Bologna or Ravenna?

I've stayed in both Bologna and Ravenna, and I enjoyed them both for different reasons. Just because Bologna isn't included in Rick's Italy guidebooks doesn't mean it's not a great city. Imo it's the better choice for your desired activities, and I think Ravenna is too far out of the way to be a good base camp for this trip.

Stay in Bologna; it has a well connected train station; you will have more daytrip options if it is obvious to you immediately that Bologna is less than stellar.

We were in Ravenna in 2010. We would never have gone there without the recommendation from RS. But Ravenna is one place we would recommend to anyone. The mosaics are the most beautiful art you will ever see, in our opinion. We really hope one day to get back there. If you are not into art, maybe Bologna is a better choice.

Apples and Oranges. Ravenna has those phenomenal mosaics and they are not to be missed. It is a small city and makes a great day trip - especially from Bologna. Bologna is a much larger city with more to see and do. More importantly, it is a rail hub which makes trips to Parma, Modena, Ferrara and other cities in the area fast and simple.

We’ve stayed two or more nights in Bologna, Ravenna and Parma. Strictly for a transportation hub, I would choose Bologna. For ambiance & charm, I would rate them - Ravenna, then Parma and then Bologna. But, there’s no bad choice between all of your options!

I would say stay in Bologna. I have never understood why Bologna is not covered in the Rick Steves guidebook! It is the foodie capital of Emilio-Romagna and it is so centrally located. There's plenty to see and it has excellent rail connections throughout northern Italy for day tripping. You can be in Venice, Florence or Ravenna in two hours or less. I did a day trip from Bologna to Ravenna and you can see all you need in Ravenna in half a day or so. Ravenna is definitely worth a day trip but not much more than that.

Thanks for all the feedback!

Since we're mainly interested in the food in this region I'm thinking Bologna will be a good base. I've already found a couple of options for tours that include parmesan and balsamic vinegar production.

We can't wait to go!!!

IMHO Ravenna, the former capital of Byzantine Italy, is a must see stop if you are in the vicinity. The mosaics are truly amazing. But, there is not enough else there to warrant staying overnight.

RAVENNA was awesome, with its Byzantine mosaics. Not that impressed with Bologna and its unfinished cathedral.

Ravenna is a great day trip. I also liked the atmosphere there - it seemed very "livable".
Bologna is a major city, one of the oldest universities in the world , very lively . I loved it - good sights, excellent food, lots of day trips available - I can't wait to go back for an extended stay.

Both cities, to me, are "must sees" - but I'd use Bologna as a base.

I’ve been to both cities. I say Bologna all the way! Ravenna is nice but it’s a day trip at most. Bologna has much more to do and the food is wonderful. It was a highlight for us.

I haven't been yet, but am also researching this area. I had planned to use Bologna as a base but in reading, I realized I might prefer to use Ferrara as a base. Have you looked at that city? It might not suit access to foodie tours the same, but as a smaller, more livable city, it is closer to your interests than Ravenna.

(my unsolicited tip - always read an alternative travel guide as well as RS. RS leaves out a lot of stuff that you will pick up in other guides)