Family of five seniors will be spending a week in Rome and would like to take a daytrip to Bologna. How much time should we allow for the daytrip (beyond the train travel)? Planning on tour guides offered by Welcome Bologna, but I generally plan too much for the family to do.
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
16135 posts
Go early and come back late.
The first direct Frecciarossa is at 7:10am and there is a train every 10-15 min. Travel time is a little over 2 hours.
Coming back the last Freccia departing from BO C. is at 9:27pm.
So you have almost 12 hours to roam around Bologna if you like. The time that is adequate depends on your ability to walk around for many hours. Obviously Bologna can keep you busy for longer than a day.
Posted by
San Francisco, CA (USA)
559 posts
A day-trip to Bologna from Rome, with five seniors...it'll be a VERY long day.
As Robert points out, taking the high-speed train to and back will take care of the big-distances. With five seniors (how senior are we talking about?) you're going to want to build in breaks to get off their feet; no shortage of cafe's, osterias and trattoria's to relax in. Are you planing on being in-town for how many meals?
During the day will probably not be an issue, everyone is always excited but, it's the return part where everyone will be tired. With five exhausted seniors and you'll probably be wiped-out as well if you're going to be the lead shepherd, getting from Termini station back to your hotel/BnB/home-share, is it close? taxi?
Posted by
OP
Florida
3 posts
Thank you for your thoughts. We are in our 70's and 80's, and active. The definition of "Seniors" has changed, it's true. Yes, we will take the Freccia Rossa and are staying within walking distance of Termini, but a taxi home will be needed. Probably in Bologna for lunch and dinner. I have read some recommendations for restaurants, but will continue to investigate.