Verona Vicenza Padua

You can definitely just walk up for tickets, either at the ticket windows or at the ticket vending machines.

If you are staying in Padova, the regional train to Vicenza is only €4,45, and to Verona is only € 7,60. That is the” walk up” price and it does not change. So you can be as flexible as you want; just remember to validate the ticket before you board.

I do not see any €10 intercity trains on Trenitalia. The Frecce train between Padova and Vicenza is €19 and between Padova and Verona it is €23. No reason to take those trains. If you bought well ahead to get a lower price, like €16,90 to Verona, you are committed to a specific train and lose all flexibility. Plus it is still a lot more than the regional train.

Some time ago we were very pleased with our stay at the Hotel Al Cason in Padua. It is a few quick minutes walk to the train station. It isn’t especially charming and the street isn’t picturesque but it was everything we wanted or needed. The family who runs the hotel could not have been more helpful or friendly. A restaurant served breakfast and dinner. We visited Vicenza one day and Verona the next. The Al Cason was very convenient and comfortable and welcoming. As I recall ticket prices varied with differing trains and time of day but all were reasonable enough and we paid whatever was asked depending on when we wanted to travel. Safe travels.

We stayed in Vicenza on our trip focusing on the Veneto and enjoyed it. Our favorite place was Bassano delicious Grappa in that region.

Unless something has changed, you must buy tickets to the Scrovegni Chapel at least one day ahead of time. Padua has quite a lot of worthwhile sights, but that is #1 for most visitors.

I’ve stayed at the Hotel Campo Marzio in Vicenza (on the edge of centro storico, short walk to RR station) and at the recommended Hotel Al Santo in Padova (very good restaurant, in the center, near the Basilica, Prato, Botanical Garden, short tram ride to RR station). If you’re staying in Padova, get the multi day tram card - your feet will thank you.

If you are interested in visiting the two magnificent villas on the outskirts of Vicenza - La Rotonda and Villa Valmarana ai Nani - make certain to check opening times and days. If staying in Padova, get a cab at the Vicenza station to the Villas. Easy short walk between them. Then tour the town later in the day. Have lunch or dinner with the locals at Righetti on Piazza del Duomo.

ItaliaRail lists the intercity trains at 10 Euros. I have a voucher from 2 years ago (who does not) that I am trying to use the value. Not a big deal.

10 Euro is usually the passholder reservation fee for IC trains.

Can't you use the voucher to get a couple of Regionale tickets on ItaliaRail? The time window would be 4 hours and not 24, but you wouldn't have to time-stamp the ticket before getting on.

Ah, Suki—-you just reminded me I need to look at Bassano del Grappa for our last 2 nights before flying out from Venice. We were there for just one night 20 years ago and really liked it.

Leaving aside train tickets etc.
Four great things in Padova.
The Scrovegni chapel, which must be booked in advance.
The central markets, but not so much on Mondays.
The Orto Botanica, botanical gardens about 500 years old, UNESCO classified, plus the new glasshouse with five different climatic zones.
St Antony’s Basilica is impressive, if that sort of thing impresses you.

In Verona, the Castel Vecchio gallery is great, excellent architecture by Carlo Scarpa, Venice’s best known modern archi.

Although it's in a suburb of Venice, the Villa Pisani in Stra can go with Padua. It had some conservation closures before Covid.

Also in Padova: the University, the Prato Della Valle, the Cafe Pedrocchi. Also, I thought the city was particularly nice for just wandering around in the evening - lots happening, good sense of University life.

I would like to add that, because of the limited time inside the Scrovegni Chapel, it helps to do a bit of homework first….just to get a good idea of what you will be seeing/experiencing. We have visited twice, and the allotted fifteen minutes (if I am remembering correctly) goes very, very fast.

We really love Padova! The two times we have spent the week in Venice we made sure to take the 30 minute train trip to Padova. It's a wonderful small city that's easily walkable with plenty of noteworthy attractions. Saint Anthony's Basilica, the Scrovegni Chapel, the wonderful piazzas and the Prato della Valle are all worth your time. We also found a few wonderful coffee shops but the name escapes me (it has two lion statues out front) so maybe another forum contributor can help me remember. For me, Verona is wonderful for a short day trip but much of it seems over commercialized. I have only been to Vicenza once and it was a 3 hour "layover" so I cant speak too much on it. I am hopeful other contributors will have some things to say about it as I consider where to go next!
Have a safe and happy trip!

Several years ago we had the opportunity to see the Scrovegni Chapel "Under the Stars" which is an evening visit double the time normally allowed, a full 40 minutes with just one acclimatization period. We did that 2 evenings but then again I'm an art historian. I don't think this is currently being offered but I recommend watching for it in the future. There are some important Donatello pieces inside St. Anthony's Basilica (the high altar) as well as outside (the magnificent equestrian Statute of Condottiere Gattamelata is highly significant). There are fun outdoor markets at several locations including the Palazzo della Ragione ( the medieval market hall). We found some fine art supply stores that put ours to shame.