We will be traveling to Italy and would like a suggestion of an area to focus our travels. We need to be in northern Italy for one week and will be driving a car, so a main need is for a place accessible to cars. We don't want to be in a large city and would like to be in an area where there are some good day trips. Our interests are food (not fancy restaurants but productionwe love cheese museums), music (2 kids play violin), art, outdoors, and kids activities. These aren't requirements, we can be happy anywhere. Thanks for reading, I would appreciate any & all suggestions!
Posted by
Portlandia
3313 posts
With a car you have a lot of options. We once stayed in a small hotel outside of Parma with its own restaurant and enormous swimming pool. From there we visited Parma, Verona, Bologna. You could add in Modena and even Vicenza or Padua. Those towns are generally easy to drive into and park. The only tradeoff is not staying in the middle of town for walking in the evening.
Posted by
Boise, ID, USA
2332 posts
Cremona is a lovely town and of course the home of Stradivarius violins. I think you'd enjoy it.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32393 posts
Cal, As you'll be driving in Italy, are you aware of the "usual issues"? Each driver will need an International Driver's Permit and you'll need to ensure you don't pass through any ZTL areas. If you need further information, post another note. You might have a look at This Hotel. It's located in one of the most beautiful parts of Tuscany, not far from Pienza and also in a convenient location for day trips to Siena, Montalcino, etc. There's a Spa just uphill from the Hotel (within walking distance). The Hotel website appears to have been recently re-designed, and they don't appear to have the English part working yet. Happy travels!
Posted by
OP
Portland
8 posts
Thank you all so much for your responses. We are definitely planning to go to Cremona. Parma sounds absolutely perfect for us. Thanks for pointing me in the right direction everyone!