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Emilia-Romagna or Venice over Easter weekend?

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We're heading to Italy in April of 2023 and plan to visit Venice and the Emilia-Romagna region (cities/towns TBD), and possibly ending up in Zurich to fly home from there. We're not religious and don't particularly have any vested interest in "experiencing" Easter in any city, and we definitely won't be going to mass. We're flying into MXP on April 5th (the Wednesday before Easter) and the rest is unplanned, other than currently un-purchased return tickets, either Friday the 14th or Saturday the 15th. I was thinking of taking the train from Milan to Venice on the 6th and then leaving Venice on the 9th, which is Easter Sunday. Or, would we be better off being in the Emilia-Romagna region then, and going to Venice afterwards? I'm thinking in terms of crowds, experiences, and availability of places to eat and visit.

(If it's relevant -- this trip is me and my husband and our two teenage daughters. We've been to Italy before, but never north of Florence, other than a trip I took as a child almost 40 years ago. Also - this is a special trip to celebrate my oldest's high school graduation and she requested "a trip with really good food.")

Posted by
4697 posts

We were in Venice the week before Easter, pre- COVID, and it was packed. If it was me, I would especially avoid that weekend. The vaporettos were jammed with people. Many private businesses are usually closed Easter Sunday and Monday, but I believe the museums are open- pls check. The crowds in Venice were tolerable until Good Friday, when it seemed students were out of school, because young folks were everywhere.
We also found the small towns very quiet, and the wineries closed Easter weekend.
But I'm sure you will find a workable solution, and will have a fantastic trip. Congrats to the Graduate!

Posted by
7298 posts

My experience is limited, but I (last visit, 2017 Venice Biennale) found that the food in Venice did not seem to be reliably as good as other parts of Italy. I love Venice, but I wonder if 9 days (?) is too much for one city.

I happen to like Emilia Romana, but Venice and the Veneto are a really rich location for things to see and do. No slight against teenagers, but ER might seem a little dull. Check climate numbers for April.

Posted by
2448 posts

My experience with the Emilia-Romagna region includes Ravenna (5-6th century Byzantine mosaics), Faenza (international Ceramics Museum, and ceramics shops), and Ferrara (seriously underrated town). I’ve also read about bird-watching and other nature activities in the Po Delta. It’s a wonderful region.

Posted by
34 posts

@Tim - we're definitely not staying 9 days in Venice! Just a couple so that my daughters can experience it. We're going to Emilia-Romagna for the food!

Posted by
320 posts

We did two weeks just in Emilia Romagna in 2019 (something like 3 days in Ravenna and ten in Bologna with day trips, plus the last night near the Venice airport). There is a ton to do and the food is outstanding. I recommend the Bradt guide to the region for a deep dive guidebook. If your oldest really wants to focus on food, I’d also recommend a cooking class with CIBO in Bologna. Many tour companies run food tours - we had a great experience with ExploraEmilia.

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