Northeastern Italy

Where will your cruise leave from?
Are you looking for just one place to stay for several weeks?

What are your interests?

Need more info

Fall begins around Sept 21. Do you mean Sept or Oct? Multi-week - 2, 3, 4 or more? NE Italy - do you mean around Trieste? Venice? Bologna is a big train hub with many day, and 1-2 night trips. But I wouldn't define it as NE Italy.

We are beginning to plan a trip for mid April-early May 2027 and thinking of Bologna (we've never been), Lake Como, where we visited Varenna a couple of years ago and then flying from Milan to Barcelona. Would love some suggestions about Bologna and Lake Como destinations other than Varenna to recommend. We loved it, but want to explore some other towns with ferry access. We like dining, scenic views, but not heavy crowds. Any suggestions for small Inns or rentals are appreciated. We're thinking of staying 2 weeks in the Lakes area.

Thanks,
Sue

Suesea, Best form is to post your question separately so as not to inhibit the original question posed. See the box on the forum home screen titled, 'Start A New Topic'.

Sounds like a great trip. The biggest issue is that small towns tend to be off the main line so you end up taking a train to get to a bigger station to then get somewhere else. If you have time and slow traveling this makes less difference but is something to consider if you are planning on a lot of train use. I also think that you'll want a town big enough to have a variety of restaurants and services if you're staying that long.

My first suggestion would probably be Modena. Modena was traditionally a small agricultural town so it feels much smaller than its population would suggest. Great places to eat and a rich agricultural history to explore as the place of balsamic vinegar and its proximity to Parma and a great standing market. It is 30 minutes from Bologna which is worth at least a couple of days of exploring which is in turn the great local rail hub. It is also 30 minutes from Parma and Mantua is about an hour away by train. I enjoyed Modena which has a distinct, kind of funky, modern and traditional vibe.

Bologna - whether reached from Modena or staying there - gives you access to Ferrara (30m), Florence (30m), Padua/Padova (1h), Verona (1hr) and longer potential overnight trips Ravenna (2hr), Venice (2hr) and even Rome (2.5h)

If you're looking for multiple spots I think Verona makes another interesting alternative giving access to Brescia, Lake Garda, Vicenza, Padova, Trento and Venice. Old town Verona feels much smaller than its population suggests. For a long stay I would look at the Veronetta neighborhood although that means a bus to train station but the bus system is great.

You could also look at Ferrara - which gives access both the Bologna and the Padua/Venice areas. There is a lot to see in Ferrara and it is very much worth visiting, but I personally "vibe opinion" don't know if I would want to be based there for a long time.
Vicenza is another possibility for a smaller city on the fast train line.
And don't miss Treviso as potential visit.

My only warnings - the Bologna train station is famously sprawling and unlike any other has 4 levels underground. Until you get used to it give it a lot of time. The transfer from local trains to fast trains is like an airport transfer. Also the smaller and more off the beaten track you get the less English proficiency you'll find in random stores and restaurants. Italians are generally completely fine finding a way to communicate but it does add a layer of complexity to your everyday experience.

Have a great trip,
=Tod

Thank you for the guidance. I've re-posted my inquiry separately.

Sue