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March northern Italy not Venice

I will have a few days in mid-March on my way home (England) by train from Rome.

Initially I expected to stop for the time in Venice, as I have done for several years.

Then I began to wonder, knowing that March will work well for me (and my wife) in Rome but thinking how it may be north.

I've been in the snow in Bologna in February, have visited Milano several times, have been all over the Veneto, and loved Ravenna.

I'm looking for somewhere different for a few days, hopefully slightly warm but I know I will leave the warmth behind in Rome, we are traveling by train.

My alternative plan if this doesn't work out is to take the train up the west coast of Italy through the Italian Riviera into the French Riviera and have a few days in Monaco or Nice, which I haven't done for a few winters.

Any ideas?

Posted by
11613 posts

Have you been to Ferrara? Mantova and Sabbionetta?

Posted by
32709 posts

I haven't been to Ferrara since the earthquake; yes, and found a great place to eat next to the market in Mantova, never been to Sabbionetta. What's there?

Posted by
15144 posts

It's Sabbioneta (one "T").
Haven't made it there yet, but although very small, it's a famous place. It's even in the UNESCO Heritage list. Looks pretty in pictures.

Posted by
1829 posts

Try Turin? Unlikely to be warm but we spent a week there in Sept 2013 and plan to return next Sept. The city centre is fascinating, walkable and we found the people friendly and helpful.

Posted by
11613 posts

Thanks, Roberto, I hate making those dumb mistakes. There's a lovely historic center and a great restaurant (can't find the name) in Sabbioneta. Everything in Ferrara is open again (I was nearby during the earthquake).

Posted by
16893 posts

I would second a vote for Torino, if you're interested in the excellent Auto or Egyptian museums. Risorgimento museum also chock-full of original documents for historians, but without much English translation. Mountain views would be spectacular on a clear day. Easy local tram and bus system.