Best of Northeast Italy

I seem to keep designing and shelving trips to this area. Not for lack of interest - but circumstances or better opportunities. Not sure whether it is too late for wine harvest, but a rental car will get you into the wine country north of there. I am having a brain fart, but there is a poster here who blogged about that neck of the woods in the last 2 years. ...got it Mai Tai Tom! see if his style appeals to you or piques your curiousity https://travelswithmaitaitom.com/italy-2018/
If you are into architecture, or a slow boat to somewhere, Vicenza offers some fine examples of Palladian architecture in the form of villas along the Brenta Canal. If weather cooperates, you can take a tour along the canal from Padua to Venice. It would be an interesting way to arrive in la Serenissima.
I signed up for the newsletter from this Italian Garden site - it comes in English https://www.grandigiardini.it/lang_EN/index.php?lang=en It has some real hidden gems. I hope while in Bologna you visit the medicinal garden affiliated with the university. Supposed to be the first in formal use.
That area is so rich in food culture, the Ferrari and Lamburgini factories, I am not sure there is time to hit Assisi.
Ravenna is known for its Byzantine mosaics, so unless you have been to Turkey or old Byzantium, they might offer some interest.

What are the interests of your spouse?

When we were in Venice one time, we took a day trip into the Veneto and decided we had to return to this region. We stayed in Bassano de Grappa( a must!) and Vicenza. We are interested in architecture and this area is filled with his work. You can easily visit Bassano de Grappa by train as a day trip from Venice. It has a an Alpine feel, a nice change.
Another favorite region is the Dolomites and we absolutely loved staying in Ortisei at Hotel Grones, family owned.
We also stayed on Lake Garda, driving north we stopped in toney Saló , no Americans in sight, recommended by an Italian friend, and upon our return South, stayed in pretty Malcesine, more touristed but pretty mountain and water views.

My fiance sailed with me in the British Virgin Islands in February. She felt I had to work too hard skippering while the rest of the group relaxed. I didn't mind at all. I enjoy sailing and do it responsibly and safely.

She joined me for a week of my last Europe trip, to Ireland, last May. I think her preference is a little more on the relaxing side rather than site-seeing. Food and wine are probably her favorites but she seems happy with art, music and history too. We both love all things water related swimming, boating, SCUBA, etc.

I'll definitely add Ravenna to the list. I went to Bayeux a couple years ago; only visited the tapestry. I don't care much for history post 1500 but enjoy everything earlier.

I have several suggestions for the general northeast area. Do some research on them and see if any appeal to you. They all seem to meet your interests. I liked Ferrara. Old historical center is very walkable. Great market area in plaza next to cathedral. Castle in center of town. Good food. Not filled with hordes of tourists. If you haven't been to Padua that is also nearby. Both towns are easily accessible by public transportation. You might consider a boat ride on the Brenta Canal from Venice to Padua or vice versa. I have not done that but it appeals to me. Sirmione is an easy daytrip from Verona. I did it by public bus. Very scenic small town with picturesque castle jutting into the lake. Filled with tourists in warmer months but by October to November should be fewer. I also liked Trento very much but may be too far from your base. We went by train but if you have a car anywhere in that area is beautiful and by November you might have snow. If you have a car, look at these smaller towns: Cittadella with its walled historical center, Bassano del Grappa, and Vittorio Veneto. I particularly enjoyed Vittorio Veneto's old town. Further away, you might want to go see the Roman ruins and mosaics in Aquileia.

Here’s another vote for Ravenna. Not only are the mosaics sumptuous, but the town, itself, is very appealing.
You should also consider Parma. The dome of the duomo was frescoed by Correggio. It is described in the Blue Guide as, “ one of the most remarkable frescoed domes in existence.”

The octagonal baptistery is filled with wonderful medieval sculptures.

Parma, like so much if Emilia Romagna, is also notable for its fabulous food.

I'd consider both Ravenna and Padua top destinations while in northeastern Italy. Padua has a rather large historic area that's nice for just wandering around. In addition, there are several worthwhile sights, including the Scrovegni Chapel (must be booked at least one day ahead, perhaps more in the immediate future if they're having to reduce the number of visitors). For me Padua was worth more than one full day. Ravenna's a fairly full day if you include the mosaic site that's outside of town (accessible by city bus) as well as the six within Ravenna, but it's lovely just for wandering.

Allow time in Assisi to see the medieval area uphill from the basilica. There were very few visitors at the time I was there (summer 2015). It's a great antidote to all the ticky-tacky religious-souvenir shops down near the (magnificent) basilica. I'm also quite a fan of Bologna as a city, despite its not having a blockbuster sight. I enjoyed the walking tour conducted by the tourist office.

Vicenza is very nice; you'll enjoy being there.

Hi Brad,

Definitely recommend Ravenna as others mentioned. I stayed two nights there and enjoyed my time seeing the stunning mosaics in the churches, the mosaic museum - interesting exhibits of how they’re made, and the basement museum to see layers on the floor.

Another town if you’re heading to Assisi is to stop at Arezzo. I was there for their fantastic jousting festival but also enjoyed roaming through the medieval portion of the town. I stayed at the small De’ Montetini B&B - reasonable price in a prime location and friendly owner.

Parma has my absolute favorite Italian cathedral, but I would rate the town lower than other options.

We love the Dolomites, but I think you might want to avoid them in October/November, depending on weather.

I’ve been to Verona several times. Last time I took a cooking class one day and a city bike tour the second day. Since it’s so close, you might want to keep options in mind if there’s an activity that appeals to you, also.

I was lucky enough to live in Vincenza for a few years and it is in my opinion one of the most charming little cities! As others have mentioned, you are close enough to visit some interesting cities like Padova, Verona, Treviso, Venice and it’s not too long of a train ride to Milan. I loved walking along the city walls in Citadella. The old town of Bergamo is also lovely.

Don't miss Ravenna. Bologna was OK, but did now Wow.

We are planning a week in Umbria, which includes Assisi, Perugia, Orvieto, Spoleto and more. We will probably use Perugia as a base.

Thanks for all your replies. I haven't checked back for awhile because ... thinking of missed travel opportunities is depressing. It keeps being week to a week to week question on when, and what, travel will be available?

I understand Vicenza itself is a pleasant town. As others have said, don't miss Padua and Ravenna. You mentioned gardens; the world's oldest botanical garden still in its original location is in Padua--and it is both beautiful and interesting. I don't know if you are considering car rental; we decided against renting last year and found it easy to take the train for a day trip from Padua to Cittadella and then on to Bassano del Grappa. Bologna, in my opinion, is highly underrated! The Tourist Info center offers (OK, offered, as of a year ago) a walking tour; it was about 2 1/2 hours and was both interesting and entertaining. The San Luca basilica, in the hills just outside of Bologna, provides fabulous views--as well as covered porticoes that lead all the way back to the center of the city. You can ride the bus up, then walk back to Bologna. Then there's the food....

By the way...congrats on your marriage! You will have a wonderful trip planned once travel opens up.