We are planning our second “assume you’ll return” trip to Italy, having spent a wonderful time there 2 years ago, but not seeing everything that we wanted. So, now we are going back to see the places we had to eliminate from our itinerary last time: Florence, Cinque Terre and Venice. I’ve poured over Rick’s book and this message board, and researched the travel time/distance between these places.
I need some advice for travel between Cinque Terre and Venice. Rather than take the long train ride between those areas (which is 6-7 hours, right?) we would like to spend a day or two seeing something along the way. If we only have a couple of days/nights, are we better off to consider Padua, Vicenza or Verona? We’d also like to see Lake Como/Varenna area but am a little worried about that being too far out of the way and how much time that would add to our itinerary. Or are there other ideas I’m not considering? We are art and history lovers but we like to break up our visits to cities rich in these things with relaxing, nothing-to-do-except-wander-and-enjoy places. I would really appreciate any advice and opinions – thanks !