Day trip from Venice to Verona and/or Padua?

Depends on how much time you like to spend at sites. I spent an entire 8-hour day in Padua, and I could have used a few hours more, but I like to spend time with art and places I enjoy. I could probably have done it in 3-4 hours if I rushed. So I guess you could fit in Verona.

As Sherry mentioned, it depends on what you want to see and your pace. You could easily spend an entire day in each city. However, you could rush and do both, but I think you would find it more enjoyable if you devote a full day to each city. Both cities have several worthwhile sites. In addition to the more popular sites, I enjoyed the Giardini Giusti in Verona which is very small, but there are a couple of nice shady spots to enjoy if it's a hot day! It was a relaxing break, although quite a bit of a way off the main square and on the other side of the river. BTW, you are probably aware that advance reservations are needed for the Scrovegni Chapel.

If you are seeing the Scrovegni Chapel, you might want to look at the church of the Eremitani (next door) for the frescoes that remain after it was bombed during the war. You can do both in a long, rushed day, especially if you are sure of what you want to see. Both cities have unexpected treasures, so if possible, I'd give each one the better part of one daytrip just in case you decide to linger. Train tickets are very inexpensive for Padova.

Thank you for your help. I know i won't gave beth Place bustine in my limited time. I hope to go back again.

It may depend on when you are able to get the mandatory reservations for the Scrovengni Chapel. You need to be there some time before your reservation to collect your tickets. The attached museum is cool. Of course, when you fall in Love with Venice like we do, you will find you'd rather stay in Venice rather visit the Veneto regardless of how wonderful it is (it is).

If you do both, make Verona the second stop. It's prettier at night than Padua to walk in, especially up and down and passageta streets(sorry, my opinion, but I bet there's lots of agreement) so you can linger, then take a late train back and enjoy a late evening trip down the Grand Canal. Just watch the late train time, and allow time to get to the station!

I went to the Scrovegni Chapel about 4 years ago. It's about a 10-15 minute walk from the train station. I was told to pick up my ticket an hour before the scheduled tour, but I don't know what would have happened if I had come later - would they have said nothing or would they have given my place to a -in?? Then there is a 30-40 minute procedure (see a film while sitting in the "cleaning" room). You get about 15 minutes in the chapel with Giotto. I spent most of my hour before the tour browsing the on-site museum. Then you still have to get back to the station and wait for the next train. There is so much to see in Verona on the other hand. Go to http://www.comune.verona.it/turismo/veronacard.htm to see a list of the sights. Even skipping Juliet's House and the Roman Theatre (neither is worth the time), there is more than you can see in 2 days. The Arena is wonderful. And as Dennis said, Verona is even better in the evening.