hello! we've been trying to visit as much of Europe as we can while we can still walk around well! we had a wonderful time in Venice a couple of years ago, but I think this year (in the beginning of September) we would like to try Florence and Bologna. the latter seems like a slower pace, which sounds good. but if anyone who's been there could suggest places to go in the evening, like classical concerts perhaps? we really lucked out for this in Venice. we were able to see smaller chamber as well as larger groups/settings. we also hope to do this in Florence.
we are travelling from chicago, so we would also like to get some suggestions on which place to visit first, what airport to fly into. i looked on a map and it seems pretty easy to get from one place to the other on a train or bus(suggestions there too would be wonderful) and do we need to fly into one airport and fly out of another? we have a VERY good travel agent who helps with this so that will probably not be an issue. and if we don't need to do that, which airport should we be flying into.
any other thoughts or suggestions would be very much appreciated. i've only read a few of these posts and it, unsurprisingly, seems to be used by friendly, savvy and very well meaning and intelligent travelers!
thank you all in advance!
j
Posted by
Phoenix, Arizona
86 posts
Excellent choices! Unfortunately, neither airport has direct flights to the US, so not a big deal which one you choose (I've always used Bologna). The fast train takes about 45 minutes between the 2 cities, with several daily. As for musical concerts, early September is probably too early for the symphony or opera seasons. I'm not familiar with the availability of chamber music, so will leave that to others. Bologna does have a couple of good jazz clubs, however. When in Florence, should make sure to have a Florentine steak; as for Bologna, best food in the world (my opinion). Reservations a must at the good places. My personal favorites are da Cesari, Donatello, and Cantina Bentivoglio. Also, not sure how long your trip will be, but either town can be toured in about 4 days. If staying longer, you can easily do day trips from Bologna to Modena, Parma and Ravenna among others; from Florence, to Sienna or other hill towns, Lucca, or Pisa.
Posted by
Saint Paul, Minnesota
2057 posts
The two cities are only 30–40 minutes apart by fast train, so I'd be inclined to get round trip plane tickets to one or the other. Travel by train to the other city on arrival so that you end up in the departure city. Your departure time from either city is likely to be early morning.
If the plane tickets are about the same price, maybe visit Bologna first --- Florence will still be darn full of tourists in September and a bit overwhelming at first. A good friend of mine, a very experienced European traveler, arrived at the main Florence train station, went outside, turned around, and went to Lucca instead. Florence is my favorite city on earth, but, yeah, Bologna will be easier for getting over jetlag and getting used to being in Italy again. Plus you can easily and quickly go by train to smaller places from Bologna, like to Ferrara and Ravenna.
The center of Florence is very walkable, like Venice, so don't feel like you have to get an apartment or hotel right in the thick of things (unless you like that!). We always choose to stay in a more peaceful location for dinner and to sleep, then tackle the crowds as needed during the day. Like Venice, the crowds are not EVERYWHERE, mostly just at the really popular sites like the Ponte Vecchio, Duomo, Uffizi, Santa Croce, and a few others. In September (2017), I visited several wonderful places to look at art in Florence where I was either by myself or with very few other people.
If you mention your interests, or have additional questions, people here can give you more specific guidance.
Posted by
Gettysburg PA
8920 posts
Verona opera season runs through 9/12
Easy train ride from Bologna and Verona is a lovely town to spend a few nights
Posted by
Caldwell Idaho
100 posts
For concerts in Florence, check out the Opera at St Marks Anglican Church in the Oltrano district. I’ve attended two concerts in the past, both featured professional Italian singers who were excellent. The price was very reasonable, at least in 2016, 30E or so. Highly recommended.
Posted by
OP
3 posts
oh my goodness! thank you all so much for the fantastic information! loving the restaurant suggestions too!! keep the info coming!