I'm flying in through Malpensa, renting a car and have three days before I take a cruise from Venice. I've been to Como and Lake Maggiore. I was planning to visit Lake Garda then drive to the Atlantic side to Ravenna and then to Venice. I heard Bardolino is having a wine festival while I'm in Garda, Octber 4th 2012. Is it worth the stay in Bardolino and where to stay. I was looking at the Aqualux Hotel & Spa in Bardolino then drive to Ravenna. What do you think of the itinerary. Thanks!!
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
Denise, I always stay at Hotel Centrale Byron in Ravenna. It is centrally located, very nice rooms (even the singles), breakfast is included. The city center is very compact and easy to walk. They have a sister property, Hotel Bizanzio, also in the historic center. If you are interested in mosaics, the churches of San Vitale and Sant'Apollinare Nuovo in the city are beautiful, as is the mausoleum of Galla Placidia. The baptistry of the Duomo is also beautiful - I once stumbled onto a baptism there, it was amazing to see this structure still being used aftere 1400 years or so. You can take a city bus to the suburb of Classe to see Sant'Apollinare in Classe. The Ravenna Card (discounts and free entry to some, but not all, sites) used to come with a free bottle of wine, don't know if that's still true.
Posted by
Martinez, CA, USA
1564 posts
We were in Ravenna last year and also used the Ravenna card but it didn't come with wine. We agree with Zoe as to the sights to see. You didn't say how long you are staying in Ravenna. It took us 2 days to see the sights Zoe mentioned and we also visited Dante's Tomb; Basilica di San Francesco which has some underwater mosaics; Rocca Brancaleone, a park inside fortress walls; Palazzo di Teodorico, which is rarely open but it's mostly ruins in the center of town; Mausoleo Teodorico; San Giovanni Evangelista and other churches. We stayed at Casa Masoli, a beautiful B&B about a 10 min walk from the train station. At the time the prices were comparable to Hotel Centrale and it is also recommended by RS (they have their own website with pictures). We ate at Ristorante La Gardela near the hotel which we can also highly recommend. Be sure to notice the leaning Torre Civico on the main street.