The city of Vicenza, less than 50 miles west of Venice, is the perfect base from which to explore northeastern Italy. Nestled in the heart of Italy’s Veneto region, Vicenza is convenient to a diverse range of activities and sites, whether you’re seeking culture, wine tasting, history, or outdoor pursuits.
In this article, guest contributor and military spouse, Kimberly Kephart, reveals the best places to help you discover Italy’s Veneto region, all within two hours of Vicenza!
Note: Beside each destination is the approximate travel time from downtown Vicenza. Driving time is as reported by Google Maps. For destinations that are easily accessible by train, the approximate ride duration is noted. See the last section of this article for more information on transportation.
1. Marostica
(35-40 minutes by car)
The town of Marostica is known for its medieval castle, which holds a UNESCO World Heritage title. It’s also known for the life-size chess game (featuring real people) called Partita a Sacchi that occurs every two years in early September.
This human chess game is said to be inspired by real events that occurred in 1454 and features about 300 figures in medieval costume, from horses, soldiers, flag-wavers, and fire-eaters to ladies and gentlemen, plus a spectacular fireworks show. Check out the details on their official website.
Aside from this extraordinary event, you can marvel at the beautiful views of the Veneto countryside from the castle and explore the walls by hiking or driving to the top.
Marostica is also known for its cherries. They have a festival every summer where you can purchase from local growers.
2. Veneto Wine Regions: Soave and Valpolicella
(30 – 35 minutes by car)
Vicenza is located in one of the top wine regions in Italy: Veneto. Within Veneto you can visit two regions: Soave (white wine) and Valpolicella (red wine). They are close enough to each other that you can experience both for a full day of wine tasting.
Make an appointment at Tenuta St. Antonio and try an array of wines from the Famiglia Castagneda. Their Amarone wine is a particular favorite, as is their Scaia label. You’ll have the opportunity to tour their facilities and learn all about the family business.
Afterwards, head over to the small village of Soave and marvel at the ancient castle that was built in the 10th Century by the Scala family. It’s a wonderful sight to behold as you catch the sunset over the hills of Soave. If you’d like to learn about Soave blends, you can easily book a tour with Cantina Del Castello.
To finish your day, stop by Enoteca Il Drago for dinner to try local dishes from the Veronese area. Make reservations ahead of time, as it books up fast.
3. Padova
(35 – 40 minutes by car, 15 – 20 minutes by train)
Home to one of the oldest universities in the world and some of the most impressive chapels and basilicas, the town of Padova is rich in history and culture.
Your first stop should be the Basilica of Santa Giustina. This beautiful basilica was built in the 6th century and reconstructed in the 17th century. It’s officially part of the Benedictine abbey complex. The basilica houses relics of Saint Justina, who was persecuted for her Christian faith in the 4th century. You will also see other relics of Christian martyrs.
Right across from the Basilica is the Prato della Valle. This is an impressive square, one of the biggest in Europe, featuring a central island that has 70 statues of historic residents, such as famed astronomer, Galilei-Galileo.
The Scrovegni Chapel is a must-visit as well; you can’t miss the frescoes by the painter and architect, Giotto. These frescos narrate events in the lives of the Virgin Mary and Christ. You’ll also see the Universal Judgement, which is the story of human salvation.
Palazzo Bo (Bo Palace) is another important stop in Padova. It is considered the seat of the University of Padova, which was founded in 1222. Many historical figures studied here, including Nicolaus Copernicus and Desiderius Erasmus.
If you’d like to explore Palazzo Bo, you must schedule a guided tour, which also guarantees entry to the Anatomical Theatre. Built in 1594, it was the world’s first permanent theater of such kind; students and professors observed the dissection of human cadavers. Check out the University of Padova website for more information.
Lastly, visit Café Pedrochhi and have their famous mint coffee in the “white room” while taking in the history. A plaque next to a bullet hole in the cafe commemorates an important event; on February 8, 1848 Austrian soldiers opened fire on rioting students. This cafe is conveniently right across from Palazzo Bo.
4. Bassano del Grappa
(40 minutes by car)
Famous for its Grappa, a potent local spirit, and the picturesque Ponte degli Alpini bridge, this town combines the beauty of the Brenta River with a warm, welcoming vibe.
As you explore Bassano del Grappa, make your way to the cafe Taverna al Ponte and purchase a ticket for the Museo del Ponte degli Alpini. In this two-story museum, the history of the Alpini comes alive with different uniforms worn, artifacts found in the area from World War I, and history of the bridge: Ponte degli Alpini.
You can also grab small bites here. Try their meat and cheese boards; you won’t regret it!
No visit to Bassano del Grappa is complete without a Grappa tasting, so stop by the Polli Grappa Museum. This is a small museum where you can learn about the process and history of making Grappa.
Also, make your way up to Castello degli Ezzelini, which is a restored 12th century castle where you can walk around parts of the outer walls. You can only visit the outer area, but you get stunning views of the mountains and the Brenta River.
5. Venice
(47 minutes by train or 50 minutes by car)
Start your day in one of Italy’s most famous cities by the Rialto Market to catch Venetians in action. Then, take a Gondola ride through the canals of Venice; you’ll find gondoliers ready to take you on an adventure throughout the city. A Gondola ride costs 90 euro for 30 minutes and it’s a great activity that can take you away from some of the busiest parts of Venice.
Set up a tour to visit St. Mark’s Basilica and The Doge’s Palace. These two locations are must-visits in the city. Don’t miss the Cavalli di San Marco (Horses of Saint Mark) in the basilica. These are the most recognizable symbols of the city and date back to the 4th century BCE.
Lastly, make a reservation at Taverna Al Remer so you can sneak away from the crowds. This is a beautiful taverna located on the Grand Canal that has a warm ambiance with delicious local fare.
The alternative is to grab a bite at Cantina Do Mori where you can enjoy a glass of ombra (house wine) and enjoy a tramezzino (sandwich) or various types of cichetti. These delicious bite size snacks are a local favorite.
6. Strada delle 52 Gallerie
(60 – 70 minutes by car)
A favorite hike of many military members stationed in Vicenza, Strada Delle 52 Gallerie (Road of 52 Tunnels) makes for a perfect day trip from Vicenza.
Originally a military mule road constructed during World War I on the Pasubio Massif, Strada Delle 52 Galleries was built in 1917 by the 33rd mining company of the Italian Army’s 5th Engineer Regiment. It’s considered a marvel, as it was constructed in record time. You’ll see artillery and emplacements while admiring the breathtaking views.
Bring a headlamp, hiking poles and hiking shoes. It’s best to visit the galleries from May-September when there is no snow on the mountainside and Rifugio Achille Papa is open. This mountain refuge offers meals and overnight stays.
Note that tunnels 19-20 are long and dark, so it may take some courage to get through them! Also, bring change, as it’s €6.00 for parking.
7. Verona
(45 – 50 minutes by car, 26 minutes by train)
Verona is best known as the romantic city inhabited by two star-crossed lovers, Romeo and Juliet.
Start your visit by heading over to Juliet’s house, which is one of the most famous places in Verona. The Dal Cappello family lived here since the 13th century. You can take a tour of the mansion, but it requires an advance online reservation from the Musei Verona. You may get distracted by the commotion in the courtyard below as people flock to take their picture with a statue of Juliet.
The Arena di Verona is a can’t-miss destination and one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheaters. Catch a show during the opera season, which is June through September. Visit the Arena Di Verona website for more details.
In Verona, you’ll have your choices of piazzas (public squares) to marvel at with Piazza dei Signori, where the local Christmas market is held, and Piazza Erbe, which is a favorite of photographers. It’s lined with pastel buildings, and it was a former Roman forum. Check out the fountain, which has been around for 2,000 years!
8. Asiago
(60 – 70 min by car)
The cheesiest destination yet! The town of Asiago, nestled on the Asiago plateau, makes for a great day trip from Vicenza. This is the ultimate day trip for cheese lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Head over to Rifugio Camplongo, which offers a starting point for several scenic hikes, including a popular route to Forte Campolongo. The hike takes approximately 1.5 hours and offers stunning views of the area.
If you are short on time, the Asiago War Memorial (Sacario Militare Di Asiago) is a must-see. This memorial honors more than 50,000 soldiers who fought in World War 1 and offers a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made during the war.
Want to learn all about cheese in Asiago? Make a reservation for a guided tour of Caseifico Pennar, which hosts tours Monday through Friday 15:00 – 17:00. You’ll learn all about their ancient tradition of making cheese!
9. Valdobbiadene
(75 minutes by car)
If you were ever curious about Prosecco, Italy’s famous sparkling wine, Valdobbiadene is the perfect town to learn all about it!
There are several different ways to experience the “Prosecco Hills” but one of my favorites is by e-bike. Take a guided tour with Vagabond Bikes! Massimo, the owner, and his team will take you to some of the hot spots in the area, to include very interesting stops at two wineries: Casa Brunoro and Osteria Senz’Oste.
Not only do you get to sample Prosecco, but you can learn about the Glera grape and the UNESCO World Heritage the region holds. You’ll ride through the vineyards and learn about the many production houses in the area!
If e-biking is out of season or it’s just not for you, make a reservation at any of the various Prosecco producers featured by Veneto Wineries.
Getting To and Around Vicenza
Car
For some visitors, this is a great way of getting around, and it’s the best way to independently visit several of the towns referenced above.
You can rent a car on Caserma Ederle at the EuropCar facility in the Exchange or at Venice Marco Polo Airport. Note that you will need an International Drivers Permit to rent a car if you are visiting Italy as a tourist.
Pro tip to find parking: Type “parcheggio” into your GPS and it will come up with various options.
Train
Vicenza has a train station conveniently located in the center of town. The best place to park is the parking lot, “Parcheggio Verdi.” You can easily purchase train tickets at the kiosks inside the train station, but don’t forget to validate your tickets before you depart! You can also use the Omio website or app to purchase tickets.
Note that train strikes are common in Italy, and the best way to keep yourself informed is to Google “Italy train strikes,” as the Italian train systems announces when strikes will occur.
Air
Vicenza is convenient to many airports but Venice Marco Polo (airport code VCE) is the closest. Active duty travelers are eligible to ride the shuttle to Caserma Ederle but the seats are offered by priority. U.S Army Garrison Italy provides all the details here.
Other nearby airports are Venice Treviso (TSF), Verona (VRN), and Milan Bergamo (BGY). Many low-cost carriers serve these airports.
You can also fly Space-A to Naples and take the train from there!
Free Medevac Shuttle from Landstuhl
If you’ve flown Space-A to Ramstein or are otherwise traveling from Germany, you can ride “space-available” on the free Medevac shuttle between the U.S. Army Health Center in Vicenza and Landstuhl Regional Medical Center. Get the details here!
Ready to Explore Italy’s Veneto Region?
No doubt you’ve found a few destinations you’d like to explore from Vicenza. Hopefully you’ve allocated enough time in your travel itinerary to visit them all!
If you’ve been to any of the locations above or have suggestions for other day trips from Vicenza, tell us about them in the comments!
Author Bio:
Kimberly Kephart is a military spouse based out of Vicenza, Italy. Kimberly has a passion for exploring the world and sharing her adventures and travel resources through her blog, Kimberly Kephart Travels and on Instagram @KimberlyKephartTravels. Kimberly also contributes lifestyle and travel pieces to Stars and Stripes Europe and was a regular contributor to United on the ROK while stationed at Camp Humphreys, South Korea.
A walled city you can go into is Montagnana. It’s a nice, little, very walkable city with a church in the main square and plenty of good eats.
Anywhere on or around Lago di Garda, to include Peschiera, Lazise, Bardolino, Garda, Malcesine, Riva del Garda and many more are good visits. You can take the funicular (cable car) from near Malcesine to the top of Monte Baldo.
Another good site to see is Santuario Madonna della Corona near Spiazzi.
Thanks for the recommendation! So much to see in northern Italy!