Dear Fodorites,

An unexpected bit of good tidings will find us in the Veneto region of Italy for five days, beginning late next week. We will be based in Caorle (beachfront villa) and will have three full days for exploration (and a personal vehicle). Our family has enjoyed Venice on two occasions and DH and I have spent a long Barcolana weekend in Trieste. We enjoy pretty much everything from history to art to architecture and food. With three days, where would you go, and why?

Thanks to all, in advance.

Vicenza, Padua and Verona are each worthy of trips. They offer history, architecture and activities.

I would add Bassano del Grappa to places noted above. It is an Alpine setting, rushing River , historic Palladian bridge, history including WWII. Charming.

All Veneto's cities are beautiful... period
Considering that I was born in that region, my top 3 (excluding Venice) is:
1) Padova & Monselice (all the Colli Euganei area is stunning, with landscapes that remains almost untouched from the Petrarca's times)
2) Belluno & Feltre (just below the Dolomites; Feltre is the most fascinating medieval town I've ever visited, and also hosts a famous Palio)
3) Verona (nice, of course, just a bit overrated...)

Thank you, all! This is fabulous! I am scrambling to put together an itinerary and this is just the information I was seeking. (The WWII history is also helpful for us.)

Vicenza for sure - all that Palladian architecture all around it. Padua, yes. I was less impressed with Verona, but glad I went.

Now I'm hankering to go to Feltre, which I'd never heard of. Thank you justtravaleing

Cittadella is a small, charming walled city...love to wander around and enjoy a meal in one of the pleasant restaurants.

I second Bassano del Grappa...covered bridge and all. And Asolo.

Vicenza! Hands down. Wonderful street market day with local cheeses, olives and spreads for bread. Check days. It closes early afternoon. Great architecture! Be sure to check days and times. Different buildings are open different days and times. You can walk to some, but will need a taxi for others. Do not miss Teatro Olimpico! Check times. It is spatial perfection and the stage is magical illusion.

Verona is nice for a day. Interesting, nearly intact Roman arena, lovely city center, good food.

Regarding WWII in Bassano, look up the Alpini, the Italian fighters.

I don't know how Verona is classified as overrated but nonetheless, it's one of our favorite cities in Northern Italy. I also add a + for Bassano del Grappa. It's a charming little town. When we were there the Alpini corps were having their reunion and it was very colorful.

Thank you all, again. I forgot to mention that we had visited Verona previously. It looks like Padova, Bassano, and Vicenza have garnered the most suggestions! With just three full days to explore, this will make an ideal itinerary.

You won't go wrong with those three.

Not really a city but my favourite Veneto destination is Cortina d'Ampezzo, both during the summer and during the winter. Venice comes second, or maybe shared first place. But there really is a lot to see, and Padova, Bassano and Vicenza should't disappoint.

BMK for future reference.

sounds like a great short break, Four4 - do come backhand tell us what you thought.

Bassano is lovely but was the scene of bloody conflict between the locals and the Germans. The "Viale dei Martiri, Street of Martyrs) is named for the 31 partisans who were killed by the Nazis and hung from these trees during WWII. The trees still stand and there are pictures of each partisan on the tree on which they were hung. It is very humbling to see."

Not my words, but they express my thoughts. You should go, enjoying the present and reflecting on the past.

Bassano is also famous for, guess what, its grappa. There are little distilleries all over town, and free samples abound.