A Journey from Florence to Venice: High-Speed Adventures and Hidden Gems

A Journey from Florence to Venice: High-Speed Adventures and Hidden Gems

Traveling from Florence to Venice is a quintessential Italian experience. While the high-speed Italo train offers a fast and scenic way to connect these two iconic cities, Venice’s allure lies in its unique mix of famous landmarks and offbeat treasures. Along the way, you’ll encounter both the predictable beauty of Italy’s famed architecture and the unpredictability of its transportation system. This guide highlights both the must-sees and lesser-known activities in Venice to ensure your journey is truly unforgettable.

From Florence to Venice on the Italo Train

Your adventure begins at Florence’s Santa Maria Novella Station, where Italo trains depart for Venice. Known for their speed and comfort, Italo trains make the journey in just over two hours. Recline in ergonomic seats, enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi, and take in stunning views of Tuscany and Veneto as they rush past your window.

Pro tip: Grab a quick espresso and pastry before boarding—it’s the perfect start to your day.

As the train pulls into Venezia Santa Lucia Station, the magic of Venice unfolds before your eyes. There’s nothing like stepping out into a world without cars, where canals replace streets and water taxis, gondolas, and vaporetti are the norm.

Must-See Highlights in Venice

St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco)

No visit to Venice is complete without spending time in its most famous square.

St. Mark’s Basilica: A masterpiece of Byzantine architecture, its gilded mosaics and ornate facade are breathtaking.

Doge’s Palace: This Gothic marvel, once home to Venetian rulers, features art-filled rooms and the iconic Bridge of Sighs.

Campanile di San Marco: Climb to the top for panoramic views of the city and lagoon.

Island Escape: JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa

For a luxurious retreat, head to Isola delle Rose, home to the JW Marriott. This private island offers a tranquil escape with top-tier amenities, landscaped gardens, and breathtaking views of Venice. The hotel’s private water taxi provides convenient access to St. Mark’s Square while adding a touch of exclusivity to your stay. https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/vcejw-jw-marriott-venice-resort-and-spa/photos/

Hidden Gems and Unusual Spots

To go beyond the typical tourist trail, explore these lesser-known Venice experiences:

Unique Sights and Experiences

Libreria Acqua Alta: A quirky bookstore where books are stored in bathtubs and

Gondolas to protect them from flooding.

Don’t miss the staircase made of books!

San Giorgio Maggiore Bell Tower: Skip the crowds at St. Mark’s Campanile for stunning, crowd-free views.

Scala Contarini del Bovolo: Discover this elegant spiral staircase tucked in a quiet courtyard.

The Jewish Ghetto: Visit this historic area to explore beautiful synagogues and learn about Venice’s Jewish history.

Island of San Francesco del Deserto: A serene island with a tranquil monastery—perfect for a peaceful getaway.

Cultural Treasures

Visit a Gondola Workshop: See gondolas handcrafted at Squero di San Trovaso, one of Venice’s last remaining boatyards.

Attend a Vivaldi Concert: Enjoy baroque music in historic venues like the Chiesa di San Vidal.

Explore Ca’ d’Oro: This lesser-known palace houses stunning architecture and an impressive art collection.

Foodie Adventures

Cicchetti Crawl in Cannaregio: Sample Venetian tapas and local wines in this quiet, authentic neighborhood.

Venetian Lagoon Honey Tasting: Discover the unique flavors of honey produced on the lagoon’s agricultural islands.

Dine at a Secret Osteria: Seek out hidden gems like Osteria Al Mascaron for a cozy, traditional meal.

Water Adventures

Row Like a Venetian: Learn the art of rowing a gondola with Row Venice.

Kayak Through the Canals: Explore Venice’s waterways from a new perspective.

Offbeat Islands

Torcello: Visit this peaceful island for Byzantine churches and a quiet atmosphere.

Sant’Erasmo: Known as Venice’s garden, this island offers lush landscapes and local produce.

Lazzaretto Nuovo: Explore a former quarantine station turned museum, rich with history.

Quirky Adventures

Hidden Lions: Spot lion sculptures throughout Venice, symbols of its patron saint, St. Mark.

Abandoned Palaces: Visit forgotten gems like Palazzo Mocenigo for a glimpse into Venice’s faded grandeur.

Hidden Gardens: Relax in lush retreats like the Giardini Reali or Palazzo Nani Bernardo.

Secret Itineraries at the Doge’s Palace: Explore hidden passageways and prisons not on the regular tour.

A Return with a Twist

After a day of exploring, it’s time to return to Florence. However, we encountered a common Italian travel hiccup—a strike by one of the high-speed train systems. While such strikes (scioperi) are a hallmark of Italy’s unpredictable transport scene, we were fortunate to have booked with Italo, which was unaffected by the disruption.

Travel Tips for Strikes

• Stay Informed: Monitor train schedules on apps or operator websites.

• Have a Plan B: Know alternate routes or options like buses and rentals.

• Be Flexible: Consider staying an extra night if necessary.

• Choose Reliable Operators: Italo often operates during strikes, making it a safer bet.

  
  

Final Thoughts

Traveling from Florence to Venice offers a captivating blend of culture, history, and adventure. While landmarks like St. Mark’s Basilica and the JW Marriott's private island provide awe-inspiring experiences, exploring Venice’s hidden gems and unique activities will make your trip truly unforgettable.

And remember, while Italy’s charm includes the occasional challenge, like a transit strike, a little preparation ensures your journey will be just as magical as the destination.

What hidden gem in Venice excites you the most? Let me know in the comments, and let’s start planning your dream itinerary!