we/ll be arriving from cruise and have day and half before and after we pick up a guided land tour starting in venice,,since we/ll see much of venice on the guided land tour for two days, wanted to know if there are any towns, sites we should try to do on our own (4 people)...like going to Pados or those other little towns west of venice,,and how do we get there? need reply asap as we leave on our trip, thursday
Posted by
Wodonga, Australia
440 posts
Verona is only an hour and a half, or less, from Venice. Well worth a visit.
Posted by
Atlanta
3250 posts
I agree with Pat--Verona would be my recommendation.
Posted by
OH, OH, USA
1158 posts
I would say go to Verona too.Take the train.
Trenitalia.com
Posted by
Knoxville, TN, USA
7209 posts
After you are finished with that 2-day guided tour of Venice, you could always STAY in Venice and explore the many areas that are not included on your tour. If you do the obvious tour group things like Doges Palace and Basilica San Marco much of your time will be eaten up standing in line.
There are many small alleys/canals to explore leisurely. Our favorite part of Venice was walking to the tip of the island in St. Elena. The area is beautiful with lush green parks, locals walking their dogs, kids playing. I've been to Venice several times and seen the big sights on different occasions. There is another whole side of Venice when you get off the beaten tour-guide path.
Yes, I also plan to go to Verona on my next trip to Venice in June 2009!
Posted by
Mpls, MN
1003 posts
I also agree with above posters--Verona is lovely. Were there in summer of 2007 and really enjoyed it. We also visited Padova (Padua) mainly to see the Scrovegni chapel (which you must have reservations for as only 25 people allowed in at a time). Rick mentions Ravenna also as a daytrip from Venice. We stopped here on our way to Assisi and the mosaics here are unbelievable! We did not visit Vicenza but this is also a daytrip from Venice.
I would also recommend visiting the islands of Murano and Burano if your tour doesn't go to these islands. Of these 2, we loved Burano!!
Posted by
OP
germantown, tn, usa
6 posts
thanks for the advice
Posted by
Atlanta
4856 posts
If your tour does not include the islands of Murano and Burano, you should do them on your own. Both can be done in a day and the vaporetta pass will get you to them and both are on the same route.
Posted by
Florida, USA
12172 posts
I really liked Verona. Great medieval center, Roman ampitheater, plus Romeo and Juliet (if that interests you).
Another closer option would be Vicenza. Great architecture.
For Scenery, you could choose a drive through the Dolomites to Verona. If you choose this, don't pick up your car in Venice. Get to the mainland by train first then drive from there. Same for dropping it off on the way back.