Venice swept us off our feet—figuratively and literally. If you’re planning a short stay in this magical floating city, here’s our family-tested 2-day itinerary that mixes iconic landmarks, hands-on experiences, and plenty of gelato stops to keep kids happy (and parents sane).
Arrival Day
Transfer from Airport
We booked a private water taxi through Consorzio Motoscafi and loved the direct ride to our apartment—such a magical way to arrive in Venice!
📍 Where We Stayed
We booked a charming Venice apartment on VRBO tucked into a hidden alley, with windows overlooking the canals. It was quiet, spacious, and central—ideal with kids and luggage.
🍕 Quick Lunch at Farini
Perfect for tired travelers. We grabbed focaccia and slices of pizza—easy, fast, and flavorful.
🚤 First Vaporetto Adventure
The vaporetto (water bus) system is Venice’s main public transit. We bought ACTV travel cards at home and activated them on arrival, however it is easy to buy on site as well. Our ride to Murano was smooth and scenic.
🛶 Vaporetto Tip
Buy the ACTV Vaporetto 48-hour pass if you’ll be riding more than once a day — it’s the most economical and convenient way to explore Venice. You can purchase it:
Online at Venezia Unica (credit card required) At automated machines or ticket counters near main Vaporetto stops (like Piazzale Roma or Ferrovia Santa Lucia train station)
💳 To get the physical pass:
If you buy online, you’ll receive a confirmation with a PNR code. At the airport or Vaporetto station, scan this code at a self-service ticket machine or give it to a ticket agent to print your actual card.
🕓 Activation:
The 48-hour countdown starts when you first scan the pass at a boarding dock, not when you buy or print it. Just tap the card at the white validator before boarding each time — look for the beep and green light.
🧿 Murano Glass Workshop
We booked a jewelry-making class at Ferro Toso. While our pieces cooled, we wandered the island, shopped for glass souvenirs, and of course—had Murano gelato.
🌉 Rialto Bridge Stop
Before crashing for the night, we made a quick detour to see the famous Rialto Bridge lit up at dusk. Beautiful!
Day 2: Exploring the Heart of Venice
Morning Café + Canal Views
We started with cappuccinos and pastries at a café near our apartment. Venice mornings are magic.
⛵ Row Venice Lesson
Our girls loved this! We did a 90-minute Row Venice lesson, learning traditional Venetian rowing techniques. Educational, fun, and something totally different.
🍟 McFries Stop
Yes, we swung by McDonald’s so the girls could try the fries and compare them to home.
🍽️ Lunch at Trattoria Le Colonete
We shared an enormous T-bone steak cooked tableside—a hit with everyone.
🕍 Private Tour with Stefania Colecchia
We booked a 2.5-hour private tour of St. Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace, and the Bridge of Sighs with Stefania (+39 347 435 1222). Chris and Maddie were in history heaven, and Stefania kept Paige and Olivia engaged the whole way.
🍨 Gelato at Venchi
One of our all-time favorites in Italy!
👉 Check out our full Best Gelato in Italy post for rankings!
🎵 Gondola Ride + Pizza Window Dinner
We wrapped the night with a gondola ride, then grabbed slices from a pizza window near the water. Simple, delicious, and such a vibe.
Leaving for Florence
We caught the Frecciarossa train from Venice to Florence, grabbing a quick breakfast at the station coffee shop.
➡️ Tip: Book your train tickets ahead through Trenitalia or Italo. Choose reserved seats if traveling with kids.
Final Thoughts
From jet lagged arrivals to gondola rides under the stars, Venice was an unforgettable start to our Italy adventure. The pace was perfect for two days — enough time to explore iconic landmarks, enjoy hands-on experiences, and sneak in plenty of gelato.
🍨 Speaking of gelato — if you’re curious about our absolute favorites across Italy, check out our family-tested gelato rankings. Spoiler: we found some incredible scoops right here in Murano and near the Rialto Bridge.
💬 Planning your own trip? Leave a comment or message — happy to share more info on anything we booked or did!
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