Northern Italy - Please help me finish the trip :)

How about Ravenna or Ferrara?

Overcoming cancer is no small feat. What a wonderful way to celebrate! Have you ventured into South Tyrol, north of Trentino, before? It is a true gem and a fascinating mix of Italian and German. Consider taking the train to Merano. If you want to stay in a smaller town, consider the villages of Dorf Tirol, Algund and Marling. You will be surrounded by lush vineyards, orchards and of course epic mountains. There are many wonderful walks in the area that are perfect for solo travel. We love hiking on the waalwegs (ancient irrigation channels). Here is an overview of the region if interested in learning more: https://throneandvine.com/why-visit-south-tyrol/

I would second Ferrara. I studied abroad there as an undergrad and it is a lovely little city that is not prevalent on the tourist radar. There are some lovely restaurants, a castle, and a gorgeous pedestrian-only center just to explore. It's not too far from Bologna. Highly recommend trying the cappellacci di zucca (pumpkin ravioli) in sage butter or ragu sauce - it's the specialty pasta of Ferrara.

You could also try Modena in Emiglia-Romagna. I've never been, but have heard good things! The region has a lot of amazing little towns and cities like Parma (home of Parmesan cheese) to explore. If you're willing to travel a little further, Ravenna's mosaics are incredible!

Verona is more touristed, but there are also sites that don't get a lot of traffic and are worth exploring.

Enjoy your trip to the fullest!

I enjoyed Ferrara but in February. I have no idea how crowded with tourists it would be now. I was in Ravenna twice, in February when there were were a a good number of tourists but no crowds, and again in mid-May when all the sights were full of tourists. On that trip, I stayed in Bologna and there were very few tourists. I really enjoyed being there - it was lively because of all the students, but they should all be on summer holiday now. I agree, it's not small or intimate, but the center didn't have a big city vibe like Florence. That's the extent of my experience in the places mentioned. It's easy enough to day trip from Bologna to Ferrara, Modena, Parma and even Ravenna.

Modena is lovely and so close to Bologna you might be able to travel to the airport same day. Might is the qualifier for that. There is a bit of tourism there, of course, but not overwhelming. The main piazza is huge with a level ground fountain system. Might not be going right now though due to drought.
Even though it’s a bit larger, it still has the feeling of smaller and more personable. Good restaurants and lots to see.

Congratulations, Cindi, on surviving cancer and having a celebration trip! Here’s some ideas:

You’re near Bergamo. I loved my time staying up in the Citta Alta! Let me find my trip report that has some details. If you would enjoy a painting or sketch class, I highly recommend Martin! For your celebration, I would splurge on the GombitHotel that’s in the trip report link below.

Cremona - there’s a 30-45 minute small concert in the Stradavari museum on weekends. If you enjoy classical museum, this is a wonderful town! I love their beautiful cathedral with gorgeous frescoes! The piazza there is authentic Italian for a nice evening.

Parma - Parma has my favorite cathedral interior of all I have seen in Italy. Lovely warm-toned frescoes lining the aisle. I recommend La Forchetta for dinner.

You’ve probably already been to Verona.

Mantova is interesting, and the food is great. The palace/museums are worth seeing - so much in them! Mantova has three piazzas adjacent to each other.

Some people mentioned Ravenna. The mosaics are fantastic, and I liked staying there. I’m not sure if it’s atmosphere has changed now that cruise ships dock near it.

Ferrara is nice, but I would rate the others above it if you’re looking for something extra special.

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/trip-reports/trip-report-please-do-not-comment-until-i-change-the-title-filling-in-the-report-thanks

Ferrara has great food and is a sophisticated city. Easy to train elsewhere for day or half-day trips. I was there solo for three nights in the recent past.

Have you read The Garden of the Fini-Continzi? (or watched the film) Very moving. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Garden_of_the_Finzi-Continis

Ravenna and Modena are also terrific.

Did you decide on Como or another lake, based on your previous post? I’d still suggest Pesaro as a base to visit Urbino and Ravenna.

I spent my 65th birthday in Bologna and thoroughly enjoyed it. The historical part of the city is very walkable and alive with locals whi seem to love their city. I have always wanted to visit Fererra. Modena has great restaurants, but I prefer Bologna for exploring.

Thank you all SO MUCH! I really appreciate the support. I had booked a hotel in Bellagio which is changeable. It came up in someone's post and was a good price. It seems like a busy place and it seems easy to get to and pretty. I will research the South Tyrol possibly instead and wonder if that is easy by train. Thank you so much about Cremona and I had never heard of these places and it intrigues me and a nice place to enjoy and end the journey. Thank you for putting your trip ideas this means a lot. Yes this physical journey has been challenging and traveling lifts my heart. So heartfully thank you.

You will LOVE Bellagio!