Day trip decision - Ferrara, Mantua, Vicenza?

This is what I would do with your list of cities, as I have been to most of those in the last 5 years. I would stay 2 nights in Padua rather than Bologna. I would visit the Scrovegni Chapel and the Palazzo del Bò. Tickets required for both.

As for day trips, Vicenza would be my top choice with a walking tour of the Palladio-designed buildings. Easy stroll from the train station. Ferrara would be a top choice as well. For Bologna, Parma, and Modena, you might consider a food tour.

Bassano del Grappa may be too far from Bologna, but we loved our 2-night stay there. Mantua is on my list for this November, so I cannot comment. Perhaps others will chime in!

You will get differing opinions because we all have our favorites. I’ve stayed in all of the locations you’re mentioning except Genoa. Verona will certainly give you the river & bridges. Be sure to take the funicular up to the Castel di San Pietro for the lovely views! A perfect place to paint or sketch, if that’s of interest. Also, I did a city bike tour which was fun for both the history, riding over some of the bridges, etc.

Mantova is a direct train south from Verona, and it has some major interests, plus I really liked the three adjacent piazzas. It’s one of the most authentic feeling towns I felt in that area. Look up the top sites in Mantova on TripAdvisor - the sculptures, the frescoes, and it goes on & on! The Gonzaga family acquired a tremendous amount of breathtaking art, plus science during their reign. I can stay in museums for hours, and even I had to leave from “beautiful art fatigue” and go find a gelato for a break.

Vicenza didn’t appeal as much to us as all of the others you mentioned. And we walked all over the town & also out in the countryside. I did put one of our nighttime photos of the piazza on the front cover of one of our Italian travel photo books, though.

I love Torino! Another quick option from Torino is Asti. I was there for the Asti Palio, so that may be influencing my special affection for Asti.

Siena is going to feel touristy because you’re there only during the day, and it’s a popular one. Just know ahead of time that it’s that way; I wouldn’t skip it. ….but I especially love it in the evening.

Padova has what you’re requesting, so that’s a good one for a day trip.

I like Ferrara a lot, but again, it’s even more special in the evening. There’s a castle in the center of the old portion, some fantastic museums with no crowds - I’ve been in amazing rooms of art as the only person in the room, and the food is some of my favorite! Bikes are very popular. I haven’t been out to the cemetery, but you could ride a bike to it.

Cont.

Ravenna does have wonderful mosaics, and I’ve returned to enjoy them again. But absolutely do what appeals to you; it’s your vacation.

I would put Parma & Modena lower on your list from your description of the ideal city. But Parma’s Cathedral has my favorite church interior in that region.

Venice will always be #1 of the fifty cities in Italy where I’ve stayed. Don’t shortchange it. Put away any mapping app, etc. for at least one day. Enjoy the wandering exploration, the excitement of what’s around the next corner, stopping for a beverage at a tiny outdoor restaurant when you need a break. If you see people, turn in a different direction. Use the overhead signs on the corner of buildings to eventually find your way back to one of the 5 landmarks. And dance in San Marco piazza in the evening or sit at the outdoor Florian table for one beverage & enjoy the amazing night time ambiance. : )

There’s some good specifics about Torino, Asti, Modena, Ferrara and Verona in this trip report:
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/trip-reports/trip-report-solo-mother-daughter-in-north-italy

From Verona Mantua/Mantova is a good choice. Less than hour by train and has much of what you describe. Assuming you do Padua from Venice then Brescia would be my second vote.

Siena is always my recommendation from Florence and I think it shines despite all the tourism. A spritz on El Campo as the sun sets - especially from a little balcony if you can snag one - is peak Italian moment for me.
If you wanted another recommendation I would go with Lucca and Arezzo.

From Bologna I would say Ferrara. In Ferrara include Palazzo Schifanoia if you have time. It is somewhat across town but these frescos are part of what makes Ferrara unique. If you really love frescos the trek to Monastero di Sant’Antonio - a working nunnery open only certain hours - to see the school of Giotto frescos in the church is worth the effort.
Modena would be my second vote if you've eliminated Ravenna.

Just personal preference here - Both Ferrara and Padua/Padova fall into the "it has amazing things to see" category and I recommend seeing them, but I didn't personally warm up to either of those cities. For you Padova also has the water in the city so you will probably love it - it is just my gut level reaction. I always try to balance people's interests and what someplace offers over my personal opinions but I think there are just towns you like and respond to and towns you don't and others have different reactions. As always the only way to know is to go.

Have a great trip,
=Tod

Yep, Ferrara from Bologna --- we've spent 5 whole days there and needed a few more, so you will have plenty for a day trip.

But, what I really want to say is that it was so interesting to read what you love in a city that I read it twice and I really, really want you to go to Sicily! We've spent almost 50 non-"eek" days there total and want to go back.