<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Doglog680:
Much thanks SFOTRAVELER, great info and links! I have another inquiry regarding excursions. I'd like to take a day or two to explore some of the surrounding area. Places like Verona, Vicenza, Padua,and Bassano del Grappa have been recommended in various travel books and sites. Any preference? Is Slovenia or Croatia an option to the east as well? Is there anything worth seeing there or is it more worthwhile to stay in northern Italy? Again, any insight is appreciated.</font>
If by a week you mean 7 nights, or perhaps even only 6 nights, You do not have a whole lot of time to explore Venice, let alone do the entire NE Italian countryside. Leaving VCE usually kills a whole day, as you must leave early to transfer at a hub somewhere.
A lot of that exploring takes a car, which you will have to procure.
Spend a half day at Ca' Rezzonico instead. It is not high on most lists, and one of our favorites. Have the hotel check for the days closed. Most of the guide books have it wrong.
Get a pass from the hotel if possible, to visit the Casino if the winter casino is still active. It is also Palazzo Vendramin Calegri, and well worth the visit. Count the number of €500 notes on the Roulette wheel at each spin.