Itinerary advice for wrinklies

Andy and Gina, welcome to the Forum. I think you'll find that some more details will help get you better responses.

First, "end of the month" is next week. Have you made any bookings already other than the flights?

What has your research already turned up where we might add "meat to the bone"? What are your interests? What do you like to do when you travel? Is this your first trip to Italy or a return?

Often the best feedback comes when an itinerary sketch is provided or outlined, even if it is just a spitball estimate, and replies can build from that.

Looking forward to helping if I can....!

Bologna is just north of Florence. I'd suggest taking the train down to Firenze as it's such an important city for art, history and food.

Thank you for such a prompt response.
I thought we were in February, told you we are wrinklies! We depart on 27th Feb until 3rd March.
We visited Florence in November and also Siena.
I'm wondering how long we should give Bologna and Milan and whether that would leave us time to stop off elsewhere, ie Modena?
Thanks again.

I would divide your time evenly between Bologna and Milan, and not do an additional relocation. Modena as well as Parma are both easy daytrip (by train) destinations from Bologna. I'd keep your base/accommodations (luggage!) in Bologna, and just dedicate a day to Parma and Modena. Reggio Emilia is between the two if you are feeling ambitious.

Certainly there's enough in Bologna to fill the other days, and the same with Milan. I doubt you'd need any daytrips from Milan to fill your time, unless there was something in the region you specifically wanted to see.

Both are wonderful cities we've visited multiple times. I think you'd enjoy them more if you settled into each for a few days. Have fun!

Your departure airport is not close to Milan center, but to Bergamo's center which is worth visiting, say on the eve before your flight.

return from Milan Bergamo 8 days later.

We depart on 27th Feb until 3rd March.

How is this 8 days? I count 4 at most --2/28, 2/29, 3/1, 3/2
Where are you arriving from? 2/27 is arrival day and 3/3 is departure day so those don't really count

Bergamo airport is outside Bergamo- which is about an hour from Milan.
I would stay in Bologna for most of your days then 1 or 2 nights in Bergamo before flight departure.
Unless you have a great interest in Milan?

Thanks everyone.
I made another mistake!
We fly out on the 25th! Perhaps we should just stay at home!

"Fly out" from where? Will you be flying overnight so have jet lag to consider on day 1?

You still don't have 8 days.

Let's start over:
How many NIGHTS do you actually have on the ground in Italy?

Crikey Christine, I'm not applying for a job!
I'm just after a bit of advice about what to do on a short trip to Italy.
Because we have great flight times both ways and are flying from the UK, I talk about the number of days because we have a full day on arrival and don't depart until late. So 8 days and seven nights 🤣🤣🤣

This should get you started with Milan https://www.ricksteves.com/europe/italy/milan

The Rome Tourism website has lots of suggested itineraries based on themes/interests. I am sure one or more of these would be helpful as you plan your trip.

https://www.turismoroma.it/en/tipo-itinerari/themed-itineraries

I don't have anything helpful to add, but I just wanted to say that you sound like a hoot, wolfytom! Have fun whatever you decide to do!
Jenny

Andy and Gina, your profile doesn't say where you are from, so most would assume the US. That's why the probing questions from people trying to be helpful. It's also hard to give advice on where to go and what to do without knowing any more about you or any of your interests.

BTW, I'm in my late 70s and laugh at your calling yourselves "wrinklies". My interests and style of traveling may be quite different from yours as my husband and i probably move at a slower pace.

The two Marys have given you some great advice.

Thanks everyone.
Jenny come with us! We'll have a ball.

Crikey Christine, I'm not applying for a job! I'm just after a bit of
advice about what to do on a short trip to Italy.

As noted above- it's difficult to give even a bit of advice when we don't have the basic facts about the trip.
Knowing how many nights you have to spend is important.

Since we now know you have 7 nights I would suggest
Bologna 3
Milan 2 if you have interest
Bergamo- 2- stay in Bergamo Alta-it's a charming little town with great views, worth the visit and you will have easy access to Bergamo airport.

Some options I’ve enjoyed and would consider in that area are Venice, Verona, Mantova, Cremona (if you have any violin history interest), Bergamo Alta. Bologna wasn’t our favorite, but many people like it. All of those are on train lines.

Verona is a very tourist-friendly city. I like Hotel Bologna there.

For the rest, I will find my trip report where I stayed in those cities in 2022 for hotel ideas, etc.

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/trip-reports/trip-report-please-do-not-comment-until-i-change-the-title-filling-in-the-report-thanks

By the way, Gina is what my husband calls me when I’m in Italy. : ) So you have the perfect name to feel like you’re already in Italy!