In early September I'll be boarding a ship in Venice. My friend and I have made reservations for three additional nights in Venice before boarding. This will be my fourth time and my friend's first time in Venice. We are flying separately. I was thinking about arriving two or three days early and taking some train trips by myself outside the city, probably to Verona and/or Padua as I haven't been to these places. I haven't booked my flights yet but plan to do so soon.

For Venice, I've been to the palace (including the Secret Itinerary Tour), Burano, Murano, the Jewish section, San Marcos, Rialto, Lido, etc. Some of these things I'd like to do again with my friend. I think she'll really enjoy a gondola ride. It will be fun to see Venice through the eyes of someone who has never been there.

Are there other places within an easy train ride that would make an interesting day?

Diane

A definite yes/yes to both Verona and Padua. Different-feeling cities, each with treasures. Each city is just about an hour away from Venice. If you are an art-lover, don't miss the magnificent Giotto frescoes in the Scrovegni Chapel in Padua, often called "the medieval Sistine Chapel". Reservations are required for entry to the chapel, and on-line reservations must be made at least one day in advance. Check here for info:

http://www.cappelladegliscrovegni.it...lsory-bookings

luv - I've been to Venice half a dozen times and apart from boat trips out to the islands [not even the Lido!] I've never yet managed a day trip as I've been too busy.

but I think that your idea of dedicating 2 days at the beginning of your trip is a great one. DH and I wen to Verona many moons ago and weren't impressed, perhaps it was us, but I should love to see the Botanical Garden in Padua.

Another place I'd quite like to see is Vicenza which is quite a lot closer than Verona so quicker to get to.

Read up on Ferrara and see if it appeals to you. Ditto Treviso and Vicenza. If you have never taken a boat across the Venetian lagoon to the island of Torcello, also worth checking out as a possibility.

Vicenza is a gem too - smaller than Verona so more easily 'done' on a day trip and closer a lot by train - the town of Palladian architecture - Verona is a great town too with lots to see and do.

Padua IMO is for Italy a so-so town with some major sights in its churches and markets.

https://www.google.com/search?q=Vice...=1600&bih=1075

Vicenza is my favorite after doing the other two several times - smaller and more compact and an architectural delight.

Vicenza! PalenQ said it best. Vicenza is a "gem." It is filled with major buildings designed by Palladio. The interior of Teatro Olympico is a "do not miss" sight.

annhig wrote "DH and I wen to Verona many moons ago and weren't impressed, perhaps it was us, but I should love to see the Botanical Garden in Padua."

Perhaps it was you and DH, annhig, and you know I appreciate your travels. I love Verona and have visited there a number of times and would be happy to spend a day (or more) there again. I've also visited Padua a number of times, and have yet to set foot in the Botanical Garden--not really my interest.

luvtotravel, What are YOUR interests for this trip and this time on your own? Perhaps we could advise better on particular choices.

I agree with all the above but also check out Bassano de Grappa with it's Tyrolean feel.
There is also a daytrip by boat from Venice up the Brenta Canal to see the Palladian villas.

You mentioned Murano and Burano - but I think the most interesting of the venetian island is torcello - definitely make time for a visit to see the church with the fantastic Byzantine mosaics.

Thank you all for your replies. I can see that I have more research to do. Interesting that the Rick Steves program on tonight was of Verona and Padua from 2014. Nice coincidence.

Mostly I like to wander and look at beautiful art and architecture. I enjoy using my camera. I like to walk a lot, maybe stroll would be more accurate. Relax on a bench and people watch.

I am intrigued with the idea of a boat trip to see the Palladian villas. As I said more research is needed.

I love Italy.

The Botanical Gardens are a world heritage (UNESCO) site. Created around 1550, as a research facility. Not far from St Anthony/Antony's shrine, really worth a look. For us, Verona is great for the Castle Vecchio and bridge - but it is the Castle Vecchio architecture that does it for me.

Vicenza is great. Also Treviso.

I never quite understood the attraction of Torcello. Yes, the church is interesting, especially for those who find that type of art appealing. I guess I'm just not the kind of person who would take the long ferry ride and kill a major part of a day in Venice to do it.

Take the boat to Chioggia to get to enjoy the lagoon, have a fish based lunch and come back.

Take the boat up the Breda Canal to look at the Villas

Go to Padua and just walk about, esp. follow the old canals and take photos etc.

Go visit Monselice (ancient walled city with castle) and Montagnana (magnificent walled city).

If you folks keep adding suggestions, I may just have to add more days to Venice (lol).

The Brenta (note spelling) canal has cruises

http://www.battellidelbrenta.it/home.php?setlan=en

You can probably find recent reviews on Tripadvisor

Perhaps it was you and DH, annhig, and you know I appreciate your travels. I love Verona and have visited there a number of times and would be happy to spend a day (or more) there again. I've also visited Padua a number of times, and have yet to set foot in the Botanical Garden--not really my interest. >>

How lucky we are all different, ellenem. I've read a number of descriptions of Verona here and have concluded that we probably didn't do Verona justice - it was a long time ago. OTOH were I to get to Padua, my first stop [possibly after the Scrovegni Chapel] would be the Botanical Gardens. In fact that was one reason why I didn't go there in February - if I go I'd like to be able really to enjoy the gardens which I suspect won't be much to look at in the winter.

As for Torcello, there is an element of peacefulness contrasting to the rest of Venice that appeals to me, that and the chance to see mosaics that are over 1000 years old in the shadow of the Dolomites, which could clearly be seen when we were there at Easter one year. Again, that may not appeal to everyone, and probably isn't going to be top of your list if you only have a couple of days in which to see Venice.

Bilbo - I like the idea of a fish lunch in Chioggia - when are we going?

Ann, if wishes were horses beggars....

I took the boat ride up the canal, had lunch and took bus baxk to Venice as I didn't want to stay the full day, returning at night.. I saw the Palladian villa and others. We returned and did a separate trip to the Veneto as there is so much to see in that region. We based in Vicenza for that trip.

Most of the tours I'm seeing to the Palladian Villas cost over $100. Is there a way I can do this independently and inexpensively?
Diane

Yes, annhig, we each have our priorities. Finally made it to the Bardini gardens last week when I was in Florence, mostly seeking a break from the crowds in the center of town. I enjoyed them much more than the sad Boboli gardens. I suppose I need to return to Padova . . .