Small Towns near Venice

Q: While we are in Venice, we would like to visit one of the smaller towns or villages nearby. We have been told that Burano and Asolo are two of the best. Which one do you recommend? - Ansie Venter

A: If you have the time, perhaps you could visit both of these interesting towns. I recommend a day trip to Burano and an overnight stay in Asolo, which is the more picturesque of the two. Burano is a busy town lined with brightly coloured houses known for its lace and fishing industries. Make sure you visit the Museo del Merletto di Burano, a lace-making museum. Burano is a 40-minute ferry ride from Venice. On the other hand, Asolo is one of the most charming medieval towns in Italy. Stroll through the streets and piazzas, browsing through shops, or soak up the peace and beauty of the surrounding countryside. You can also visit a castle, a cathedral and the remains of old Roman baths. The place to stay is the Albergo Al Sole, a superb hotel right in the centre of town. Room rates on www.booking.com start at around 230 Euros (R2000) for a double room with breakfast. Known as the "city of a hundred horizons", Asolo can be reached by catching the train from Venice to Treviso and then the bus from Treviso to Asolo. The journey should take about an hour. (11/9/11)