We originally planned to go to cinque terra for three nights at the end of October. Sounds like it may be iffy because of rain...thoughts? Suggestion for an alternate side trip?
Also where to stay in the suggested place or places. Thank you!
Posted by
3 posts
I'd go Bologna, especially if you're a foodie.
Posted by
Vancouver, BC
17 posts
I've never been to the Cinque Terre, so I can't speak to what sort of experience you'll have if it's rainy.
But if you want an alternative, I'd second Bologna -- really good food, and a good place for day trips to, for example, Ravenna (which we've done), or to places like Mantua, Modena, Parma etc (which are next on our list).
Posted by
California
790 posts
How about Ravenna? Very walkable, user-friendly city with amazing Byzantine mosaics in 1,500-year-old churches. Easy 90 min train ride to Venice.
Posted by
Folsom
2739 posts
I'd second Ravenna and add Padua (Padova).
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
Bologna or Ravenna; you could go to Padova for a day from Venezia if you have time.
Posted by
OP
3 posts
Would anyone consider Milan?
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
I would always consider Milano, but it's not really between Venezia and Firenze.
Posted by
Boston
1814 posts
Verona is wonderful, pretty, historic, and lively as well.
Posted by
15 posts
Go to Florence. Don't miss out. Get a hotel in the centre and everywhere is within walking distance.
Posted by
Folsom, California
542 posts
If you are choosing between Florence and Venice, I would check out Florence. So much to see, and you can do a side trip to Tuscany or maybe to Bologna. We stayed 4 nights in Florence, with a day trip to Tuscany, and it was barely enough time.
Posted by
Folsom
2739 posts
The poster wants to know where to go BETWEEN Florence and Venice.
Posted by
Manhattan
261 posts
I'd much rather visit Verona than Bologna.
Posted by
Bendigo, Australia
1297 posts
My suggestion would be Verona. Heaps to see in the town, like the Roman ruins, and the Castel Vecchio museum is really great.
Padua is a short train ride, worth a trip, also Vicenza and Treviso, so there are lots of options.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
306 posts
We spent two nights in Bologna between Venice & Florence and really enjoyed it. It's not as scenic, sure, but it had a much more authentic vibe, we had great conversations with locals and had some amazing food. We didn't take a day trip because we only had one full day there, but if we had an extra night we probably would have checked out Modena and/or Parma since they're both within a pretty short train distance! We stayed at a B&B called Antica Residenza d'Azeglio and it was excellent.