Location: Vicenza Area in Italy
Car: not necessary
Sandwiched between Venice and Verona, Vicenza has somehow slipped off the tourist circuit, yet the historic centre is a Unesco World Heritage Site, with peaceful squares and porticoed streets graced by life-sized statues and picturesque balconies designed by the great architect Palladio and his followers. It's a wealthy city, with plenty of art, good shopping and excellent restaurants. I could not have said it better myself!
Our non smoking home is a five minute walk to the Piazza dei Signori (the center of the city). It is centrally located just a few steps from the ancient walls and Roman ruins. I enjoy the short walk through the park to the train station, where Venice, Padova and Verona are just minutes away. No need for a car, but if you do have one, we have a covered locked garage.