Burano is the colourful fishing island in the northern lagoon, the canonical day trip for risotto di go (lagoon goby) and Burano biscuits at Trattoria al Gatto Nero.
Tip: Book Al Gatto Nero two weeks ahead. Vaporetto 12 from Fondamente Nove. Combine with Torcello (next stop on 12).
Torcello is the silent first-settled lagoon island, the canonical Hemingway day trip for Locanda Cipriani's garden lunch since 1934 and the Byzantine basilica.
Tip: Locanda Cipriani closed Tuesdays and January. Vaporetto 12 from Fondamente Nove. Pair with the 7th-century cathedral.
Mazzorbo is the next-door island to Burano in the northern lagoon, the canonical wine-resort day trip for Venissa's 1-star Michelin restaurant and Dorona-grape vineyard.
Tip: Venissa closed Mondays and seasonally in winter. Book four weeks ahead. The vineyard tour is included with lunch.
Padua is the canonical Veneto food day trip from Venice, the home of Aperol (created in Padua in 1919), Caffè Pedrocchi since 1831 and the Piazza delle Erbe morning markets.
Tip: Pedrocchi opens 08:00. Combine with the Scrovegni Chapel (Giotto frescoes); book chapel slot ahead. Markets in Piazza delle Erbe weekday mornings.
Treviso is the canonical Veneto food day trip for radicchio season, with the tiramisu invented at Le Beccherie in 1972 and the canal-side fish market on Saturdays.
Tip: Best in late autumn for radicchio season (November to January). Le Beccherie still serves the original tiramisu; book a week ahead.
Verona is the food day trip for Veneto reds, with the Valpolicella wineries 30 minutes north and risotto all'Amarone at trattorias like Bottega del Vino.
Tip: Best for the Amarone wineries; Allegrini and Quintarelli need pre-booking. Train tickets EUR 25 each way; book Italo for cheaper fares.
Vicenza is the canonical food day trip for baccala alla vicentina, the Veneto's famous salt-cod-and-milk dish, served at trattorias certified by the Confraternita del Bacala alla Vicentina.
Tip: Look for the Confraternita del Bacala badge on the door; the brotherhood certifies trattorias that follow the historic recipe. Remo Villa Cariolato in the eastern outskirts is a well-regarded option.