Dreaming of visiting Venice while keeping an eye on your carbon footprint? We did just that!
The best way to get to Venice is by traveling with European Sleeper, which runs twice a week in February and March 2025 and provides a romantic and sustainable way to start your Italian adventure.
When we went in February 2024, the European Sleeper did not yet go to Venice… so we switched trains in Paris and Milan. The journey takes a full day, but I filled it with work, reading, and admiring the Alps and countryside views making a perfect blend of productivity and relaxation.
Venice in February can be surprisingly calm and less crowded. Despite some cold and foggy days, we enjoyed plenty of sunshine, making our visit magical.
Day 1: Arrival and stroll in the neighborhood
We arrived in Venice by train from Bassano del Grappa and were treated to an amazing view straight from the moment we left the train station.
While sitting on the train to Venice, we booked a last-minute promo at the Canal Grande Hotel for just 100 euros per night. We’ve found that waiting until after 16:00 on the day of arrival to book can yield great deals by checking prices on Google.
Just randomly strolling around in Venice is probably the best way to enjoy the architecture and views. We started the evening with an Aperol and aperitivo in Arcicchetti Bakaro and went for a restaurant after since it was a little too cold to stay outside all evening.
Day 2: Exploring Murano and Burano
Our second day started with breakfast on the little terrace of the hotel overlooking the Canal Grande.
Just after we left on a hotel-organized visit to a glass workshop on Murano Island. We were picked up by a taxi boat right at the hotel, adding a touch of luxury to our morning. Watching glass artisans in action brought the island’s rich history to life. This visit and boat ride was totally free, but of course they like it if you buy a souvenir… but to be honest, we did not see any glass work that we liked and could easily transport home, and the workshop did not mind either so it seemed.
From Murano, we took a bus boat to Burano, known for its colorful houses and charming streets. Lunch at Osteria Cicchetteria de Gigetto was a delightful experience. We highly recommend getting a multi-day boat pass, which made hopping between islands convenient and cost-effective.
Day 3: Doge’s Palace, San Marco, and San Giorgio Maggiore
Before breakfast I started with an early morning run in the completely desolated narrow streets of Venice. For anyone capable of getting out of bed early, it gives such a curious and different view to the city life if you get to see the locals at 6 or 7am.
We visited the Doge’s Palace at San Marco in the morning. Make sure to reserve your tickets in advance. The grandeur of the palace was absolutely worth queuing.
Afterward, we enjoyed lunch on the terrace of Ombra del Leone, with plenty of sunshine and views of Canal Grande.
The afternoon was spent visiting San Giorgio Maggiore, where we climbed the tower for breathtaking panoramic views of Venice. The contrast between the busy San Marco and the tranquil San Giorgio was certainly a highlight of our trip.
Dining Highlights
Since good food makes a good mood:
- Il Refettorio: For an Italian dinner experience, reservations are a must.
- Ombra del Leone: Perfect for its terrace with a view of the Canal Grande, offering good food at reasonable prices.
- Arcicchetti Bakaro: A bar with delightful aperitivo food — an absolute must-visit!
Traveling by train allowed us to enjoy Venice’s charm in line with our personal travel habits. The boat rides, less crowded streets, and cultural depth of Venice in the off-season made our trip extraordinary. For couples looking to combine romance and sustainability, we highly recommend this Venetian itinerary.
Carbon Conscious Travel 