This year we are thinking about spending a week in Padua and surroundings. Our initial idea is to rent a self catering apartment in Padua, then use trains and buses to go to Venice, Ravenna, Bassano, Vicenza -mostly to see art. We budgeted a week because where some folks have seen three towns in a day-we can spend hours in front of just one painting. I just read through most of the postings from those who have done similar trips and am disappointed to see that folks didn't love Padua. Is there a better base for this week? We zeroed in on Padua because it seemed central and weekly rentals and hotels seemed cheaper than the other towns-but it also sounded lovely. Is there a better option? We decided not to rent a car this year because on the last couple trips, we enjoyed bussing a lot more than driving and don't want parking hassles.(I really dislike Italian roads also.) Does anyone have suggestions- of places to stay? While we have listings of every artwork in the region- I also intend to do some shopping! Does anyone have suggestions on handicraft outlets-pottery, local items? Also- can anyone point me to a listing of when and where the local markets are in that area?
Oops-also- I am lobbying to go to Venice at least once via the Brenta canal boat trip. Is it worth the cost?

I do not dislike Padua, but I think Verona is a little more interesting, and probably just as convenient to the other towns you mention. Ravenna is the furthest and will take the longest to get to.

Bassano is a good place for pottery; it's not so much the folk-art type of pottery but a little more sophisticated. Another excellent buy in Bassano is dried porcini mushrooms. A restaurant that I found very good in Bassano is Da Tiziano al Sole. Also, from Bassano you can try to get to the Villa Barbaro; I did it on a Sunday and would have been stuck in Maser if I could not have hitched a ride back to Bassano with a British tour group.

A good restaurant in Verona is La Greppia, near the Piazza delle Erbe.

I've never taken the Brenta Canal boat; it seemed to me that you did not see enough from it. If you want to do a tour of Palladian villas, try to find a private driver/guide. Many years ago, I went with a gentleman called Dal Pra; he and his wife owned a B&B on a hill above Vicenza.

Finally, unless you already know Venice very well, I would urge you not to limit your visit there to the end of a day after the Brenta Canal trip, if you take it. It deserves, particularly if you want to see art, at least three or four days, preferably a week - and you still won't be able to see everything.

I'm afraid I know nothing of the market days. The Piazza delle Erbe market in Verona functions every day except Sunday, and so does the Rialto market in Venice.

Thanks!-Especially the tip about Villa Barbaro- seems like we better do it on Tuesday when there are more buses. Also had not thought about hiring a driver for the Palladio-seems like they are spread a bit and if someone else is driving we won't have to be so concerned about traffic signs and parking. We have been to Venice multiple times- but there is always more to see!

I haven't been to Padua, but my "Italian" daughter who has been there and to Verona thinks Padua is absolutely fantastic.

As Artlover's daughter, I love Padua too and never understand why so many people do not. I certainly like Verona but I prefer Padua.

Any favorite haunts - food or lodging recommendations- for another couple of art lovers?

LoveItaly -- my parents introduced us to Padua a few years back, and when my MIL turned 75 my husband and I took her to Padua -- we all love Padua. In fact, my MIL is hinting that she wants to go back.

We always stay at the Donatello, right across from St. Anthony's. The hotel is great and the people that run it are so friendly and helpful.

We will be in Venice this summer, and hope to take a day to drop in to Padua for a quick fix. If only the flea market would be open when we are there. It is our favorite.

Italyagain -- We always have dinner at a terrific restaurant, the name of which escapes me, but I'll have my mother post the name and address. My parents get a Christmas card every year from the owner. He is charming and the food is delicious. My MIL loved it too.

I think my post came across as though I am Artlovers daughter (just reread my post). I meant that I too love Padua as Artlovers daughter did. Sorry for the confusion. My apologies Artlover. Hope we can share a dinner and wine again some time. Happy 2006 to you two!

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Hi Tries2PakLite (love your screen name!)

I have been fortunate as a good friend of mine in the region of Veneto went to University in Padua so you can imagine how much fun it has been to be there with her. I sure understand your MIL liking this city so much, and isn't it easy to walk around Padua? I am always amazed how huge the Basilica di Sant' Antonio is!! The marketplace on the Piazza della Erbe is fantastic. I haven't been to the flea market in Padua, do you remember where that is held? Italyagain, enjoy your time in Padua..know you will.

Italyagain,

I am Tries2PakLite's Mom. Padua is probably my favorite Italian City. The best market is held on Saturday in the Prato de Valle. It is huge and where most of the local people actually do their shopping. You can get anything from dish towels to brass,loads of shoes, handbags, scarves, and sweaters. They are not Prada or Ferragamo, just typical Italian fare. Last year I got a great white quilted jacket for 10 Euros! Saint Anthony's Basicllica is beautiful, but so is the Church of St Guistina where St. Luke is buried. At least his body. It seems that his head is in Prague and a rib somewhere in the Middle East. The Scrovegni (spelling?) Chapel is a must. It has early Giotto Frescoes that are wonderful. We took the Brenta Canal tour and thought it worth the price. You can do it either starting in Venice or in Padua. It is a long day, and while you do not see a lot of Palladian Villas, the three you see are fantastic and the guide provided excellent. It gives you a real feel of what these villas were originally used for, summer retreats. The largest was actually bought by Napoleon, not, as the guide pointed out, acquired. I would not try to combine this with the trip to Venice as the tour took us almost twelve hours.
Lastly, the restaurant that we love is called Antica Trattoria Dei Paccanella. It is on the Via Del Santo, 113, Tel. (049) 8750549. The owner's name is Cesare and he is chaming, speaks perfect English and is very helpful. It is not a fancy place, but the food is good, the price reasonable and the ambience typically Italian. It is closed one night during the week, I can't remember which one, but when it is closed and shuttered you would not know it is there. The name is on one of the posts of the arcade that runs along the Via del Santo on the right hand side as you walk away from the Basilica.
One more thing, there are also some nice shops along the same arcade as there are near the Place del Erbe. Padua has the charm of the old cities, but it is a University town and therefore is also a thriving community, not just a relic of former days.

Where is the Prato de Valle? Actually in Padua, or outside of town?

The Prata de Valle is right in town. It is a large oval shaped park with a moat like stream and statues all around it. If you stand in front of the St. Anthony's Basilica, look straight ahead and you will see it about two blocks
down.