Extended family of 7 (5 adults, 2 small kids) are spending Dec. 18 - Dec. 30th in northern Italy. We likely want to stay in two main places so the kids keep "home base", currently thinking Verona and Bolonga. We are flying in/out of Milan. We ideally want to stay in medium sized cities and do day trips to Venice, etc. Any reco's on the best places to make our home base and smaller villages to visit? Thanks!
Posted by
Green Bay
20264 posts
You could do worse than Verona. It has a surprisingly festive Christmas Market, and the Christmas markets of Trento and Bolzano are short train rides away. Padua, Venice and Bologna are all not far away by frequent Regionale trains.
On the 18th, Verona will have its annual "Santa Run" at Piazza Bra with hundreds of people in Santa Clause costumes doing a fun run through the streets and ending in the Arena. Benefits local children's hospital. When I was there 2 years ago, there was also a Kid's Fireman's fun day with many fire trucks in the Piazza letting kids climb the ladders and even rappel off the tops. Under the careful supervision of the local fire brigade, of course.
Posted by
Bay Area
3551 posts
Verona is a very nice town to stay in, and quite friendly. Close to lake garda also in case u want to visit. U do not mention your transportation for 7 People might be gd option for a car. U could even visit the incredible Dolomites, stunningly beautiful. Padua is also a gd option. Enjoy this is a beautiful area, i would love to return some day.
Posted by
Shawnee, OK, USA
396 posts
Love, Love Verona and Bologna. Good decision. Let me know if you need hotel, restaurant recommendations. I would recommend staying in a hotel on Piazza Bra or Piazza delle Erbe. In Bologna, I recommend Hotel San Donato...walking distance to good restaurants and the pizza that contains the San Petrino Church and the fountain.