We are going to Venice for the 3rd time I early September. Before our week there, we will be taking the train to Padua, Verona and Bologna and finally back to Venice. while in Venice we were interested in getting out into the countryside for some driving around and possibly visiting wineries. Anyone had any experience?
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
16235 posts
I don't know what your plans are, but I wouldn't stay in Venice to visit the places you mentioned. Stay in Venice only for the time necessary to visit Venice itself or the islands in the Lagoon. Venice hotels are more expensive, have no parking (if you plan to have a car) and not necessarily an easy walk to the train station, therefore Venice is not a good base to visit the countryside of Veneto. As far as countryside visits in the region, you could visit Lake Garda, Valpolicella (wine region), both of which are close to Verona. You could even venture to the Dolomites if you wish. If you have a car you could base yourself in that area (near Verona/Lake Garda/Valpolicella) and from there visit the cities of Verona and Padua (and Bologna and Vicenza too). If you don't rent a car at all, stay in Verona proper, which is a good base for train travel and also for visiting the Lake or Valpolicella by bus. If you rent a car you could also stay in the countryside. Then when you are done, drive (if you have a car) or take a train (if you don't) to Venice and stay in Venice the rest of your stay. If you have a rental car, you should return it upon arriving to Venice.
Posted by
OP
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
8 posts
In reading your reply it seems as if I wasn't clear about the plans. We are arriving in Venice and immediately taking the train to Padua for a couple of nights then on to Verona for a couple of nights and then to Bologna for 3 nights taking the train back to Venice where we are staying for a week. We would only rent a car for a day trip to any wineries in the vicinity if there are any.