I love that motto! And normally I don't care. I think Bologna may win, it's a reasonable train ride. And I've always wanted to see it. I have 1 3/4 the days and probably enough to wet my whistle for another trip!
Thanks all!!!
So many great places so little time.......

neckervd - correct but not geografically so.

From Milan to Bologna I would agree but some may want to stop at Reggio Emilia at the amazing station of MedioPadana.

But from Bologna to Venice tere are the more interesting stops of Ferrara and Padova (Padua).