Why not check out Verona? Only an easy 1 1/2 hour train ride from Venice.

Hi, Swalter!

We lined up our day trip while back here at home (email and fax, no problem).

The trip (about 80 mi. each way) took a bit over 2 hrs. going down and over 1 1/2 hrs. to return.

As I say, we LOVED it, but it was not cheap.

Hello! I'm gatecrashing, offering no help but asking a question. Answers if there are any , may be of interest to you too. Two seniors visiting Venice this September for first time feel we SHOULD take a gondola ride but are told it is VERY expensive. Any tips, routes, alternatives ? Thanks. Happy trails from Montreal.

You've gotten many great suggestions already, but here's another. On our last trip, we started in Venice. Then we picked up a rental car, and drove to Ferrara, where we spent 2 nights. It's a charming little walled city, and not very touristy. From there, we visited Bologna for the day - a great city to people-watch and eat - and on another day, Ravenna. The mosaics in Ravenna are on my top-10 list of sights I've seen in my life. They were amazingly beautiful. Ravenna was an easy 45-minute drive from Ferrara.