Parma, Modena or Ferrara?

Hi Phil, I’ve stayed in each of those cities you’re mentioning. Also, I will add Ravenna to your options in case you don’t know about the gorgeous mosaics there. There’s interesting history for sure with Ravenna, plus there’s a museum that is an underground uncovered rooms.

Take a quick look at the TripAdvisor “things to do” for each of these three cities to see the historical sites vs. me listing them all here.. I will mention that the Palazzo Schifanoia (Palazzo della Gioia) in Ferrara says it’s closed for renovation, but I was just back in Ferrara a few months ago, and it was open.

For Modena, I booked “Modena: Balsamic Lunch with Vinegar Cellar Tour & Tasting” with Gambigliani Zoccoli Acetaia”, and I recommend it. They do a very nice job of sharing their history, demonstrate the way they handle their vinegar in the attic, plus the meal was nicely done to taste their three varieties. I travel by train, so I walked back to the station one day since they offered a shuttle from the train station out to their countryside location.

Parma has one of my favorite cathedral interiors- absolutely gorgeous warm-toned frescoes lining the aisle and ceiling!

If I had to rate them, I would say Ferrara, Parma and then Modena last place, but there’s no wrong choice with these three. Even better, if you took the earliest train to Ravenna and then stop at Ferrara on the way back. But, check the hours that the castle in Ferrara is open, first.

I agree with Jean's ranking and also that Ravenna is ravishing, but I think it needs more than even one full day for itself.