Is it possible to visit any of the Villas by local bus,rather than on a tour? When are these Villas open? Thank you for any information. ... more

... able to visit all the villas you normally do on a tour. Here are the infos (opening hours and costs) about the Villas: http://www ... ... have to ask the bus driver for the stop, since the villas aren't located in the center of the various villages on the riviera ... more

Thank you for your reply. We will be in Padua for a month, so we have time to explore the Villas. Which one would you recommend? The bus time- table is very helpful. We know where the bus station is. Thanks for any advise. ... more

I would also suggest Vicenza for palladio's architecture if that interests you. A wednesday viosit means you can visit Villa Rotonda, considered his masterpiece. And we absolutely loved Mantova. Quite a surprise and very little touristed. lynnnnick.blogspot.com/2009/08/of-villas-and-palazzi-from-mantua-to.html ... more

The Brenta river is a quite long one, with Brenta Canal I assume you mean the Naviglio del Brenta, the minor branch that runs aside Brenta's Villas. Where exactly are you looking to stay? ... more

... also suggest to stay in Venice, then you can decide to dedicate a couple of days to Verona or Padova. Vicenza has the best to see on the countryside (the Palladio's villas), therefore it would need to rent a car. Feel free to ask for more infos! Happy planning ... more

... this. O.k. there are some Palladian villas along the banks, one or two which can be visited but for me it's a slow boat to nowhere. They have to allow carryon backpacks or people would die of exposure. Visit Padua for sure but go on the train. Bob ... more

... daughter in Padova ( she is studying there) and visiting the villas by boat was on of the day trips we were considering. We will not have a car. However, I should cross this off the list? We have been to Verona and Venice already. So what do you recommend? Thanks ... more