Northern Italy

Hi, I'm glad you will have a few weeks to explore Northern Italy! I would suggest Verona and Padova for substantial sized cities, with lots to see and do. On the smaller side, I like Sirmione at Lake Garda (if you like ruins - the castle and roman bath ruins). I think it would be nice to see a walled city - these are not places jam packed with sights, because they are often small and contained, but beautiful and interesting to see intact architecture and an older civilatation setting. (My recommendation would be Cittadella, where you can walk along the top for one half of the wall - or maybe all of it by the time you travel, they are preserving/restoring it currently). There is so much to see in this area...have fun planning!

Hi Debbie, With a car, I'd suggest visiting the Dolomite area. This is about 3 to 4 hour drive from Venice. Head up to Cortina d'Ampezzo and head west into the beautiful Alta Badia. We love staying in the Alta Badia, but also like the Val Gardena. Some magnificent drives with out of this world scenery can be had simply by driving a few of the Dolomite Passes. Incredible! http://www.altabadia.org http://www.val-gardena.com We have photo's of our trips in 10/03, 4/05, 10/06 and 9/09 at: http://www.worldisround.com/home/pja1/index.html Also worth visitng is the old town of Brixen/Bressanone and the "Ice Man" exhibit at the Museum of Archaeology in Bozen/Bolzano. Paul

There's no shortage of amazing towns to see between Venice and Lake Como. What you choose really depends on what you enjoy doing. We're planning our next trip around Bergamo, Lake Garda and Verona, with possible daytrips to Brescia and Mantova. This past May we stayed in Verona - pics here and really loved it. We stopped for the day in Padova - pics here on our way to Venice, and really enjoyed it as well. Lots of university students there, so it has a younger feel to it. But seriously, there are all sorts of options. Do you have the RS Venice and/or his Italy book? He has a lot of great information there. It will be the smartest money you spend on your vacation. Happy travels.

Hi again, Another area that may be of interest is the Vinschgau/Val Venosta just west of Meran/Merano. Many castles, beautiful scenery and charming small towns. www.dorf-tirolo.it/en/ www.schlosstirol.it www.suedtirolerland.it/en/highlights/castles/castel-juval-mmm.html This castle (Castel Coira/Churburg Castle) is one of the best we've seen anywhere: www.suedtirolerland.it/en/highlights/castles/castel-coira.html http://www.suedtirolerland.it/en/south-tyrols-holiday-areas/val-venosta/ Paul

Wow - thanks everyone for all the great info.

In the vicinity of Verona, you should not miss to visit the largest lake in Italy, Lake Garda, especially the villages of Sirmione and Badolino are very nice. http://www.lago-di-garda.org/Default_en.asp