Anyone got any favourite places to visit around Padua?

Vicenza is nearby and on the main train route. It's worth wandering for the Palladian architecture. Also, take a short hike up to Monte Berico and enjoy the view from the basilica up there.

Maggie, first of all, Happy Birthday! You didn't say how "nasty" this one was going to be, but I try not to worry about them as there's nothing I can do to change the situation.

One town fairly close to Padua that you might consider is Verona. If possible try to stay one or two nights, to enjoy the ambience in the evenings. It will probably be fairly quiet at the end of October, but still an interesting town with some history.

Cheers!

We were in the Veneto for 10 days this year and loved the area. Since we had a car, I'm not sure about public transport; but these are some places we recommend. In Vicenza, be sure to visit Teatro Olimpico by Palladio. I think it's guided tours only, but we had no problem just walking up to the ticket counter and getting in. The small towns of Bassano del Grappa, Este and Asolo are charming. Este has a good archaeological museum. You can take day cruises on the Brenta canal, starting either in Padova or Venice, which include visits to some of the villas. We did a whole day, but the I think the 1/2 day one would be plenty. There are two companies which have very similar itineraries. Google "Brenta cruises," and you'll find them. The Cadogan guide, "Northeast Italy," has very detailed information about the area; and is most useful for planning your time. Oh, and remember, age is just a number.

Can't really answer your question but I did want to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!! Do not cry into your beer as that is alcohol abuse!!!! Ha, Ha. Have a happy and fun time!!!

My wife and I are meeting two separate friends who happen to be wandering through Venice the same time we are OCT 17-24. What a cool event for us.

We want to take a day trip to Padua for one main reason, it has an especially juicy piece of artwork by a guy named Giotto.

From Wikipedia:
Giotto's masterwork is the decoration of the Scrovegni Chapel in Padua, commonly called the Arena Chapel, completed around 1305. This fresco cycle depicts the life of the Virgin and the life of Christ. It is regarded as one of the supreme masterpieces of the Early Renaissance.

One odd fact about this chapel is that the guy who built it was prompted in the hope of resolving his Father's evilness. His father, by name, was mentioned in one of Dante's Levels of Hell. I think he was a banker. . .

To Michael and Lynette:
You do know, don't you, that you need reservations for the Scrovegni Chapel? Since you are now allowed only 15 or 20 minutes in there, I suggest you also visit the baptistery of the cathedral. It has some wonderful 14th century frescoes by Menabuoi. The scenes of the Apocalypse are particularly fascinating.

Padova is wonderful - besides the Giotto frescos, also worth a stop at St. Anthony's, you can visit the University (there is a tour) - where Galileo taught, the very famous (and important during the uprising) Gran Caffè Pedrocchi...have a spritz/sprizzo in Piazza delle erbe or Della Ragione or Duomo) - the traditional aperitif of padova (and the veneto actually), made with prosecco plus aperol, campari, etc. (I prefer aperol - it is sweeeter; my husband likes it with campari - more bitter - you can ask the barman to make it with either for you.) People gather in great numbers in the evenings in the piazze to have a drink and socialize :-) The outdoor market is bustling in the mornings...as for a daytrip, I really love Bassano del Grappa.
-Nicole

I know this is of little real help, but we stayed in Padua 8 years ago and did see advertised river cruises, looking at some of the estates and houses along the river (Brenta I believe is the river) and some offering dinner cruises as well. No information for you, we were interested, but did not have the time. Might be worth checking out.

I spent a day in Verona and enjoyed it, wished I had had a bit more time (and stamina).

Ricks guide book covers Venic & the surrounding area, as do many others.

We just returned from a month long trip to Italy a few days ago and stayed in Padua at the Al Cason Hotel. We used this hotel and its convenient location near the train station for day trips to Verona, Vicenza, and Venice. Each one is no more than 45 minutes by train. All are beautiful and easy to access. Buying the train tickets through the touch screen machines at the station is a snap. The hotel is very nice too..family run with spacious rooms and a reasonable restuarant as well. They also have a bar with the best priced Spritz in town...the orange Aperol variety was our favorite. Have fun...we did!

Thanks so much for all your replies- I really appeciate the time and thought everyone has taken. Best wishes, Maggie

Don't forget the thermal spas (terme) in Abano Terme. It is in the hills next to Padua. Wonderful stop for a day of birthday pampering. I'm going to go some time next month.