Every late summer, the spotlight of world cinema turns to Venice. The Venice International Film Festival (27 August – 6 September 2025) is more than just a celebration of film—it’s a glamorous meeting point of culture, history, and timeless Italian style. For travellers from the UK, it’s also the perfect reason to visit Venice at one of its most atmospheric times, and to combine it with nearby treasures like Verona and Lake Como.

At One Extra Night Travel, we’ve seen how blending the excitement of the festival with the romance of Verona (possibly our favourite city in the whole of Italy!) and the tranquillity of Lake Como creates a journey that balances culture, relaxation, and effortless travel.

Getting There from the UK

Reaching northern Italy is remarkably straightforward. Direct flights to Venice Marco Polo Airport run daily from London, Manchester, Edinburgh, and other UK airports. Once you’ve arrived, Italy’s excellent train system makes it easy to move between cities: Venice to Verona in just over an hour (we did it - super easy!), and onwards to Lake Como in under two hours via Milan.

A well-paced trip usually spans 7–10 days, giving you time to savour each destination:

Days 1–3: Venice & the Film Festival
Days 4–5: Verona
Days 6–8: Lake Como
Optional Days 9–10: Milan before heading home

For those who prefer, we can also arrange private transfers or car hire, but the trains are comfortable, reliable, and often the fastest way to travel.

Venice – Film Festival Glamour and Timeless Canals

The Venice Film Festival brings an unmistakable buzz to the city. Held on the Lido di Venezia, it attracts stars, directors, and film lovers from around the world. Screenings are open to the public, so with a little planning, you can join the audience for world premieres or catch smaller gems away from the red carpet.

Beyond the festival, Venice’s highlights are endless:

St Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace for centuries of history.
The Rialto Bridge and its lively market.
A leisurely evening Vaporetto ride down the Grand Canal, often more enjoyable than a gondola for its views and atmosphere.
Quieter corners such as Cannaregio or Campo Santa Margherita, where Venetians gather.

Hotels in Venice:

Budget: Hotel Antiche Figure – affordable comfort with Grand Canal views, just across from Santa Lucia station.
Mid-range: Ca’ Pisani Hotel – stylish boutique in the artsy Dorsoduro district.
Luxury: The Gritti Palace – a historic Venetian palazzo offering indulgence right on the Grand Canal.

Insider tip: Venice’s busiest months are July and early August. By late August and early September, day-tripper crowds ease off, leaving you with a lively yet more comfortable city to explore.

Verona – Romance, Shakespeare & Opera

Only a short train ride from Venice, Verona is often thought of as a quick stop, but give it two nights and you’ll see why it deserves more. Known as the setting for Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, the city blends romance with history and a vibrant food and wine culture.

Top experiences include:

Visiting Juliet’s House and balcony.
Exploring Piazza delle Erbe, surrounded by frescoed palazzi.
An evening opera in the Roman Arena, one of Europe’s most atmospheric venues.
Day trips to the nearby Valpolicella wine region, with tastings of Amarone and Ripasso wines.

Hotels in Verona:

Budget: Hotel Bologna – comfortable, central, and welcoming.
Mid-range: Due Torri Hotel – boutique elegance steps away from Juliet’s House.
Luxury: Palazzo Victoria – a five-star property blending history with modern amenities.

Lake Como – Style, Scenery & Serenity

After Venice’s buzz and Verona’s romance, Lake Como provides a breathtaking contrast. Surrounded by dramatic mountains, dotted with villas, and lined with charming towns, it’s the definition of Italian refinement.

Things not to miss:

A boat trip from Bellagio or Varenna to explore lakeside villages.
Villa Carlotta with its gardens, or Villa del Balbianello, famous for film appearances in Casino Royale and Star Wars.
Lakeside hikes, or a funicular ride up to Brunate for sweeping views.
Relaxed dining by the water, from simple trattorias to Michelin-starred restaurants.

Hotels at Lake Como:

Budget: Albergo Terminus in Como town – good value and central.
Mid-range: Hotel Belvedere in Bellagio – lakeside charm with warm hospitality.
Luxury: Grand Hotel Tremezzo – an iconic five-star with floating pool and panoramic views.

Insider tip: The lake is busiest on weekends, especially with visitors from Milan. Plan boat rides or villa visits for weekdays, or head out early in the morning for a quieter experience.

Practical Tips for a Smooth Journey

Trains: Book Venice–Verona–Milan tickets in advance for the best fares. Validate paper tickets before boarding.
Dining: In Venice during festival week, reserve dinner spots ahead of time. In Verona and Lake Como, late reservations are easier but still recommended for weekends.
Weather: Late August into September brings warm, pleasant days without the intensity of high summer heat.
Flexibility: Choose refundable train tickets or tours—helpful if you decide to linger longer in one city.

At One Extra Night Travel, we make sure every detail is considered, from train times to hotel locations, so you spend your time enjoying northern Italy, not figuring out logistics.

Suggested 8-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Venice, evening Vaporetto ride on the Grand Canal.
Day 2: Venice Film Festival screening, explore Rialto and hidden squares.
Day 3: Doge’s Palace & St Mark’s Basilica, dinner in Cannaregio.
Day 4: Train to Verona, Juliet’s House & Piazza delle Erbe.
Day 5: Valpolicella wine tour or evening opera at the Arena.
Day 6: Train to Lake Como via Milan, settle into Bellagio or Varenna.
Day 7: Boat trip and villa visits, dinner by the lake.
Day 8: Morning hike or funicular ride, return via Milan to the UK.

Final Thoughts

The Venice Film Festival is the perfect spark for a trip that combines world-class cinema with the culture, romance, and beauty of northern Italy. With Venice, Verona, and Lake Como so well connected, you can enjoy each destination without feeling rushed.

Whether you’re walking the red carpet, toasting with Amarone in Verona, or watching the sun set over Lake Como, One Extra Night Travel can help you create the journey that suits you best.

Venice Film Festival 2025 & Northern Italy Travel Guide