Hi, we are planning a trip that already includes Venice for 2 nights on the beginning of trip and concludes with 3 Nights in Florence.
We have 2 extra nights in between to find a city. We have discussed Ravenna and Bologna as possibilities but would be open to another city that you recommend as alternative or if you think Ravenna or Bologna is better?
We are a party of four...My mom...a fairly youngish 78, my wife and I, 54 yrs and my 21 year old son.
Thoughts?
Thanks!
Ravenna and Bologna are both good choices. I would give Ravenna the top choice.
Maybe this will help you all decide...
Here's what you visit Ravenna for:
http://www.stgeorgegreenville.org/Images/Trinity/mosaic%206th%20c.jpg
Stay in Bologna for this:
https://stephenjbooth.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/032.jpg
I haven't been to Ravenna. Bologna is all about great food! Bill's picture summed it up perfectly.
I would probably add one night to Venice (if it is at the start of your trip especially) and one night to Florence and use the extra time for a day trip from Florence to wherever (Sienna, or Pisa are 2 choices) .Just my 2 cents but I think that would give you a more relaxed pace and time to recover from jet lag in Venice and enjoy that city
Ditto what Diane said. You don't need a third destination.
If there is something to draw you to Bologna or Ravenna, you can certainly go there on the way from Venice to Florence. You can either do this as a stopover or an overnight. If neither of these appeal to you, I loved Ferrara (like Bologna, it's right on the direct line from Venice to Florence; Ravenna is a detour).
However, if you are not particularly drawn to any of these, I agree you should add nights to Florence, Venice, or both. There are plenty of daytrip possibilities from both, and it will more relaxing to change hotels fewer times.
We have been to both Bologna and Ravenna, twice to Bologna for that matter. No question in my mind...For whatever reason Bologna just didn't ring any bells, either time and five years apart. It is reputed for its food, but honestly we have had wonderful meals everywhere and anywhere we have travelled in Italy. On the other hand, I found Ravenna lovely and easy to walk around (pretty flat)...or ride bikes...they just might be Amsterdam's sister city in that regard. I had wanted to see the mosaics of their churches for as long as I could remember and was not disappointed. Truly some of the most beautiful and fascinating works ever. I was pretty much blown away. The town itself seems "real" too, if that makes any sense...not a place that seems to exist only for the benefit of tourists. We have travelled fairly extensively in Italy, and Ravenna remains an all-time standout. I will stop now before the superlatives wear too thin. Should you go, consider the Hotel Albergo Capella. Our room was comfortable and the bathroom had a huge walk in shower. The staff were exceptional, breakfast included made to order eggs and was served in a dining room or could be taken in a small courtyard/patio. A glass of wine in the evening gave access to an array of appetizers and munchies in the adjoining bar area or street seating that could easily double as dinner. I can also recommend the nearby Gardela Restaurant...good food and friendly people...patient, kind and attentive. Safe travels.
