Bologna, Verona or Florence

I would go with Verona - Roman ruins, pretty town - a river runs through it; you can take or leave the "Romeo and Juliet" aspect - cheesy but not too obnoxious. Good food and wine. If you're traveling by train - it's an easy and nice walk from the station into town.

I think Florence just has too much to see for one day to be enjoyable.

Bologna - Great food, but I personally preferred Verona to Bologna. Disclosure - Our only experience with a pickpocket (unsuccessful) was in Bologna. I know that contributes to my lack of love for the place,

Enroute to Venice, but just past Bologna is Ferrara. Smaller city, gardens, city walls to walk or bike, old Jewish quarter, big castle. Escapes me, however, if there is a museum of content.
If you want exceptional art, the other option would be Padua (still enroute) with prearranged timed entry to the Scrovegni Chapel. Giotto frescos.

If you do choose Verona, please be sure to visit the Giardino Giusti, a wonderful Renaissance garden. It includes a high terrace from which you can look over the city.

Great information, Thanks!!

Bologna and Florence are both about half way between Venice and Rome whereas Verona is a bit of a detour, so I'd suggest one of those rather than Verona. Of the two, I believe Florence has more sights that align with your expressed interests, especially with respect to gardens.

All good choices. Florence will have the largest crowds by far but has amazing museums and several really nice gardens. Bologna is my favorite city in Italy (I live nearby half the year) and is just now becoming more discovered. I'd look at what is there and make your choices. Everyone has their own opinions.

OK
IS it crazy to rent a car and drive or just take trains, We are two people.

<> Do you really want to contend with all the no parking and the likely chance of traffic tickets following you home? If only cities, then use the train. If you want days in the rural areas, then car.

Another positive for Florence: the walk from Santa Maria Novella train station to the center is about 10 minutes. Also, the tourist information office is directly across from SMN and they are very helpful. Florence is filled with appealing destinations- if you choose popular ones like the Uffizi or Accademia, book tickets ahead of time. Others such as the Bargello, San Marco, Ospedale degli Innocente do not generally have lines. Or, if you want to escape crowds, take the bus to Fiesole - lovely views, history, monastery, and opportunities for long or short walks, depending on your preference.
Bologna, while very appealing is, I think, less conducive to an effective one day visit. Train station is some distance from the center. But, once you’re in the center, the tourist office is easily located, churches and museums are nearby, and the food is absolutely superb.
Whatever you decide to do, you cannot make a mistake....it’s Italy!

I second the suggestion for Ferrara. Beautiful city. Very manageable. Nice walk through the park along the old city walls. Welcome relief between the crowds of Venice and Rome.

You might want to consider Orvieto. It's up on a volcanic cliff, and there are lots of places where you can walk the perimeter and look out over the valley. There are also places where you can tour underground. There's an Archaeology Museum, which has a couple of Etruscan tombs, as well as artifacts. There's the ruins of an Etruscan Temple. The Cathedral is gorgeous.

Thanks!! Its so great to hear from people who have been and know the little details that can make or break a trip!!

I was just in Florence (for a week) and was so totally enraptured and smitten and bowled over that I vote for Florence! :-)

There is WAY TOO MUCH to see in a day. There's way too much to see in a week! The entire place is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so...

That said, if you chose a couple of high spots to hit, got reservations, and then chose someplace lovely for lunch in between the high spots, I think a day in Florence could be absolutely wonderful.

Thanks!!