We are a family of 4, with 2 teenage sons. We took our older son to Italy for his graduation/18th birthday in June 2015, and our next soon- to- be 18 year old wants to go back to Italy for his graduation and birthday in June, 2017! :)
We are trying to decide on our cities. We are flying into Bologna and out of Rome. We are trying to decide where to go after Bologna. Last time, we started in Venice. My question is- after Bologna, should we go to back to Venice, or try a new city, like Ravenna?
I'm really just looking for opinions. Is there somewhere near Bologna you would recommend? We have 2-3 nights to spare before we head to Firenze for the celebration of St. John the Baptist and my son's 18th birthday.
I look forward to reading your replies. You were all so awesome and knowledgeable 2 years ago!
Jenny
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
15275 posts
Was the younger son with you in Venice in 2015?
If he wasn't, it wouldn't be fair to deny him one of the most beautiful and unique cities in the world.
If he was, then you can try something new.
From Bologna there are several cities you can visit on a day trip: Ravenna, Verona, Parma, Ferrara, Mantova (Mantua), just to name a few. You can do those without having to change your Bologna hotel. For Venice, although it can be visited from Bologna since it's 1h30m away by train, I would probably choose the spend a couple of nights.
Posted by
the Netherlands
2487 posts
Alternative is to stay in Padova. A lively university city, not overcrowded with tourists, and a good base not only for Venice (30 mins away on the cheap Regionale Veloce), but also for Vicenza and Verona.
Posted by
Vignola, MO, IT
658 posts
I just spent a month in Bologna and this was my second time there. Very few tourists even when there are plenty in Florence, Venice etc. I spent two days in Ravenna (ran a half marathon so needed another day). Loved the mosaics- beautiful! In March I was in Parma for 3 days and 3 days in Ferrara (ran another half in Ferrara). Too much time in Ferrara. Also spent time in Padova and Vicenza. Preferred Vicenza to Padova. Was in Florence last year for the feast of San Giovanni and the awesome 10k run the Saturday before. Lots of people and lots of fun for that special day. So.... lots of fun places for you to choose from!
Posted by
Vienna, Austria
5407 posts
Verona?....
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
As mentioned, Bologna is a great hub for so many cities, including a long daytrip to Ravenna. As you know, Italian trains are inexpensive.
Everyone should see Venezia once or a hundred times.
Posted by
Minnesota 🎒
15867 posts
Jenny, I'm not sure who the "we" is referring to in your post but is your son weighing in on his sightseeing wish list? If not, given his age and that this (very generous) gift is in his honor, maybe the research and choice should be his?
Posted by
🏝️ Hobe Sound, FL⛱️
3182 posts
In October I visited Bologna and there's a lot to see and do there. If your sons are interested in cars, the Ferrari Museum is a short hop away in Maranello. I then spent a night in Ravenna which was great. Then I stayed in Vicenza for three nights which allowed a day of sightseeing there, in Padova and Verona. Local inexpensive trains run frequently and conveniently. The Veneto is a great area to visit with easy connections to Firenze. Check the section on the Veneto in Rick's Italy guide book.
Posted by
OP
Martinez, California San Francisco Bay Area
78 posts
Kathy, the birthday boy is very laid back and when asked about where he wants to go, he usually replies, "wherever you guys want to go." He's not uninterested; just very go with the flow. And since our first trip was such a success, he's just looking forward to getting there.
Roberto, yes, he was there the first time we went. He is excited to see Bologna, but truly has no opinion on Venice vs. Ravenna.
I want to go back to Venice, as does my other son, and my husband is on the fence.
Looks like day trips is the way to go here.
Thanks for all your input!
Jenny