Brew and Jan,
Thanks for your suggestions. Como would be great but I don't think our limited time will permit it. Jan, good to read such ringing endorsements of Mantova and Parma. The more I learn about this part of Italy, the more fascinating it becomes and the more places I would like to visit.

Help!! I am flying to Venice, Italy in June 2007 and then taking a cruise out of Ljubljana, Slovenia. What is the best way to get from Venice toLjubljana, Slovenia? I looked at the trains on Die Bahn and could not find prices or figure it out. Any suggestions

Hi Shana - It's best by train.

There's a direct EC:

dep. 15.44
arr. 19.42

Other trains may require a change - for details/fares see:
www.trenitalia.com

Hope this helps ...

Steve

In Venice I suggest going to Murano the glass making island. It doesn't cost any more money if you already have the water bus pass. You can see a free glass making demonstration. The little island is very pretty and a nice day trip. Verona is gorgeous. I enjoyed my time walking by the river and climbing the hill above the roman theatre because there is a wonderful lookout at the top.

Check out my blog at www.nomadwannabe.com
click on italy under the europe heading.

We are also doing a similar itinerary with two differences: we're starting in Firenze for five days, and going in mid-June. We will end our stay in Venice for last four days. We will have a car. My question for you has to do with planning for our middle five days: wanting to visit Bologna, Mantova, Modena, Verona.....question is where to plant ourselves, in which town without moving from one hotel to another? Any thoughts on this would be very welcomed.

Suggestion:

http://www.mariobatali.com/exploreitaly.html

This is a great we site for suggestions on wonderful restaurants in Italy!

hello Tina,
Of the 4 cities you mention, geographically Verona and Mantova can be paired together (less than an hour train trip), and Modena and Bologna can be paired (about a 30 minute train ride). My wife and I will be planting ourselves in Verona and Bologna, respectively, for 3 days each. It is amazing how many different places appear to merit a visit when you begin to learn about Emilia-Romagna and the Veneto.

4 nights is definately too long for venice

I think ezflier is a troll.