Hi, I'll be back in Italy this November with my mother & daughter. We're starting off in Venice and will take the train to Florence. I like the idea of taking several hours off in a town that is on the route, so I was thinking of Bologna. I searched here and have found some thumbs up for Bologna (since RS' book has nothing about the town). Before I research further, does anyone have enough experience with Bologna to say whether it's worth a quick trip from the train station? Thanks,
Jodi
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
16235 posts
It is time for Americans to venture outside the beaten path prescribed by Big Brother (Rick Steves). Just because Big Brother doesn't cover (or maybe even doesn't like) something, does not mean you shouldn't go there. Between Venice and Florence there are 3 main cities that you have to go through (Padua, Ferrara, Bologna), all three deserve a stop. So don't be afraid, venture out, explore, throw that hammer at the Big Brother on the PBS screen, like the 1984 Apple McIntosh commercial.
Posted by
OP
Mountain House
72 posts
Roberto, if you were to pick one of those cities for a day trip with easy access (We are traveling with some limited mobility), which would it be? I agree about going outside of the usual beaten path. I almost feel stuck in this itinerary of Venice, Florence and Rome but this trip is for my mother, and she wants to see the Big Three. Not that I don't love them, but I would like to visit somewhere that I haven't been before!
Posted by
Wiesbaden, Germany
791 posts
Absolutely, Bologna. I'm on record many times on this site as saying I think it's one of the best kept secrets in Italy. I'm kind of glad His Royal Highness hasn't caught on and ruined it yet. Jodi, do a search on Bologna in the search box at the top right of the page, you'll find a bunch of threads where we've discussed Bologna.
Posted by
Bromley, Kent,, UK
1829 posts
We have just got back from our fourth holiday in Bologns in four years. I am sorry that we waited so long before visiting because we felt so at home and comfortable in the place, hence the return visits! Despite being a fair sized busy city it is a laid back place with friendly citizens, old buildngs, narrow streets, interesting museums/churches, some great shoppng and a bar/cafe seemingly every few yards. And of course there is always the food. IMO the trick with Bologna is to take it slowly. However, if you have only got a few hours this themed itinerary guide may be useful. http://www.emiliaromagnaturismo.com/en/publications/donwloads/GuidaBologna.pdf/view?searchterm=guides The city centre is on the flat and there are bench seats scattered around where you can take the wieight off your feet.