We are going on the RS tour best of the Adriatic in June. We plan to fly into Venice 10 days before the tour. So far we will rent a car and drive to Bellagio for three nights. Then to Vernazza for three nights. We would then like to go somewhere in Emilia Romagna for three nights on the way back to Venice to drop the car. We are serious foodies and love some art and history. Which location would you recommend for our last stop between Cinque Terre and Venice? As an aside, we have been to Italy a few times. Visited Tuscany, Amalfi coast, Rome, Florence, etc. Thank you for any suggestions.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32402 posts
April, Your plan appears to be well sorted and certainly possible. In the same situation, my preference would be to travel by train rather than rental car as it will likely be faster. You won't be able to get into Vernazza so the car will be parked and gathering dust, which you'll be paying for. As you've been to Italy before, I'm sure you're aware of the usual "caveats" regarding driving in Italy - I.D.P.'s and the possibility of violating ZTL areas (ie: expensive tickets). Happy travels!
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
You could make Bologna your second base, it's THE town for foodies. You can take a cooking class and since Bologna is a transportation hub you could also go to Ravenna (mosaics), Ferrara (great food and atmosphere, plus a castle and museums), or Parma (food, architecture).
Posted by
Wiesbaden, Germany
791 posts
Bologna, absolutely. Best food in Italy and plenty to see and do. My wife did a one day cooking class a couple years ago there (in English) and had a blast.
Posted by
OP
Portland, OR
1135 posts
Thanks Ken. We had considered public transportation but of course wanted that freedom that Americans hold so dearly. :) We are reconsidering though because I think that each location will be accessible to public transportation quite easily. Ok, so if we go to Bologna, should we stay in the city or outside of town in an Agriturismo? We loved staying in Florence and I am just wondering if Bologna is as safe and interesting as Florence. I have looked at a couple of cooking classes for a day and am excited about those too. Thanks for the input.
Posted by
Elk Grove, CA, USA
6898 posts
For Emilia Romagna, have you considered Parma? The have food tours out of Parma to see the Prosciutto di Parma and Parmigiano Reggiano places. They also go to Modena to tour some Basalmic Vinegar places. Here are two links to look at. https://www.google.com/search?q=parma%20prosciutto%20OR%20parmigiano%20site%3Ahttp%3A%2F%2Fwww.ricksteves.com%2Fgraffiti%2Fhelpline%2F&hl=en&lr=&sa=N&num=20&newwindow=1&output=search&tbs=sts:1&tbo=1 http://www.parmagolosa.it/