Verona or Padua

We stayed in Verona 3 nights before the Village Italy tour that started in Padua a year ago. Padua was a university town. Of the two towns I preferred the feel of Verona but everyone has different interests so you may not like what I did. Look online at what sites are offered in each town to see what appeals to you. For a day trip Padua is going to be closer.

You can do either as a day trip from Florence.

The fastest train option from Florence will take 1h32min to Verona or 1h44min to Padua. So Verona is actually 12 min closer, if that makes a difference to you.

One full day should be sufficient for either. Obviously you should have an early start and leave from Florence with the first available high speed train.

www.trenitalia.com
Also www.italotreno.it has trains, although maybe not as frequent. Time of travel is similar with the two companies. So choose the option that best works for you.

It depends on what you're looking for. Verona is mostly pedestrian and has an arty, cafe culture feel but is light on big sites aside from the Roman Arena. Padua (Padova to Italians) has some amazing sites but they tend towards the religious - Scrovegni Chapel, Basilica of St. Anthony. Scrovegmi Chapel needs to be reserved ahead of time.

I prefer Verona as a city but either is a worthy day trip. If you want to go see important things then Padova but if you want to wander a city with scattered Roman ruins, window shop in the city in the loop of a river then Verona.

You can't really go wrong - enjoy,
=Tod

Make sure you spend enough time n Venice
2.5 days is barely enough there

I'm with Christine. 2-1/2 days is little enough time to explore Venice. Why spend a whole day outside it. But if I were really pressed, I would go to Verona. It's farther, but I think there's more to see and it's more charming.

Although either one can be done as a day trip, I must agree with ChristineH and Chani. Venice deserves way more than 2 1/2 days as it is one of the most unique places you are ever apt to visit. If you've never been, then stay there and save the others for another trip.

If you have been to Venice and have had your "fill" of it, then do both. They are completely different places in almost all respects. It will require an early start and late return, but you can see the "biggies" in each place in a looong day.

Thank you all so very much for your recommendations.