We are heading to Italy the end of May… spending 3 nights in Venice, 3 nights in Monterosso/CT, and 5 days in Florence/Tuscany/Sardinia as guests of local vintners. We depart Cagliari on a Friday via Ryanair and plan to spend 2 nights (Fri/Sat) in Bologna or Parma before heading back to the Venice Marco Polo airport area late Sunday by train for our return flight home Monday AM. We are interested in the Emilia-Romagna area for the food. Would it be better to go to Parma or Bologna for the best food experience? I’ve read about the Italian Days all day food tour which sounds great, but I’m concerned about it being too much food and being too stuffed. Also, our only day available for the tour would be Saturday which means missing the markets on Saturday because I assume the markets won’t be open on Sunday. Any thoughts or recommendations would be appreciated.
Posted by
Boston
1697 posts
I'd choose Parma. The cities have a very different feel - Bologna's a big intense city, Parma's a small, mellow city. There are food tours in Parma that go the prosciutto and parmigiana producers. As a bonus you get Parma's Duomo and Baptistry with 1,000 years old (almost) Antelemi sculptures.
Food Tours: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g187804-Activities-Parma_Province_of_Parma_Emilia_Romagna.html
Parma Food Tourism: http://turismo.comune.parma.it/en/thematic-channels/flavors/food-and-wine-factories
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
Bologna. The centro storico is quite compact. Bologna has a couple of interesting museums, great architecture and monuments, and outstanding food.
Bologna is also the transportation hub for the region.
If you can get to Parma for a morning or afternoon, you can see the main sights.
Posted by
Brisbane, Australia
7175 posts
It's only 50mins by train from Bologna to Parma. Staying in Bologna would still allow you to visit Parma on the Saturday if you wished.
Posted by
54 posts
We were in Bologna last September. The Italian Days tour was unbelievable! It was a ton of food, though. Bologna itself has a lot to see & eat. 😀 We took the train to Parma and it was really nice also. If I had to choose only one, I'd say go with Bologna.
Posted by
OP
2 posts
Thank you for all the replies. It sounds like either way or trying to do both would be good options.
Posted by
Tampa, FL, USA
1054 posts
I choose Parma also for my September trip. I like the smaller city vs Bologna.
Posted by
Vignola, MO, IT
654 posts
Been to both this past March and liked both. If you are a runner (I'm a marathoner) Parma is great! Easy to run and you can also run along the river and get some great views. I was surprised that I liked Bologna (I've usually heard negative things) but I've decided to return to Bologna for a few weeks in the fall.
Posted by
Fulda Germany and Rhode Island USA
332 posts
Try Reggio Emilia, I just got back from there. Food experience was awesome in the city . The cheese is out of this world. I agree way too much food and Italians don't eat until 8pm usually. The supermarket had awesome fresh seafood I made pictures it was amazing. The cold cuts are outstanding and the wines are so good!