We are returning to Italy this fall and have booked all of our travel except for September 10-19. We travel well (late 50's and late 60's), although one of us has a bad knee. Steps can be done, but we are strategic--making sure we can take breaks etc. We are not climbing bell towers, but generally handle hills well.
We are very food oriented people and really appreciate the fresh ingredients and cuisines of the various regions of Italy, both in the restaurants and the markets. Our approach to travel, especially in Italy, is to have something "scheduled" every other day; we like getting up and exploring our location wandering around taking in the beauty of the place, its history, its food and its people.
Emilia Romagna is really piquing our interest...Bologna, Modena, Parma, Ravenna. We would prefer to travel between cities using trains, and within cities we are fine with public transportation or taxis.
So, here is my long list of questions/request for guidance. We are looking at Bologna as a base for part of the 9 days. For those that have been to Bologna have you used it as a base for Parma, Modena or Ravenna? Did it work well for you; why or why not?
Hotel recommendations...$200ish/night (or less) with air con and private connected bath. If more than two floors of steps, an elevator is needed.
Also, we are considering splitting the nine days between two places and are open to suggestions; including a few nights in an agritourismo, which we know would likely involve renting a car. I just do not want to be dealing with a car rental and parking in a city...
Thanks in advance for any guidance or suggestions.