I recently posted a message about Bologna. I'll be there in May and plan to train to Parma, Modena, Ravenna, and Ferrara. I'll spend 4 nights in Florence and day trip to Siena and Arezzo. There's a good book called Day Trips Italy.

Monica

Bologna is an important railway hub, thus a great place for daytrips in different directions. Ravenna - absolutely! And Padua (Padova) with the Giotto frescoes in the Scrovegni chapel (must book ahead). Urbino and the Marche province that's so nice and not overrun by tourists. Florence, of course, Mantua (Mantova)...

Google each of these names and be amazed at the choices!

WK

Another enthusiastic vote for Ravenna!

Have a wonderful trip!

Ravenna, you bet.
I like Ferrara as well, especially if there's a good exhibition on at the Castello.

I'll vote for Ravenna too. But Faenza (on the way to Ravenna if by car) has a nice ceramics museum.

Hi R

Venice is 1:45 hr away.

Between these 4 towns, Parma, Modena, Ravenna, and Ferrara, if I had to pick only 3, which ones? I know, I know, I'll read up on the towns and will ultimately choose the top 3, but I would love to hear what's special to you about these towns.

Thanks!

Monica

Monica (or Reckoning)--

What I loved about Ravenna is in my trip report, if you'd like to read it:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=2&tid=34594217

Ravenna is on Day 2, with some discussion afterward. It really is special.

Happy travels!

Re: "Between these 4 towns, Parma, Modena, Ravenna, and Ferrara, if I had to pick only 3, which ones?"

For us, Ferrara was the least interesting of those three. Not that we didn't like it, but we found more of interest to us in the other towns. I have a trip report here:

http://fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=2&tid=34692313

and a photo album here:
http://rozault.com/Italy2005/

However, I will say we had a fantastic lunch in Ferrara.