Where would you travel if you were leaving from Venice and had one week?

Or maybe head west to Padua, Lake Garda, Bergamo, Lake Como, Cremona…

That is tough. Cinque Terre is one is my very favorite places. But, we visited Slovenia last summer (Lake Bled, Ljubljana, and did the drive through the Julian Alps) and loved it. I am probably not much help, but either way, have a great trip!

I would do a few days in Verona. It's lovely. And then perhaps the Lakes area (Como, Maggiore).

This is a totally personal opinion but given the opportunity I would pick Slovenia/Croatia - never been there, always wanted to go. Whatever you decide you can't really go wrong in Europe, especially in Italy.

Wow - hard question.

I've heard the Dalmatian Coast is what the Greek Isles were 40 years ago - pretty much unspoiled (as of yet). But, you are traveling in a rather hot, as well as high-tourist, season.

I would probably opt for the cooler northern Italy lakes region and Dolomites. I totally agree with the suggestions of Lake Garda and surrounds but would probably extend that to the Asiago Plateau and Dolomite Mountains. If the weather is on the comfortable side, I would definitely take in Verona if only to see the second largest Roman Colosseum in Italy.

Venice to Vienna (3nts) to Salzburg (2nts) to Munich (3nts) to Venice.

Venice to Vienna by night train.
EN 236 Dep 20:57 VENEZIA S. LUCIA (Italy) Arr 07:51 WIEN HBF (Austria)
https://www.oebb.at/en/Travelling_abroad/SparSchiene_Europa/Italy/Timetable_Vienna-Salzburg-Venice/index.jsp

Vienna to Salzburg by Austrian Railjet - 2hr 22min.
Salzburg to Munich by Austrian Railjet - 1hr 35min.
http://www.oebb.at/en/Services/Trains_and_equipment/Our_trains/OeBB_railjet/index.jsp

Munich to Venice by night train.
CNL40463 Dep 23:36 MUENCHEN HBF (Germany) Arr 08:24 VENEZIA S. LUCIA (Italy)
http://www.bahn.com/p_en/view/offers/international/city-night-line.shtml

Hi,

I'd add the Dolomite area between Ortisei, Val Gardena and Cortina d'Ampezzo. Even if you've been to the alps in other countries, there's nothing quite like the Italian Dolomites. Simply spectacular.

Paul

Just some perspective on transport times to various spots, all of which would be wonderful I think:

to Ljubljana, Slovenia: 4+ hours (train)

to Salzburg, Austria: 7 hours (train)

to Lucerne, Switzerland: 7+ hours (train)

to Palermo, Sicily: 5 hours (air)

I'd take the ferry to Istria and hang out in Porec, Pula and Rovinj. Best part of Europe, in my opinion. I'd rent a car upon arrival for sure.

I'd go to the Dolomites, Bavaria, and Munich, if time permits. I haven't actually been to any of those places yet but have researched them and can't wait to go.

Sweet problem, so many good choices :-)

One nice loop by car: Padova, Verona, Lake Garda, Val Gardenia, Passo Pordoi, Cortina d'Ampezza, back to Venice.

Putting in my two cents worth of opinion....I'd go to Croatia and Slovenia, they are both truly beautiful. You can take a ferry but check the dates because I'm not sure what the summer-time schedules are. If the ferry doesn't work for you, it is just as easy (and beautiful vista's) to take the bus from Venice. I've done both and it is very doable either way.

My husband, sister and I are heading to Italy, Slovenia and Switzerland next May (2016). My sister is very concerned about the safety of traveling there on our own with so many refugees in the area. Has anyone had any safety concerns? Thank you for your reply.

windstaracres, it's probably best if you start a new thread with your question instead of hijacking Val's.

That said, May is much too far away to make sort of accurate prediction but there aren't any 'safety' issues now. There have been some isolated transport snags here and there but those aren't 'safety' issues. There are no country-specific warnings on the U.S. State Dept. website for Italy, Slovenia or Switzerland other than the garden-variety reminders to avoid protests and other large gatherings, and generally be aware of your surroundings.

http://slovenia.usembassy.gov/messages.html

http://italy.usembassy.gov/acs/security.html

http://bern.usembassy.gov/living_in_switzerland/embassy-messages-and-travel-warnings.html

For an urban stay:
I'm going to second Vienna. I just did a Vienna stay and a Venice stay; they are delightful to contrast and complement one another. vienna is a beautiful city with astounding art galleries (Albertina and Belvedere), a massive sprawling palace (Schoenbrunn), and a city palace (Hofburg) along with as many cultural forays as you can shake a stick at. At that time of year, it's easy to catch a bus up into the local surrounding hills and walk through the vineyards, catching the most beautiful vistas of the Danube valley. Bring good walking shoes if you do this, but it's well worth it! This also makes a great stopping off point if you want to swing south through Slovenia and Croatia.

For a wilder stay:
The Dalmatian Coast is a perfectly delightful contrast and part of the old Venetian state. You couldn't go wrong with those beaches and islands, castles and sleepy villages. Croatia has a lot to offer in views. Slovenia is a bit sleepier, but its capital is plentiful with good cafes and sights, plus it's a great deal cheaper than Venice. I have to say that Croatia/Slovenia offer a lot of bang for the buck (or euro).