I'll be taking the train from Florence and plan to visit the Emilia-Romagna region, actually more like eat through the region but, I only have two days to do it, then off to Milan to fly back home. I've visited Ravenna before so I don't need to return, however, do I stay one night in Bologna and another either in Parma or, Modena? Of the three major towns, can one be passed over for a future trip? Should I spend both nights in one town and day-trip to the others?
Posted by
Brisbane, Australia
7175 posts
Day 1. Florence to Bologna (1 night)
Day 2. Bologna to Modena (1 night) - drop bags at your hotel before spending the day in Parma
Day 3. Morning in Modena before train to Milan
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
15250 posts
I don't like one nighters because it takes too much time to change hotels. In your case it would make sense to choose one location since u only have 2 nights (which is actually one full day and maybe 1/2 day).
I would stay in Bologna both nights. You can choose to spend your time just in Bologna or Bologna some and another city another day. You can be in Parma or Ferrara in less than one hour. Modena is half that distance so it's even closer.
Posted by
Vignola, MO, IT
658 posts
We have spent time in Parma, Ferrara and Modena this year. I personally would recommend Ferrara and Parma over Modena. LOTS of bikes in Ferrara - more so than in other towns that we have been in. I'm a runner and I enjoyed running in both towns.
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
Another vote to stay in Bologna, and visit Ferrara, which has great restaurants and is a beautiful city.
Posted by
Massachusetts
715 posts
... and if you are looking for small villages and have a car try Dozza or Bertinoro. Also, for history buffs Predappio just west of Forli is the birthplace of Mussolini. It is always so satisfying to see streets all over Italy, including Il Duce's birthplace, named after Antonio Gramsci and Giacomo Matteotti. Teatro Communale, the prototypical example of Brutalist architecture is there, among several other examples. Evidently there is also a Mussolini gift shop somewhere for those truly adventurous. If you are in the area otherwise I would not go too far out of my way.
Posted by
Wyckoff, NJ, USA
7359 posts
Do check on market days. I haven't been there in many years, but I remember the (Saturday?) market in Reggio Emilia, before you could get balsamic vinegar and Parmiggiano Reggiano everywhere in the U.S. It's not a village, but a small city. I remember exceptional pizza back then.
Posted by
OP
San Francisco, CA (USA)
498 posts
Sounds like Bologna for two days may be the ticket, now need to find a place to stay while there...