Need some suggestions as to how to plan travel before a cruise from Venice to Rome departure October 13th 2015 ending in Rome October 25th 2015 will be arriving in Venice October 1st Where to stay there, for a couple of days. Then would like to do a bit of travel before taking the cruise any and all suggestions very much appreciated. Would like to go Croatia Cinque Terre Tuscany Is it better to stay in Mestre or Padua then Venice thanks, Sharron
Posted by
Grass Valley, California
506 posts
The few times that we have been on a European cruise we always extend either the beginning or end of the trip. You could get to Venice a few days early and tour Venice and then I would stay in Rome a few extra days, the cruise we took of Italy only gave us one day in Rome. Sorry don't know how you would work the other places in. I am sure there must be a train that goes to some of those cities.
Posted by
California 🦋
5301 posts
Sharron,
Since you are flying in from Canada, keep in mind that you will be jet-lagged the day you arrive, so you won't do much that day.
If you will be arriving in Venice, I'd stay there the first 3-4 nights. You can take a day trip to Padua while in Venice as it's an easy 26 minute train ride.
If you want to stay in northern Italy, since you have to return to Venice for your cruise, you may want to visit Padua, then travel to Verona, Lake Garda &/or Lake Como &/or Lake Maggiore.
If you want to venture South, you may want to take train to Florence then go to The Cinque Terre from there.
You have so many choices but you will have to decide where you want to go ;-)
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
Best to stay in Venice! It's the only city that is Venice. By staying in Padova or Mestre, you will be daytripping into Venice and missing the extraordinary ambience of the city early in the morning and in the evening/night. Your cruise will probably have you daytripping at each port, so take advantage of the chance to do something different in this beautiful city. Daytrip to Padova.
Posted by
Atlanta
5295 posts
Sharron, If you haven't gotten flights yet, consider flying into your other area of interest (whatever it is) and then head to Venice so you don't have to "back track". When you do get to the Venice area, stay in Venice!! No if, ands, or buts!! From Venice it is easy to Padua, Verona, Murano & Burano. TC
Posted by
OP
GENELLE, B.C., CANADA
5 posts
thanks to everyone for the great info still need affordable accommodation in Venice any suggestions
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
Transportation to Croatia is not particularly simple. I'd drop that destination from your list, unless you're really interested in making an effort.