Trip outside of venice

Padova is interesting and an easy train ride away.
We found plenty to do there, although I can also spend that much time in Venice. You can see how it goes, if you get bored in Venice you can always head to the train station.

We are taking the train between Venice and Bologna. For the longest time I was locked into stopping in Padua and it's Scrovegni Chapel. I have now changed my mind (for no great reason) and decided on Verona(I think). I don't believe you or I can lose with either choice.

Padova is nice because there are far less tourists there than in Venice or Verona. It is a cool downtown. If you're there in the morning check out the market in the morning and experiance a pilgrimage and go see St. Anthony. I'm not a big fan of the Scrovegni Chapel, but since it is by the train station you might as well stop by at the start of your day to get a time to see the chapel. I love Verona too. I normally take company to Verona when they visit me. So either way you'll win.

Is this your first visit to Venice? If so, I think you could easily spent the entire time in Venice. We did enjoy Padova and the amazing market and also loved Verona. Padova is closer to Venice than Verona so less time spent on the train.

I haven't been to Verona, but did enjoy a day trip from Venice to Padova. Actually I first went to Vicenza to see the architecture by Palladio, then on the return trip to Venice got off at Padova. In retrospect I would have just gone to Padova and spent the day exploring. It is an old university town, and has the Scrovegni Chapel which has frecoes by Giotto that mark a turning point in Western Art.

Is it an easy commute from Venice to Verona or Padova? How about when you get to the cities? Is it easy to get from the train station to the center of town?

Joseline - We have taken the train from Venice to Padova. Right outside the train station in Padova are the buses lined up to take you to different parts of the city. We took the bus to St. Anthony's Basicalla, beautiful city, stayed for Mass, did some shopping in the religious stores, took the bus back to the train station in about half a day. We remember passing an open market but I really don't remember where it was in respect to the Train Station. Hopefully someone else will know. People in Padova were very, very, friendly and helpful with directions.

If you go to Padua, visit the Medical School with the circular operating theater! Verona is also worth a trip but my favorite is the area called the Veneto where you can view some of Andrea Palladio's great creations. He was the originator of the Domed building as in Jefferson's Monticello..
Babs in Silver Spring

Take a boat tour to the adjacent islands, Murano and Burano. Or, just take a boat taxi to Burano especially! It is so colorful. Won't take long. I agree your time will be well spent in Venice as well.