My wife and I are going on the 14-day hill town tour that starts in Padua in early May and arrive in Venice two days ahead. We have been to Venice before and are looking for the best use of our two days. It appears too early in the season for hiking in the Dolomites and wondered if anyone had any recommendations for must visit places within 3 hours of Venice. We will have a car and love unusual or out of the way places to visit or stay. Any suggestions appreciated.
Posted by
Bay Area
3551 posts
Even if you can not hike in Dolomites it is worth a visit. It is gorgeous, there are some bus tours that go to this region if you prefer not to drive.I know of some from Milan bergamo airport.
Posted by
Mansfield, GA
850 posts
I agree with a trip to the Dolomites. We saw hikers in May but most of the lifts were closed. Driving the Great Dolomite road as outlined in RS guide book was one of the highlights of our trip in May 2007. Not too many tourists at that time. Stopping for picnic lunches during the drive and soaking in the scenery was a great way to relax. Many of the places for rooms are closed but there are plenty open and finding a place to stay without making reservations ahead will not be a problem. The dolomites are worthy of a visit.
Posted by
Wodonga, Australia
440 posts
Verona is a gorgeous Roman town and within your travel times. And Lake Garda - perhaps overnight in one or the other?
Posted by
Vicenza, Italy
319 posts
You could go to the beach in Jeslo (on the lido near venice). the other recomendations are good too.
Posted by
Florida, USA
12172 posts
Verona and the lido are both good suggestions. The Dolomites would probably be more about the scenery than getting in good hikes that early in the year.
Posted by
sarasota, florida, usa
16 posts
Try going to Venuto and Ravenna. Ravena in particular is stunning because of the mix of east and west.
Mer
Posted by
Ann Arbor, Mi
3696 posts
You could check out Burano. Not a car trip, but a boat from Venice, but it was a relaxing and beautiful boat ride and a fun town to wander around, have lunch and do a little street shopping.
Posted by
Walnut Creek, CA, USA
4 posts
I love Verona and the opera there. Although, I'm not sure if it will have started by May. Also, Lake Garda, especially Sirmione, is nice. You can catch a ferry in Sirmione and travel around the lake. If you are foodie, the market in Padova is one of the best in Italy and Treviso is the birthplace of tiramisu :-))