Hello!
My parents are heading to Venice for four days and, while there, they're keen to take a day trip to Lake Garda and Verona. So, first off, is this possible in one day? And, if so, could anyone suggest a possible itinerary??
Thank you!

A daytrip to Verona is very easy from Venice. To include Lake Garda in the same daytrip would be more challenging, giving little time to either one.

Verona is accessible from Venice by frequent trains and the trip takes 60-90 minutes. Lake Garda is beyond Verona and usually accessed from Verona via bus. If one were to attempt to combine the two in one day, ac ar would be ideal. Me? I'd stick to one or the other, probably Verona since it's closer and easier to reach.

There's plenty to see in Verona: the intact Roman arena, the castle museum, A few good churches, good shopping and strolling, very different food from Venice including lots of wine bars.

" a car would be ideal"

You might let them know that, with only 4 days in Venice, they will be lucky to see all the wonderful sights there let alone take day trips.

My thought is as Rufus above, with 4 days only, you couldn't drag me out of Venice proper! There's just too much to experience there. If they are set on seeing these other places, any way they can add a couple more days to the trip?

Yeah, I thought that might be the general reaction! Unfortunately, they can't extend their trip and I think they're looking upon this as probably their last opportunity to visit the region and so are keen to pack it all in! Well, I might try and convince them to reduce it at least to just Verona...
Thanks for the info.

I'm sorry but I do not think you should necessarily disssuade them from their day trip.

There are a lot of "wonderful" things in Venice that some people could care less about...what's great for some is boring to someone else.

It's their trip..let them enjoy it as they wish.

Intrepid--we weren't demanding that they not take day trips. Of course it's their trip and they can do what they wish with their time and money. I was just pointing out that there is a lot to see and do in Venice, and that 4 days aren't too many to spend in the city.

I read your replies aloud to my parents last night and, having no experience of the Internet, they found the idea of strangers discussing whether or not they should take this particular day trip hilarious! You made their day. Anyhoo, they have decided to venture to Verona for one day, but no further.
Thanks again!

While I would love to stay in Venice for many more than four days, I totally understand another's desire for a change of scene.

Perhaps Venice seems crowded and touristy so they want a day without the masses.

Perhaps they have limited time in Italy, so they want a taste of another place, a more real Italy. No place else in the world is like Venice--even in Italy.

Perhaps they've tired of many similar meals--Venetian cuisine is very specific--and want a change of menu for a day.

Perhaps two days of wandering alleys is adequate. We've all read enough trip reports where the OP states, "Two days in Venice is enough." While I don't understand the attitude, I don't condemn it. I'd have a hard time sitting on a beach for two days without getting bored.

Whatever the reason, I still recommend that your parents stick with Verona for the day. It is just the right distance away to make for a pleasant day trip. Unless your parents are staying right by the train station in Venice, it will take some time for them to get to the station and then make the trip to Verona. They might spend two hours total traveling in each direction. Adding Lake Garda might add an hour or two more, to the closest area of the lake which is the least scenic.

I think it's great you shared Fodors with your parents. And that we were able to answer the question that yes it's certainly possible to get to Verona for the day.