I previously posted this and got some great input: https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/italy/advice-needed-one-week-after-rs-best-of-tuscany. Since then we’ve discussed this and, although the Naples and Amalfi Coast option won out, we realized that is covered on the South Italy tour, which we will likely take in 2021, or 2022. I’m reading Francis Mayes new book, See You in the Piazza, and really liked the chapter on Parma. We are foodies so I came up with another option: Tour ends in Lucca on a Sunday. Train to Bologna, stay two nights, see the city, enjoy great dining (although many restaurants are closed Sunday and/or Monday there are lots of options). Then train to Parma for 2-3 nights. Take a tour to a cheese factory, or a food tour. Train to Florence for flight home, maybe overnight. Any experience with Bologna and Parma? Is the time allotment right, too much, not enough? Any hotel, restaurant suggestions? Thanks!
Posted by
Sapulpa, OK, USA
6475 posts
Alan, we're thinking along the same lines after our South Italy tour next year. We're thinking a few days in Naples, a few days in Siena, then either Bologna or Parma, then home. We'll probably had back to Rome to fly home, since any of the Northern cities would add an extra leg to the journey.
Our plans aren't firm yet, except for the South Italy dates.
Posted by
Vancouver, WA
519 posts
Hubby and I were in Bologna for four nights in April. Plenty to see and do (and eat!) there! The TI is located at Piazza Maggiore; website is bolognawelcome.com. They offer a city tour every morning (I believe 15 Euros); it was a well-spent 2 1/2 hours and great orientation on our first morning in the city. The guide also provided great dining recommendations. The Bologna TI offered lot of tours for the area, including food tours and cooking classes. I believe they also helped make arrangements for food tours in Parma.
At the TI we found maps for independent walking tours in Bologna. If you want a bit of an adventure, head to Santuario di San Luca. A tourist train goes to and from Piazza Maggiore or you can take the city bus. It's a beautiful drive out into the hills just outside of Bologna. After visiting the basilica and taking in the views you can walk back to the historic center of Bologna, about 4 km, on a walkway completely covered by porticoes. A great way to work up an appetite for that next meal:).
We are not foodies but DO enjoy good food--you will find an abundance in Bologna! Be sure to visit the Quadrilatero area. We enjoyed lunch at Mercato di Mezzo and a light evening meal at La Baita Vecchia Malga.
We visited Parma as a day trip from Bologna and wished we had spent at least one night there. Salumeria Garibaldi is a great place to shop and is a visual delight.
I think your pacing is perfect. Having a couple of nights in Parma near the end of your trip will let you savor those last days in Italy.
Posted by
OP
Folsom
2725 posts
Thanks Jane and Den!
Posted by
Sapulpa, OK, USA
6475 posts
Den, thanks from me, too!
Posted by
Vancouver, WA
519 posts
Happy to share:)! One more thought...as soon as you know your travel dates, look into reserving your hotel in Bologna (I use booking.com). Many trade fairs/conferences are held there, so hotels can--and do--fill up. I was researching in October for our April trip and discovered our dates would coincide with a trade fair; many hotels in our preferred areas and budget range were already full.
Posted by
WA State
3961 posts
Alan, after your previous posting, I looked up the new RS Best of Tuscany Tour. I also read Cameron Hewitts blog. Oh my gosh it looks like a great itinerary. I think the idea of going to Bologna & Parma
to enjoy the cuisine sounds amazing. Two cities that are on our future radar. Hope you will post a trip report.