We are cruising and our final stop is in Ravenna. We want to either train or have a driver take us from Ravenna to Florence. We are open to anything. Any thoughts on what to see along the way? Should we stay somewhere in between.? We don't have specific time constraints maybe spend 3-5 days getting there and then seeing some of Florence. Thank you.
Posted by
Gettysburg PA
8403 posts
About 1.5 hour train with change in Bologna
Very easy, inexpensive
About a 2 hour drive-private driver probably close to 300 euros
You can check
daytrip.com
Don’t see why you’d take 3-5 days to get to Florence
Spend a night or 2 in Ravenna to see the mosaics
Then a night or 2 in Bologna
Florence should get 2-3 nights
Posted by
Minnesota 🎒
17494 posts
Hi - I'm a little confused (but that's normal; HA!)
Did you mean that you have 3-5 days including your stay in Florence, or just getting TO Florence?
Editing to add: YES, as suggested above I'd take some time for Ravenna itself to see the UNESCO World Heritage-listed mosaics. I've not gotten to do that yet and am dying to see them!!!
Posted by
OP
5 posts
We don't have a set return to US date so we can take our time traveling to Florence. A stop in Bologna sounds interesting. This is our first trip to Europe so the planning is somewhat daunting. Appreciative of any insight so thank you.
Posted by
OP
5 posts
How is Bologna different than perhaps routing to Sienna instead? Has anyone spent time in both areas?
Posted by
Gettysburg PA
8403 posts
You’d have to go thru Florence to get to Siena (note spelling)
Siena is a hilltown in Tuscan-very different look and feel from Bologna
Both medieval
Siena is an easy day trip from Florence
Posted by
Columbus, OH, USA
2213 posts
We have visited all the cities mentioned. Bologna could be a nice choice. It is often described as the culinary capital of Italy. It also has the advantage of several easy day trips should you choose…Ferrara, Modena, and Parma are literally just minutes away. I would definitely spend time in Ravenna to see the remarkable mosaics. We spent a few nights in the wonderful Albergo Capello in Ravenna….helpful, friendly staff and a gigantic beautiful room. Breakfast was included and a restaurant adjoins the hotel. They treated us with unsurpassed kindness and earned special memory status. Florence is one of the jewels of Italy so I wouldn’t cut too much time from a stay there. Siena is easily and conveniently visited from Florence by a quick bus. To my mind it is a medieval city in contrast to Renaissance Florence but it doesn’t have the allure of treasures to be found in Florence so a nice day trip if time is limited. YMMV.
Have a great trip, enjoy your cruise and beautiful Italy. Safe travels.
Posted by
OP
5 posts
Thanks everyone so very much. Your information has been very helpful.
Posted by
Gettysburg PA
8403 posts
A good guide book will help you decide where to visit
You can read about all but Bologna here:
https://www.ricksteves.com/europe/italy
RS doesn’t include Bologna in his books etc so you will have to research it elsewhere
There is info here on forum about Bologna
Forum search:
https://search.ricksteves.com/?button=&date_range=2y&filter=Travel+Forum&query=Bologna+
Posted by
OP
5 posts
Ohhh thanks Christine. Very helpful.