We will have only one day in Venice. Arriving on a Saturday Am and then renting a car to Travel south next Morning. We would love to spend more time but we are committed to meeting up with family living in Abruzzo. Any suggestions about best schedules for such a brief visit.

The big attraction is St Marks square so it is packed during the day with day-trippers. If you can't get there very early, plan to go late afternoon and stay thru the evening ..explore the rest of the city by just roaming the back alleys. And a sunset gondola ride is very memorable!

Of course visit St Marks and the Piazza - but go either early or late to avoid the crowds. if you can, take a tripup the campanile for stunning views. Take a vaporetto the length of the Grand Canal. Get off at Salute and visit the church - as you're there on a Saturday you could try and time this for 4pm when there's a free organ recital - it's amazing being in the church with the organ in full voice. Then wander from Salute through to any of the vaporetto stops further along (Accademia, Ca'Rezzonico or San Toma) so that you see some of the uncrowded and loveliest areas.

This is like asking how to see New York City, etc, in one day.
Do you have to do it this trip?
Maybe seeing more local areas slowly and relaxed on the way south is more rewarding and return to Venice when you have at least 3 days. Hopefully not in the summer!
See and understand are 2 issues in travel.
Think about it and remember what VACATION means.
Please ENJOY Italy!
Relax!

Thanks for the suggestions, especially the timing of St Marks. A ride through the canal sounds great. Will plan on hearing the organ music, Sat evening in a church would be relaxing and beautiful. As for relaxing and coming back for 3 days....sounds great! But fact is, I have a plane that lands in Venice and I don't want to drive to Abruzzo on no sleep. So I have one day, even if it sounds uptight to delor, I plan to enjoy it all! Thanks to all.

Well it was a great day of walking around the rainy streets of Venice. The sun came out to make for a beautiful lunch atop the Hotel Danielli Terazzo Ristorante. St Marks Square was underwater but we enjoyed the sights, including the waiters at Cafe Florian in their Tuxedoes and hip wader boots!

I’m glad you enjoyed it. I love that attitude, you went there to have fun and you did.