I am going to Venice about 5 nights. After this, plan to explore the area nearby; have one week to explore at leisure level. I read about towns like Padua, Vicenza, Mantua, Sirmione (lake Garda) & Bozen. Explore some of these from base in Verona or Padua? Verona too many tourists? which is easier/nicer to use as base for 3-4 nights? Any recommendations or experience with any of these? Which are more special day trips? Also, I see Bologna is not too far (is it worth going in that direction) but it's not on train line from Venice to Milan. (Better to stay on train line?)
IT'S a ONE MONTH TRIP-- background information-----
Bigger picture: Have already travelled much of Italy, so will focus this trip on Milan/Venice/Lake Maggiore. We have ONE month total. Starting out in the Lake District (visiting friend at apartment on Lake Maggiore, in Verbenia, Piedmonte) for 1 week or 2. That leaves us with 2 weeks to travel beyond the lakes. Do you have any great ideas for places near Lake Maggiore to check out? Can take day trips to Lake Como's Varena, etc. or the like. We like to walk, discover magical places, find great cafes and food!
VENICE: FROM here we have reserved apartment for 5- 7 days in Venice. My interest is to spend the last week exploring area near the train ride between Venice and Milan. We fly home from Milan. Last year we spend one month traveling throughout Sicily on train/bus. It was amazing trip. Hoping to just have good time in this northern area --- trip. It will all be centered around the goal of exploring near my friend's apartment in Verbenia, Piedmonte, on Lake Maggiore.
HOTELS? any recommendation for budget friendly hotels or apartment (for 3; a couple plus one other person). We have an apartment in Venice but no other yet in Padua or Verona, or in Milan or Bologna. Hotel or even airbnb. Thank you! It will be April 16--May 13.