Hi, we'll be in the Riccione area in October after having spent time in Florence/Siena. We'll possibly have two days to spend at the end of a cycling trip in Riccione. Any suggestions/recommendations about spending time in Bologna, Ravenna, San Marino area or somewhere else within train/bus short distance?
Thanks
For two days I would go to Ravenna. But it depends on what you want - Bologna is great, much larger than Ravenna, but the historic center is compact. I would toss Ferrara in as an alternative to either. I haven't been to San Marino, but compared to Bologna, Ravenna and Ferrara, San Marino is quite hilly, so you might enjoy that.
I have been to Bologna and Ravenna, and personally found Ravenna much nicer. The mosaics in various churches are incomparable, even among the many treasures of Italy. We also saw many people riding bikes, more than anywhere in Italy that we noticed.
There is more to do in Bologna. San Marino is worth a visit (and San Leo) but I wouldn't stay there. Ravenna is an easy day trip if you want to see the mosaics.
You go to the beach at Rimini.
Bologna if you are a "foodie".
I haven't been to San Marino.
I'm one of the few people who didn't like Bologna, but I really didn't like it.
I really liked Ferrara (Zoe's right about including it on your list), and also liked Ravenna a lot. Ravenna has the unique mosaics, so if you're interested in those, there's no substitute.
