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Venice - Verona - Bologna

My husband and I are planning our first trip to Italy in mid-September for two weeks to celebrate our 25th anniversary. We are thinking about flying into Venice, and spending 3 days there.

We would then rent a car and head to Valdobbiadene and through the Prosecco region on our way to Verona. If spending a night in the area is better, we are open to that.

We would spend a few days in Verona, with some possible trips to vineyards. (A local wine distributor is trying to connect us to some.) Are there any "not to miss" things to do in the Verona area?

Next, on to Bologna. We've read about the Parma and Modena tours and will do those. Any recommendations?

We would love to stay in some local B&B's or guest houses and welcome suggestions. I still have to check out VRBO, Airbnb, etc.

Also would it be better to rent a car, or are there train options between the major cities. We've read about the ZTL and would have to do more detailed research as time gets closer. We do realize that driving through the regions and into the smaller towns shouldn't be as challenging.

We are interested in some of the major tourist sites in each city, but also want to experience the local culture. We've been researching many of these forums and appreciate all the tips.

Posted by
2504 posts

In Verona, I enjoyed seeing the beautiful churches (particularly San Zeno and Sant' Anastasia), the Giardino Giusti, the Ponte Pietra and Ponte Scaligeri (and the Adige River, in general), and just wandering the streets - much of it's pedestrianized.

Posted by
11613 posts

If you are looking to spend a night (or more) at an olive oil and wine agriturismo, consider Le Volpi, just outside of Baone. New accommodations, lovely vineyard view, wine tastings on request. My friends and I have stayed there twice now. Some double rooms are really suites with terrace and kitchen.

Castello Lispida is also in the area, beautiful historic castle with rooms and a restaurant and cantina.

Posted by
1 posts

Don't make the mistake of overlooking Padua, thats a real nice city with lot of history and a central food market under the XII century "Palazzo della Ragione" that is worth a trip alone - its still a "real people" market where everyday the Padovani go to find the best produces, cheese , hams and wines.
Image of market
You definitely need a car to tour the vineyards , but Venice to Padua , Vicenza and Verona are very well connected by train - the unexpensive "Regionale Veloce" trains are air-conditioned and fast as going by car.

Also a very interesting option cold be that of going from Venice till Padua with a boat tour - a relaxing cruise on the Naviglio Brenta passing through Palladian villas.