In the early planning stages for a 3-4 week tour of Venice, Udine, Bologna, Florence, Chianti Region, then south to Naples. We are looking at the end of August-September, 2017. Wanted to rent an apartment as a base and travel to various towns that are known for their food specialities and of course enjoy the beautiful countryside. Realize that the southern portion would be planned separately and if at all possible would love to go to Sicily but think that may be a separate trip. Open to any and all suggestions based on your knowledge/ experiences. Thank you.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16894 posts
Padova is pretty central to those destinations that are served by fast train (e.g., 2 hours to Udine and 1.5 hours to Florence), but smaller towns of the Chianti region would not be as easily day-trip-able. Splitting this plan in to two home bases could reduce your roundtrip travel time on several days.
Posted by
OP
28 posts
Thank you for your response concerning Padova. Will certainly check it out. Also, 2 home bases rather than 1 makes sense.
Posted by
Dartmouth, NS, Canada
213 posts
If you are thinking of an apartment in Padova, this one is excellent. My husband and | stayed there for 4 nights and loved the flat, the location and the owner was very accommodating.
HomeAway Rental 6462570
Posted by
Toronto, Canada
415 posts
Much as I love Florence, I think Bologna might be a good choice for a base. Very good food and food sources and close to Modena for balsamico tasting and close to places where they make parma ham and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. Also on the high speed train line so easy to get to Venice and Florence - still a bit far from Chianti country perhaps.
I would definitely recommend September. August isn't the best time to be a tourist in Italy as a lot of local businesses are closed for their own holidays.
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
One day trip for great food is to Ferrara, some lovely sights as well.
Posted by
OP
28 posts
Thanks to all for the information and suggestions, will certainly do the research.