Venice in July

Last summer we stayed at the Hotel Opera (what a really great discovery this was) and tried out some of the tours of Venice and surrounds.

So if you are looking for things to do in Venice in July or August, that'll maximise your enjoyment while saving you from hot and frustrating hours in long lines, then read on...

Avoid the Lines: Venice in One Day

When you arrive in St Mark's Square on a summer's morning and the crowds are like those in the video then, should you want to see the main attractions, you know that most of your day will be spent standing in line.

For that reason, if you are visiting Venice in summer, then this really is THE must-do tour of Venice.

It takes in all the most fabulous spots of the city in a tour that combines a boat trip and a walking tour. You'll get to see all of the major attractions I include in my “six essential sites of Venice” list and a number of the less well known ones too.

Of the most important the tour includes: San Marco Square, the Rialto Bridge, the Doges Palace, a boat ride down the Grand Canal and St.Mark's Basilica's, where you'll simply enter without paying (entrance is included in the tour price) and without having to spend literally hours in a long line.

For prices, booking information and more details click here.

Murano and Burano

On a hot sweltering day what could be better than taking to the water and heading out to Murano & Burano.

In Murano you'll watch the glass-blowers creating their magic - truly unforgettable! Of course there are the stores where you can buy the finished product too.

Once you have enjoyed Murano then it is to picturesque Burano you'll go.

Here the colorful fishermen's cottages seem to sparkle in the bright July sunshine reflected off the canals. Burano is famous for lace and the lace museum is a must. You'll also have the chance to buy some of this superb lace too.

Discover all the details here.

Asolo and Bassano del Grappa

When the heat and humidity gets to be too much follow the example of Venetians from centuries past. Head up to the cooler and cleaner air of the Veneto's mountain towns.

This day trip takes in some fabulous places including Asolo (read more here), which is considered one of Italy's loveliest villages, and Bassano del Grappa. The wooden bridge in Bassano del Grappa is absolutely amazing, in fact everything about Bassano del Grappa is to love.

I nearly forgot...what would a Veneto trip be without a visit to a Palladian villa? Lacking that's for sure and the good news is that this tour includes such a visit to one of the Veneto's loveliest.

For more on the tour click here.