Paying homage to Padua

Getting there
From LAX, Lufthansa, Swiss, British Airways and Air France offer connecting service (change of plane) to Venice. Restricted round-trip fares begin at $1,152.

Venice’s Marco Polo airport is 25 miles from Padua. Buses leave twice hourly from the airport on the SITA line. Buy your ticket (about $3.75 one way) at the bus counter in the arrivals hall.

Telephones
To call the numbers below from the U.S., dial 011 (the international dialing code), 39 (country code for Italy), 049 (area code), which must be used for calls within the city, and the number.

Where to stay
Majestic Toscanelli, 2 Via dell’Arco; 663-244, fax 876-0025, https://www.toscanelli.com . Hard to find in the old Jewish quarter, but this four-star charmer is worth the search. Doubles from $171, including breakfast.

Hotel Donatello, 102 Via del Santo; 875-0634, fax 875-0829, https://www.hoteldonatello.net . Lacks personality, but this four-star place overlooks the Piazza del Santo. Doubles from $182.

Casa del Pellegrino, 21 Via M. Cesarotti; 823-9711, fax 823-9780. Comfortable two-star hotel across from Basilica of St. Anthony. Friendly staff. Doubles from $74.

Where to eat
Al Santo, 147 Via del Santo; 875-2131. Cozy hotel restaurant featuring regional cuisine. Dinner for two with wine about $52.

Isola di Caprera, 11/15 Via Marsilio da Padova; 876-0244. Great for seafood. Slightly upscale. Hearty lunch (without wine) about $48.

Pepen, 15 Piazza Cavour; 875-9483. Our pizzas were excellent. About $24 for two pizzas with beverage.

To economize, pick up picnic ingredients in the stalls of Palazzo della Ragione or neighborhood markets. Bread, cheese, salami, wine and olives for two about $12.

To learn more
Italian Government Tourist Board, 12400 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 550, Los Angeles, CA 90025; (310) 820-1898, fax (310) 820-6357, https://www.italiantourism.com .