We are using public transit on our trip. We have 2 nights between our Florence and Venice stays. I'm debating whether to spend it in Bologna with a day trip to Ravenna by train, or to stay 2 nights in Ravenna and travel to Venice from Ravenna. After 4 nights in Rome and 4 nights in Florence, we might be tired of larger cities. The train takes longer because it goes back to Bologna. It looks like Flixbus goes up the coast. Anyone tried it? Thanks.
Posted by
Idaho, USA
9316 posts
I haven’t used Flixbus, but I will recommend that if you’re taking the train from Ravenna to Venice, take the choices that make their connection at Ferrara. The Ferrara train station is much less busy & confusing than larger multilevel Bologna’s. For instance, the 7:57am or 8:43am departure goes to Ferrara, connecting to finish at Venezia (Venice) at 10:34am or 11:34am.
I’ve stayed at Ravenna a couple of nights and found the city to be what you’re requesting. With the extra time, besides going to all of the mosaic locations with the combo ticket, besides sure to go to the museum where there’s good displays of how the mosaics are made, plus there’s a museum to see ancient mosaic floors down a flight of stairs.
Another option is to stay those two nights in Ferrara. (It’s an hour & 7 minutes from Florence (Firenze) by fast train. Then you could do an easy day trip to Ravenna. Take the 8:29am train to arrive at Ravenna at 9:42am to be one of the first people in the San Vitale Church. My daughter & I stayed in Ferrara and took that train. It was such a special experience to stand there with the church so quiet to take in the beauty compared to the time I walked in there with several others also looking at it. Ferrara has some nice museums, plus the castle in the center of the historical section. I’ve stayed there twice & like it.
Posted by
Gettysburg PA
8846 posts
Haven’t used Flixbus either
Take the train, change in Ferrara
Regional then fast train
I am sure you’ll have many more options with train - runs every hour to Ferrara than you would with Flixbus
We loved Ravenna and 2 nights is perfect there but it will take time to get to/from
Another option on the train route from Florence to Venice is Padua
Not a “small town” but not near as busy or big as Rome and Florence
Posted by
OP
Cleveland
192 posts
Thanks for the Ferrara advice. That's a good tip. I also considered Padua as a stop, but I want to see those mosaics in Ravenna. But, yes, Padua between Florence and Venice would be easier.
Posted by
Idaho, USA
9316 posts
Ferrara - Trattoria da Noemi! Yum! They are open for both lunch & dinner - get reservations.