We are leaving for Venice in two weeks and are trying to put together a broad itinerary. We'll be there for four full days and would love to get some input. We're staying at the Foscari Palace (across from Rialto Market) and definitely are interested in seeing as much of the history of Venice as possible during our time there but we also of course want to just allow for some time to get lost among the streets of Venice! Anyone have ideas for where to start for a very basic itenerary?

I'll be interested in the replies to this thread, as we are heading to Venice in August.

Well the place to start is by reading a guide book so you'll have an idea of everything Venice has to offer. My suggestions are:

Basilica
Doges Palace (including Secret Itinerary tour)
Ca' Rezzonico (one of my favorites)
Ca' D'Oro
Torcello (don't miss the church there)
Burano for the colorful houses
Murano for the glass and museum
Miracoli church
Vaporetto ride on the grand canal between Rialto and St. Mark's
San Rocco

With 4 days I would do a half day in Padua for the Scrovegni Chapel, painted by Giotto. You must book this ahead.

Again, I can't stress the importance of reading at least 1 guidebook as you may find other things of interest to you that are not recommended here. And a good guidebook will give you the history of Venice.

I don't think that 4 days gives you enough time in Venice for a daytrip somewhere else. We spent 4-1/2 days there on our first visit and didn't even have time for any of the smaller lagoon islands or the Guggenheim or Accademia musuems!

I suggest the Access guidebook. It breaks down each area with maps and information on places to eat, stay and sights to visit. Very easy to use and covers enough to keep you busy for 4 days.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Venice-Flore.../dp/0062772880

Enjoy your visit!

adrienne has a good list started. Also consider these:

-Church of the Frari (worth it alone for Titian's "Assumption of the Virgin" behind the altar)
-Galleria dell'Accademia (Venice's main art museum)
-Peggy Guggenheim Collection (an excellent moderate-sized collection of early 20th century paintings)
-Correr Civic Museum (a museum of Venice's history right in St. Mark's Square)

And yes, do wander! The city itself is wonderful to walk, and getting lost is (believe it or not) lots of fun here.

All very good suggestions so far.
A few more more:
1) Take the vaporetto to San Giorgio Maggiori, go to the top of it's campanile for a great look back at Venice, the Dodge's Palace, and Piazza San Marco.
2) Take the vaporetto to Lido and notice the difference between it and Venice (hints: more trees, plants, streets with cars). Then head back to Venice seating in the front seats of the vaporetto and be on the lookout for the spectacular view of coming into Venice's Grand Canal with San Giorgio Maggiori on your left and San Marco on your right.
3) Wake up early one day (Mon-Sat) at 8AM and head for the markets right behind the Rialto Bridge and see all the activity of the locals buying fresh fruits, vegtables, and seafood. Buy some goodies for yourself and realize that you've just shopped at a market that's been doing business since the 11th century AD.

--gatorbill

wow these are all great suggestions! Thank you all so much for your replies!