Burano & Torcello
 

Hi Everyone - I will have 2 1/2 days in Venice and am not sure if I will have enough time to fit in Burano & Torcello. My first day will be devoted to St. Mark's, the next day I am going to explore Venice itself, and then the final day I have to catch a train at 5:35. I was thinking of doing Burano & Torcello on my last day, but not sure if I can squeeze this in based on my train time. If I don't do the islands on my last day, I will just spend more time exploring Venice proper. What do you think? As always, thank you!!

Imavolio - You might be able to fit Burano and Trocello in on that last day but it would be a tight squeeze with a 5:35 departure. I would skip these islands and spend the time wandering Venice, which is the best activity when you are there. Although there is a lot to do in St. Marks I don't think you will spend the full day there and should be able to get out into Venice some on that day as well. If I had the choice of visiting the outer islands or wandering through the neighborhoods of Venice I would choose the later. Have a great time. Jackie

Hi ima,

It shouldn't take an entire day to visit San Marco.

Why not use the afternoon for wandering the city, the second day for Murano and Torcello (again, not a full day) and the 3rd day for wandering.

Well, I should say I will have probably a total of 2 days of sight seeing spread over 3 days. I arrive by plane into Venice on my first day 10AM. By the time I check into the hotel and get settled, etc. - I don't imagine I would even get to St. Mark's before 1PM....So that kills half of my first day. Venice exploring the next day...Hence my dilemma! I do agree with the comments above though - if I can't fit it in, I'm sure I'll still have a wonderful time continuing to wander around in Venice. Thanks!!

You won't have time for Burano and Torcellow unless you skip a lot. In fact, with just 2-1/2 days you won't have time to see all the must sees, let alone have wandering around time.

I just got back today and I must say I would not waste my time with the islands! San Marco - 10 minutes as a tourist trap but a must see. Spend time is Dusoduro and San Paolo!

How are Basilica San Marco, the Palace of the Doges, and the other sights around Piazza San Marco a tourist trap and what does "10 minutes" refer to?

We just went to Venice in May and had 2 1/2 days and 3 nights. We spent maybe 5 hours touring Murano, Burano and Torcello. They are small islands and the ride out there is relaxing and not that long. I actually think it was well worth it. The islands are very unique and we are glad we went. But, it depends on what is on your "must see" list for Venice. I will never forget the beauty of the islands. I am sure you will have a good trip with or without the islands!

After 3 visits to Venice the sights that stand out for me (apart from St. Mark's Basilica and the Doges Palace) are:

- Torcello and the fabulous cathedral
- Ca Rezzonico Museum (Tiepolo frescoes)
- Colorful houses on Burano (only 5 minutes from Torcello)
- Santa Maria Miracoli church (small, beautiful, off the beaten track)
- Gondola ride

After an extensive list of "must see" places, many of which included museums, etc. I decided to scratch a lot of it in favor of just wandering around and exploring the city. With only 2 days, I'd rather do that than be couped up inside museums - especially since I am going to Florence next and will be seeing a lot of art there. I hope I am making the right decision, but yes, my plan is to explore San Polo and Dorsoduro, maybe popping into Carnareggio & Castello. But, my must see's are really only St. Mark's, Santa Maria dei Frari, Santa Maria Miracoli, La Salute & the market around the Rialto Bridge. And, most of these places I plan to see while wandering...I really would love to make it to Torcello & Burano, but still unsure...

Skip them. Your time is too short and there are plenty of more attractive things to see.