xgapeach1

Can anyone suggest "things not to miss" during our drives? Food, sights, shops, etc.?:

Venice to Verona

Verona to Bellagio/Lake Como

Lake Como to Milan

PalenQ

Venice to Verona

Padua is not that great as a town IMO but has some great churches and church art

West of Verona is Lake Garda - to me a great stop - hop a boat around the lake and hit Sirmione's Roman ruins

TuckH

Autostrada Venice to Verona: You'll pass Padua and Vicenza - both worthy of a visit (but not a hasty one).

Autostrada Verona to Bellagio/Lake Como: You'll pass Brescia and Bergamo - the latter is worthy of a visit (but not a hasty one). Exit the autostrada at Bergamo and taake the S342 to Como to avoid the traffic jams around Milan.

Autostrada Lake Como to Milan: No sights to see - you'll probably encounter traffic jams around Milan.

P.S. Lake Garda is not worth a stop IMO especially since you're on your way to Lake Como...

PalenQ

Vincenza IMO is a fine fine old town - known for its Palladian architecture (if i member right) - nicer town than Padua IMO.

SuQue

I highly recommend spending a day in Vicenza between Venice and Verona. Verona and Vicenza are both lovely cities.