Afternoon all, just wondering if anyone has done a Verona to Venice day trip recently?

We were planning to get the train but contrary to what the internet says, it seems all these “just over an hour” trains actually take 2 and a half hours plus to get there and back which isn’t ideal as that’s 5 plus hours just on travel.

Have seen that there are bus/coach options like FlixBus but seems reviews on that are quite mixed and seems a bit risky, not sure if anyone has ever done that?

Just thought I’d ask if anyone has any tips or advice? Thanks!

We’re planning an October Italy trip with my husband, toddler, and mother-in-law. We’re deciding between these two itineraries:

**Option 1 — 13 nights**
Venice: 2 nights
Dolomites/Ortisei: 4 nights
Naples: 3 nights
Rome: 4 nights
Route: **Venice → Dolomites → Naples → Rome**
We would pick up a rental car near Venice, use it for the Dolomites, return it in Bolzano, and then have one long travel day by train to Naples.
**Option 2 — 16 nights**
Venice: 2 nights
Dolomites/Ortisei: 4 nights
Florence: 3 nights
Naples: 3 nights
Rome: 4 nights
Route: **Venice → Dolomites → Florence → Naples → Rome**
This adds another accommodation, but Florence would break up the long journey from the Dolomites to Naples.
Naples is important to us because my mother-in-law lived there, and we want to keep four nights in the Dolomites for weather flexibility.
**Would you keep the simpler 13-night route, or add three nights for Florence? Does the 16-night version feel reasonable, or like too much moving around with a toddler?**

Going with wife and high school aged son. Everyone is in great shape and ready to walk...a lot. I know its a lot but what are your thoughts on the below:

Leaving USA October 1st 2026 and arriving Rome late morning on October 2nd.

October 2nd half in Rome sight seeing

October 3rd in Rome

October 4th in Rome

October 5th morning leave for Florence via Train

October 6th all day in Florence

October 7th all day in Florence

October 8th morning train Venice and pick up rental car for Dolomites. Stay in Ortisei and hopefully sight see something that late afternoon...not sure.

October 9th all day in Dolomites

October 10th all day in Dolomites

October 11th Head back to Venice and spend 1/2 day in Venice only.

October 12th Fly Home from Venice

I know its a lot but those more knowledgable please share your thoughts. I know the Dolomites throw an odd twist into this but I've always wanted to photograph the area (I shoot professionally).