I suggest this place http://www.valcampotto.it/

Somewhere in the middle of

Ravenna, Bologna, Ferrara, Faenza and yet surrounded by nature in an agritorismo

Consider the Dolomiti. The are unique, they are spectacular -- but they do involve mountain driving. Even in mid-June, they will be attracting flocks of tourists, so if you want a break from that after Venice, then the best I can say is to head for the Alta Badia -- far less touristic.

If you could car less about spectacular mountain scenery, then the region "missing" from your consideration is Friuli-Venezia-Giulia. It's a lovely combination of outstanding history and outstanding food and wine, all of it very easily traversed by car. One of the best guides to the region I have ever seen was on Fodor's, from the celebrity chef (and F-V-G native), Lidia Bastianich:

http://www.fodors.com/news/story_2870.html

If heat bothers you, heading up to higher elevations will be cooler than hanging around the Emilia-Romagna. So Asolo is a great choice.

So is Emilia-Romagna itself.

Just remember that when the heat kicks in, many small Italian towns really do go into "sleep mode" in the middle of the day. Because of the mid-day "pausa", I find it easier to road trip through rural Italy in the warm weather months. If you pick a "base" mode of travel, try to time your visits to your target towns you most want to enjoy for very early in the morning or later in the afternoon, after 4pm. In mid-June, you won't run out of daylight until nearly 9pm, so you have plenty of time to visit a town and drive back to your "base" for dinner if you arrive in your sightseeing destination at 3.30.

We spent a week in Bologna last April ...loved it.

Thanks to all of you for your responses. Keep the ideas coming. I like the idea of the Dolomites and also Fruili.

I had thought about going to Cortina d'Amprezzo, but I am concerned that it might be TOO cool there in late June. I don't mind mountain driving.

I will look into Fruili-Venezia-Giulia. Can you suggest a town in Fruili that would make a good base?

In Friuli, I stayed at this agriturismo near Udine two years ago, and loved it so much that I'm going back there again this year:

http://www.faula.com/

From there, it's easy to do day trips by car to Udine (very nice city), Cividale del Friuli (beautiful small town with stunning works of 8th century art in its small museum and temple), and Aquileia, where the basilica's 4th century mosaic floor is one of the most spectacular sights I've seen in Italy.

Thank you for the information Friuli and the link to Faula.

I am now thinking of venturing further and heading to southern Tuscany instead. I've always wanted to stay in Montepulciano.

We spent 3 days in Asolo and had a fabulous time touring the area. On the same trip we also spent 3 days in Cormmons and LOVED it. Gorgeous scenery, friendly people, fabulous food, very few tourists. What more could you ask for! HIGHLY recommend either of these locations!

Thanks ekc. Where did you stay in Cormons?

It is murder trying to decide with so many great choices. Thanks.

I stayed at La Subida in Cormons and would go back tomorrow and live there if they would keep feeding me -- and they would!

If you've always wanted to stay in Montepulciano, that is in the opposite direction of Cormons.

But that's a long drive from Venice. I'd probably take the train to Chiusi and pick up the car there. Do you need to go all the way back to Venice to fly out?

We stayed in Bologna several years ago and had a great time. We took a one day food tour that took us on a tour to where Prosciutto, Balsamic Vinegar, and Cheese were made. Great lunch at the end out in the countryside. Tour was fairly small...not your 30+ buses.

golden autumn, tell me more about La Subida. Is is a good place for doing day trips to other towns? I've looked at the website and it is a little confusing when it comes to room types. What was your room/cabin like? Some look very modern. Are they air conditioned?

We would be returning to Venice to fly home. Tuscany might have to wait for another trip.

Thanks again.

Bringing this back up in the hopes golden autumn might see it comment on La Subida. Anyone else who experience staying at La Subida or anything else for that matter is welcome to chime in!

Yikes...
...might see it and comment...
Anyone else who has experienced...