After a week in SPELLO, Italy, we want to head to MILAN by train. But not all in one go; can anyone suggest a nice village/town in Tuscany that is easy to get to from SPELLO by train for a few days of meandering around in?
Posted by
Gettysburg PA
6190 posts
Does it have to be Tuscany?
Bologna is about halfway
Posted by
OP
durango, CO
64 posts
You're right, it doesn't have to be Tuscany. Is Bologna a good walking around/meandering kind of place in your opinion?
Posted by
Gettysburg PA
6190 posts
I think probably
Not really a town/village
Haven’t been yet, will visit in September
There’s just a few “sights”, pretty compact medieval center, known for great food
I found this blog helpful in my planning
https://www.ourpassionfortravel.com/2019/09/3-days-in-bologna/
Posted by
Ontario, Canada
4574 posts
Florence comes to mind, but Bologna is another great option. It is often overlooked - particularly by Rick Steves' guide books, but it is a long established University town with covered arcades, parks a little out of town and a great hub for short train day trips to other interesting and overlooked places. Ferrara is a small walled city nearby for walking around in. If food is your thing, Bologna is a great central location for Parma Ham, Modena balsamic vinegar, and of course reggio romano parmesan cheese. Of course, the university kids add interest to any city.
Posted by
Fort Myers, FL
1682 posts
If you have never been to Florence, that would be my suggestion. If you have, Bologna is a great alternative suggestion.
Posted by
Southwest Florida
870 posts
I agree with Threadwear - also, Bologna is a great day trip location as well to the region.
Posted by
SE US
2402 posts
Bologna is a great place to visit and not very touristy. The food I had there was among the best I had in Italy.
Posted by
Idaho, USA
7331 posts
Florence would be the first choice, especially with a train connection there.
We weren’t big fans of Bologna - nothing really specific except it just didn’t have the same vibe as the many places in Italy we have stayed.
I looked on your train line between Spello & Milan. One option you might want to consider is Arezzo. I found the medieval portion to be charming. I stayed in a B&B near Piazza Grande. Spello-to-Arezzo is 1.5 hours and Arezzo-to-Milan is 3.25 hours by train.
Posted by
7688 posts
Bologna was OK and paled compared to Florence.
Also, consider Lucca or Verona.