Martina goes to Veneto: a guide for a 5-day road trip.
Hi everyone! At the end of September, I did my first road trip with my mum. I love traveling by car, but this was the first time for my mum, and we picked Veneto for our adventure. So, I'm here to share my tips, what to see, and where to eat if you want to visit Veneto. I love doing these recaps on the blog after my trips because they let me spill the tea with you and hold the memories.
So, we started our road trip in a chill mood to explore, relax, and enjoy quality time together. My mum managed the itinerary and the things to see; I was responsible for the reservations and driving. We did a great job because we could do everything we planned.
We left from Milan, and our first stop was Padova. I fell in love with this city. It's not the biggest but it's jam-packed with beautiful things to explore. So, make sure to stay at least two days to enjoy everything.
Must-see in Padova
We first saw the Cathedral, and it was breathtaking. I couldn't imagine this magnificence. Then, we moved to the main square, Piazza delle Erbe, with a beautiful market and Palazzo della Ragione. We visited it also inside, and it's stunning. The ceilings are my favorite part.
The most fantastic experience we had in Padova was Scrovegni's Chapel. We saw it after the sunset, and it was so intimate and intense that I was speechless. It's possible to visit it during the night. You need to book it in advance because it's always sold out.
The following day, we had a guided tour of the University. If you need to pick only a few activities, consider doing this guided tour of the University and Scrovegni's Chapel because you'll fall in love. The University is one of the most antique in Europe; even Galileo Galilei was a teacher there!
Outside Padova
My mum and I are fans of the antique villas, so we rode to Villa Pisani outside Padova, but it was worth the trip. Let me tell you that this villa is my favorite thing I visited during the whole trip. I was breathless and speechless, and I took a million photos also because the home deco inspo is endless.
Where to eat in Padova
We had a light lunch at Dai Ragazzi with some typical finger food. Then we had dinner at Ristorante Vecchia Padova, the most unique restaurant I've ever seen. The food is insane, the people are so welcoming, and the location is picturesque.
Where to sleep in Padova
We stayed at Hotel Volta, outside Padova, because it is more accessible by car. It's a nice hotel near nature, which I always look for when it comes to a road trip.
Belluno and Bassano del Grappa
We had only 24 hours in Belluno to do some errands for the wedding. Still, it was enough to appreciate the uniqueness of this small village. We ate a magnificent pizza at La Buca, a typical restaurant in Belluno.
If I regretted this road trip, it was about Bassano del Grappa. I wish we had stayed a little longer, but the schedule was impossible.
Bassano del Grappa is a small town but full of gems. You'd need at least two days to visit everything. We only had a few hours but met a lovely man who guided us around the town.
You have two must-sees in Bassano del Grappa, Palazzo Roberti, an antique building hosting a wonderful bookstore. The second must-see is Ponte degli Alpini, a breathtaking bridge with much history.
Vicenza
Our last stop was Vicenza, where we stayed for three days. I loved Vicenza, but I prefered Padova.
If you're planning a trip to Vicenza, buy the Vicenza Card, a ticket valid for 8 days to see 10 things in the center. It's convenient because you don't need to wait in line and spend less than buying a single ticket.
We saw Teatro Olimpico, Basilica Palladiana, Gallerie d'Italia, and Santa Corona, thanks to the Vicenza card. Around the center, I loved Teatro Olimpico, which is unique. The original set design is from 1500, a typical Roman theater built in 1500. Outside the Vicenza Card, we saw Loggia Valmarana, a wonderful fairy corner in Giardino Salvi. Then, we went to Villa Valmarana ai Nani, an antique villa outside Vicenza. It's a private house, so you must buy a ticket online to visit the inside and the park. It's worth the trip.
Where to sleep in Vicenza
We stayed at a lovely and quiet Bed and Breakfast, Il Melo. It has only four rooms, but it's so beautiful and welcoming.
We returned with our eyes and hearts full of magnificence and great memories. I love making trips on the road because I can enjoy the moment and be calm. So, I collect so many good memories.