I have a business trip scheduled to Parma at the beginning of October, centering around the Mercanteinfiera. I have never been to Italy, my wife has been pretty much everywhere there but it has been a number of years. We have three extra days to spend. She has talked about revisiting Florence but I also thought about staying in the region and visiting Bologna and Verona or some other closer cities. We are both foodies. Anyone have any suggestions for us? We will not have a car and will need to travel by rail.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32404 posts
azure,
You don't need a car in this case, and travel by high speed rail will be the most efficient travel method. It would help to know where your inbound/outbound flights are?
With only three days, I'd suggest just visiting one city, with perhaps a day trip or two. As you're foodies, Bologna would be a good choice if food is the main focus of your trip. However, "the best bang for the buck" would be Florence (IMO) as there are some excellent restaurants there and also some good day trip possibilities. For example, the trip from Firenze SMN to Bologna Centrale is only about 35 minutes via high speed Freccia train, so you could easily nip up there for the day to do some exploring, and stop for an fine dinner in the town referred to as La Grassa. There are trains back to Florence at 20:53 and 21:25 so that should provide lots of time (schedules subject to change). I can recommend a restaurant in Bologna if you're interested.
Posted by
OP
4 posts
Ken, thank you so much for responding. I am not sure where we are flying in, either Parma, Bologna, Malpensa or Linate. The travel agent is finalizing the arrangements now and they are sending a driver to take us to Parma. I will update when I know more. I appreciate the advice on the trains.
Posted by
Firenze, Italy
1773 posts
While Verona looks closer to Parma than Florence, it really isn't. Trains to Florence are generally faster.
Parma has convenient connections to a lot of places, the choice depends on your interests.
Posted by
OP
4 posts
Thank you so much Lachera. It is a shame we have so little time. I am sure that after the antipasti we will need the full meal!
Posted by
seattle
2148 posts
Both cities between Parma and Bologna ( Modena and Reggio Emilia) are great. Historic centers, great sites and wonderful food. Bologna also is great with wonderful food streets/shops and great apertivos. We have spent about 2 weeks total in the area and would go back in a heartbeat. Also, train service is frequent and travel times aren't long.
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
Ravenna is an easy trip from Bologna.
Posted by
Portland, Oregon, United States
907 posts
Love our wife? Jump a train and go to Venice. You can fly home from there and it would be a great way to spend 3 days together.
Posted by
OP
4 posts
She likes Florence more than Venice, those were my original plans.