvecchio (the main museum), San Zeno Maggiore with wonderful 9th-century bronze doors and a lovely Mantegna, the Roman arena. There are also "Romeo and Juliet"-related sites, like Juliet's house with the balcony, etc. And take the time to sit at one of the cafés in Piazza Bra or in the more atmospheric Piazza della Signoria.

One of my personal favourites is Vicenza, with many buildings by Andrea Palladio, including his Teatro Olimpico and the famous Villa Rotonda. Very near the Villa Rotonda, there is the Villa Valmarana ai Nani, whose "guesthouse" has lovely frescoes by Giandomenico Tiepolo. But you would have to check the opening times for the villas before you leave for Vicenza. There is an Istituto delle ville venete on the second floor of one of the buildings on the left side of the Piazza San Marco (if you are standing in front of the Basilica), where you can obtain the schedules.

If you type Verona into the search box, it will bring up many threads about Verona. Threads about Vicenza are considerably fewer in number.

As for out-of-the-ordinary things in Venice, that will have to be a later post; unfortunately, I am occasionally expected to work...

If you do go to Muarano, I would suggest having lunch in Burano.

The pastel colored houses are great.
http://www.pbase.com/image/22802561

As for Murano, we bought some glass in a shop in Venice and asked the owner for an invite to the actual factory in Murano. That was much better than walking in "off the street"

If architecture interests you, check out the possibilities for tours of the Palladian villas along the Brenta Canal. These are available by boat or bus.

A lovely splurge would be a ride out to Torcello for lunch at Locanda Cipriani and a look at the church. Take a watertaxi at least one way...speeding across the lagoon at full throttle is an experience not to be missed.

http://www.locandacipriani.com/english/english.htm

Murano and Burano are both lovely, but I found Torcello even more charming. You can hit all three in one day (or even in one afternoon). They are easily accessible by water bus, just a few minutes from Venice.

I meant to say, they are just a few minutes away from Venice.

All good advice above. Just another note, however. We were in Venice for for days last summer and still didn't even get to see everything we wanted to in Venice proper. So, you'll probably be surprised how much you can see in only Venice itself.

I was also going to suggest Verona. It's a beautiful town to explore.

If you want to relax at the beach for a few hours, Lido is just a short water-taxi ride from Venice.

Having just returned from Venice last Sunday I can make the following recommendation- buy a three day pass for the vaporetto waterbus. It costs 22 euros per person and is great value for money as you can travel anywhere in the lagoon and as often as you want. Apart from Venice itself we liked Burano and the Lido - both completely different from Venice.

Oops. My message should have read "for four (4) days.."

4 days are barely enough to see the major sights without bothering with a day trip.