We are enrolled in a two-week language program in a small town in the Appenines in September. We are visiting friends in Lausanne and then taking the train to our meeting point in Bologna four days later. Should we go directly to Bologna from Lausanne and take day trips from Bologna to avoid multiple hotels and dragging suitcases and backpacks even though the day trips to Parma, for example, would take us backward? My Rick Steve’s Italy guidebook doesn’t even mention Emilia-Romagna, but other guidebooks make it look worthwhile, as do comments in this forum.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32695 posts
Edward,
As you have four days, you might consider an intermediate stop for a few days before going to Bologna. Which location to choose will depend on what you're most interested in seeing and which location provides reasonable travel time from Lausanne. You could also go directly to Bologna and spend a few days touring there and enjoying the great food.
Posted by
Green Bay
23598 posts
Parma is only 1 hour from Bologna on the hourly regional train and costs only 8.50 EUR pp each way. That is an easy day trip.