We are traveling by train from Switzerland down to Naples in September, with 2-night stops along the way at Parma or Modena, and Orvieto. I have booked a nice boutique hotel in Modena, which I just kind of chose at random without comparing the two towns. We have previously stayed in, and enjoyed, Bologna and Ferrara, so I did not put those on the list.
Now I am thinking we may have to cut our time to one night due to train routing changes. I won’t know for certain until much closer to September, but I like to explore my options and have lots of time to think about them. If I have to change hotels (the one currently booked in Modena has a 2-night minimum), should we also change towns? If it is down to one night, we will have all afternoon the day we arrive, and most of the morning the following day before we move on to Orvieto.
We don’t need a lot to do or any “blockbuster” sights; we mainly like to walk around the streets of the Oldtown area, maybe stop in to an interesting museum (archeology more than art) or visit historic sites (especially Roman where they still exist) and opera houses (my husband is an opera fan). Or explore more modern themes in music, science, and industry. But although we certainly appreciate authentic Italian food, we are not interested in a food tour or cooking class. I do know Parma has an American football team (having read the fun book “Playing for Pizza” by John Grisham), but I doubt they will be playing while we are there, nor would that be a good way to spend our limited time.
I know Modena has the Ferrari museum which may be of interest, and the Casa Museo Pavarotti (which is well out of time and we won’t have time for that). I haven't investigated Parma ;yet, so am asking for help. I do have a guidebook on Emilia-Romagna, but the fine, light-colored print is driving me crazy. I do better reading on my iPad.
Thank you in advance.