Venice and ...?

[Powerkiter]

My girlfriend has always wanted to go to Venice, so we're looking at going on our anniversary at the end of April. We're looking at flying from Bristol for convenience but there are only flights on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

I last went to Venice 25 years ago with my ex-wife and we only stayed for a couple of nights then travelled onto Rome and Sorrento.

From recollection, 4 nights in Venice is probably going to be too long. Is there anywhere else nearby that is worthwhile visiting (and probably staying overnight)?

[rdjohn]

We stayed on Morano for 4-nights and it seemed about right given travelling there on Day-1. It was my first time and second for my wife, we were in slow-mode and so just using a vaporetto to visit various islands swallowed up the days. Jumping in a rental and driving down the west coast would have ruined the vibe of the break.

[Ussrcossack]

Train to Bologna then out to Modena

If cars are your things

Or
Old Yugoslavia?

[redstar1]

Verona worth a day or two. Preferred it to Venice what I felt was very overrated.

[LHRFlightman]

We had 3 nights in Venice in October, we loved it and could have easily done a 4th.

[The Leaper]

Wife and I stayed for a week in Venice many years ago. Plenty to do and see eg you can spend a day visiting each island. One place not well publicised and worth finding is the church of San Pantalon: you'll see why once inside!

Easy to get a train to several places for the day from Venice: Padua, Vicenza, Verona, Bologna, even Florence. You can book and get tickets before you go here:

https://italiatren.com/en

R.

[The Leaper]

redstar1 said:

Verona worth a day or two. Preferred it to Venice what I felt was very overrated.

We agree. We have been to Verona 5 times before and we're going again in June!

R.

[Ezra]

We spent a week in Bergamo a couple of years ago, which has a lovely old town up in the hills. Alternatively, you're not that far from Lake Garda or Lake Iseo - both definitely worth a visit/stay.

[Simbu]

Perhaps a train to Desenzano del Garda and take the boat ferries around to Sirmione and other towns on the South of the lake.

[Matt..]

If you want to try a non-city option then perhaps a quick stop in the Dolomites? You can easily get to Cortina from Venice and go and see the mountains. Possibly a little far if it's only 1 night though.

[WTDMM]

Been loads of times to Venice, stayed out on the Lido which has a slower pace and is handy on the boat for getting into the main area quickly.

Could spend a week there easily.

[towser44]

We did Venice for a day trip from Florence. Booked in advance the train was only about £80 return for 3 of us and was really quick. Had a full day in Venice.

[Powerkiter]

Matt.. said:

If you want to try a non-city option then perhaps a quick stop in the Dolomites? You can easily get to Cortina from Venice and go and see the mountains. Possibly a little far if it's only 1 night though.

Thanks for the replies everyone.

We went skiing to Cortina in January 2025. I sort of put my girlfriend off going to Venice for a night as it was a 'ski trip'. It's backfired now!

We had planned to go to Venice last year for a few nights then get the ferry to Rovinj but think its a bit early in the season.

[Palmela]

I'd endorse the recommendation for Verona, which is very nice.

[Hughesie]

Another recommendation for Cortina D'Ampezzo - fabulous place.

Another place is Valdobbiadene, Prosecco valley, lunch in the hills and a couple of Vineyard visits is very nice for a day or two as well, can highly recommend Villa Sandhi.

Hughesie

[raceboy]

Verona is only a short train ride away, and more than worth the trip, alternatively head in the other direction to Trieste, and the town of Prosecco.

[Uncle boshy]

Lake Garda definitely worth a visit, like this chap on his driving holiday

https://youtu.be/KtJBLevKK6g