We are planning a two week trip to Northern Italy the last 2 weeks of March and plan to travel by train. We'd like to focus on Venice and surrounding areas, Emilia Romangna and possibly a few days in Sirmione on Lake Garda. We prefer not to stay in many places but to take day trips. Other than Venice, which towns would be good bases for this trip? How long would one stay in each place? We'd appreciate any suggestions for high level walking and boat tours. We love art, architecture, history, music, food, wine, culture and nature. Any suggestions for moderately priced boutique hotels or b and b's would be appreciated. Thank you!

We spent 5 nights in bologna this June visiting verona, Parma, and Modena. It's a great base because there are lots of trains to many places...Padua, Ravenna as well.

We stayed in a great b&b.

You can read our trip report for more details and pics: http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...rche-lucca.cfm

Be prepared for cooler weather and rain. We have been to Venice twice at that exact time of year. The first time in 2005 where it was cool but not too bad and no rain. Then we were there again just this past March. A lot of rain (we actually had some aqua alta - kind of fun for me since I had been there before, but if I'd known it was going to happen I would have definitely brought a pair of rainboots - would have made getting around the high water areas sooooo much easier).

I agree with jamikins that Bologna is a great location for exploring that area. We were there for 5 nights and loved it. We did a fabulous food tour with Italian Days Food Experiences (http://www.italiandays.it/). It was definitely the highlight of our trip!!

I would check out what the weather would be like around Lake Garda at that time of year.

Here are some links to trip reports a long with pictures:
http://www.fromhometoroam.com/2012/08/bologna-2010/
http://www.fromhometoroam.com/2013/0...lta-in-venice/
http://www.fromhometoroam.com/2012/05/venice-2005/

Sirmione may not be a good base in March - the lakes have a distinct low season and the boats etc may not be running.

Venice, Bologna and Verona might be good bases.

I agree with annhig about Sirmione. Besides infrequent ferry service, you may find that many hotels and restaurants are closed.