Need help in Venice region for this week

Vicenza might fit the bill. It is a compact city with the main attractions being Palladian buildings and the Teatro Olimpico. A short drive out of town are two significant villas - the Villa Capra “La Rotonda” on which Jefferson’s Monticello was based and Villa Valmarana ai Nani. Visiting the interior of La Rotonda is only available on Wednesdays.

I stayed at the Hotel Campo Marzio which I would recommend. It’s on the edge of the Centro Storico, easy to get to and has available parking. From there just about any place in the city is a 10 minute walk. There are lots of nice restaurants in Vicenza but for a unique local experience have lunch or dinner at Righetti on the Piazza Del Duomo. Good basic food and self-service - except for espresso or cappuccino!

Thank you, Phillip. Sounds like a perfect place.

I agree about Vicenza. You may also wind up with coffee as good as I got there.

Nice atmosphere in the evenings too.

I have based at Vicenza for a week a couple of times and with a car there is all sorts to explore. Try Bassano del Grappa and its huge piazza and an ancient covered bridge. Or Soave, a walled town where Soave comes from. Or stroll Vicenza, and go round to the Rotunda.

Really, there is plenty to do there.

Or if you decide that you need another fix of Venice (I always do, you say you won't but when so close you might) it isn't very far by frequent train..... neither is Verona.

I recommend either Vicenza or Bassano de Grappa with it’s Alpine atmosphere and Palladian bridge across the Brenta River.

Hi Becky. Lots of wonderful possibilities. Take a look at Vittorio Venetto. We really enjoyed exploring the old town there. The old town square is very picturesque. Bassano del Grappa is an excellent choice and if you go there, explore nearby Cittadella. Another possibility a little to the south is the small town of Monselice.

We spent a night in Bassano Del Grappa before driving back to Venice for our flight. We went for a run along the river, enjoyed seeing the Palladio bridge, and had a lovely and very inexpensive dinner at a small restaurant recommended by our hotel.

I wholeheartedly agree with the Vicenza suggestion. I lived there for a few years and the historic center is lovely.

Thank you all for your great suggestions. It will be fun to esplore somewhere new.

If you have an hour or two, you might consider wandering over to the Canova Gypsotecha and museum. If you like his sculpture this place - his studio and adjacent to where he was buried - has plaster casts of most of them. Some were models and studies for larger works, some were cast from finished products. It is a serious place with dozens of sculptures and a few paintings and drawings.

I absolutely love it there. http://www.museocanova.it/

Just booked our room in Treviso. Thanks again to all!