Thanks for your post, Patrick. I copied and pasted it into my Venice file for our next trip. Definitely sounds like my kind of day.

Thanks for the further info. I'll let you know what we decide on. :)

Statia;
I'm having the same difficult decision, since a friend of mine is coming to Italy this May, and we'll be headed to Venice for a couple of days. I would recommend both Ferrara and Ravenna, as well as suggest maybe taking a drive along the Brenta canal to see the villas? That's a pretty neat day trip, if you have a car.

Spygirl, you almost convinced me about Bassano--in fact, I'm still considering it. BUT, since my husband and I have friends there, it's probably better to wait until my husband can come on the day trip, rather than going with my friend who is visiting. I've seen pictures though, and it definitely looks captivating. I love the bridge, and of course the idea of grappa :).

My trip will basically just be on the way back from Venice headed toward Le Marche, so I think Padova makes sense. Does anyone have suggestions for nearby places that are on that Venice-Le Marche path? Has anyone ever been to Faenza?

topping...

http://www.calandre.com/

in case anyone's interested.....

Hi Jackie, if you are visiting Padova and driving home if you haven't visited Ferrara and Bologna (but you probably have) these are two wonderful cities. From Bologna you would then go southeast to Faenza and the continue until you hit the coast. I can't remember if I have been to Faenza or not but imagine it would be a nice stop too as the area is so wonderful to visit.

Jackie, sorry, just reread your question and obviously you have been to Ferrara. That is what I get for reading too fast! Have you been to Pescara? I sure have had some wonderful fish dishes at beachside restaurants there. Have a fun drive.