While searching train routes from Varenna (2nights rest) to Friday night lights in Ravenna (1 night lodging), I realized we will inevitably be traveling through Bologna. While in previous visits we have soaked up Florence, Venice, Verona, Mantua and Padua and would gladly return to any of these magnificent places, we are looking for a new experience. I took a look at Piacenza. We would have 2 nights to spend in between Varenna and Ravenna. We love strolling through smaller Italian towns, art, cathedrals, sidewalk trattorias and we are always seeking classical music. I see they have a beautiful opera house in Piacenza. Following our viewing of the Byzantine mosaics in Ravenna we are traveling to Cagli for the Palio.
Posted by
WPB, FL & Firenze
3112 posts
Since you only plan to spend one night in Ravenna and there's a lot to see, I'd suggest staying closer than Piacenza which is 3.0-3.5 hours by train from Ravenna. You might consider either Bologna or Ferrara, both of which have a lot to offer and are only about 1.25 hours by train from Ravenna.
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
Ravenna is a very pleasant town, you would have enough to do in 1-2 nights.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
7737 posts
Why only one night in Ravenna? How can you "soak up" a place if you're barely there? I spent four nights in Ravenna in May 2015 and found it charming. I think 2-3 nights there would be lovely.
Posted by
OP
Spokane WA
255 posts
So appreciative of the various perspectives on our stay and exploration of Ravenna. We are back to at least 2 nights, arriving early as is comfortable. Thank you for endorsing and reinforcing our original plan for 2 nights. Our revised rout has become: Varenna 2nights, Parma 2nights, Farrera 2nights, Ravenna 2 nights including Friday night lights on the mosaics,in time for the Palio with our friends in Cagli. Now the question is, do we stay Sunday in Cagli (2 rather than 1nights stay) or travel to Bologna for dinner and a good night's rest before our flight to Edinburgh Tuesday rather than Monday (for 3 rather than 4 nights stay)? Ciao tuti!
Posted by
OP
Spokane WA
255 posts
So appreciative of the various perspectives on our stay and exploration of Ravenna. We are back to at least 2 nights, arriving early as is comfortable. Thank you for endorsing and reinforcing our original plan for 2 nights. Our revised rout has become: Varenna 2nights, Parma 2nights, Farrera 2nights, Ravenna 2 nights including Friday night lights on the mosaics,in time for the Palio with our friends in Cagli. Now the question is, do we stay Sunday in Cagli (2 rather than 1nights stay) or travel to Bologna for dinner and a good night's rest before our flight to Edinburgh Tuesday rather than Monday (for 3 rather than 4 nights stay)? Ciao tuti!
Posted by
Firenze, Italy
1534 posts
Parma has more things to see than Piacenza. As for classical music, Piacenza has a youth orchestra founded and conducted by Riccardo Muti, but their activity, while first class, is quite limited. Parma has an opera house with a much longer season than Piacenza and a symphony orchestra playing in a brand new modern hall named after Paganini, that was music director in Parma under the much loved Duchess Marie Louise.
Posted by
Tel Aviv
15598 posts
I spent 1 night, 1.5 days in Ferrara. I also spent several nights in Bologna with day trips. Either would be a good choice on the way to Ravenna. Ferrara is smaller, more low-key. If I had to choose between them, I'd have to flip a coin. Or spend time in both. The trouble with Italy - wherever you go, you miss someplace wonderful while being in someplace else that's wonderful.