shashie

I've been playing around with this on ViaMichelin.com. This is the longest drive of our trip, so I am not sure if we will actually have time to stop anywhere. That said ...

I looked at going via Ravenna (to see mosaics), and ViaMichelin maps the rest of the trip from there going along the coast. Besides the extra time, does anyone know if this is scenic or just slower than the toll road? Does it make any sense?

The other route is via Bologna. Is there a brief stop to be made there?

A third option is stopping in Ravenna and then going back to pick up the highway on the Bologna route.

It seems likely that we will just get in the car and take the fastest route to Venice, but I thought I would ask for some advice.

Car and rooms are reserved -- the date of this drive will be Friday (THAT could make a difference!!) October 7.

Thanks!

Lexma90

I would say to, generally, wait to make a decision until you're there, on whether you want to take time out of your time in Venice to visit the mosaics in Ravenna or spend any time in Bologna. I LOVE Bologna, but if it's your first visit to Venice, I'd say to spend time in Venice over Bologna.

When we traveled to Urbino and other points in Le Marche, I had the same question about driving in between Urbino and Venice (we ended up with a different itinerary, that took us Venice-Florence-Bologna, where we picked up a car for a week in Le Marche). What Fodorites, at that time, told me about the route along the Adriatic (from Ravenna to Venice) was that it could be slow and wasn't particularly scenic, and that lots of trucks tend to take that route and there are not a lot of opportunities to pass.

Gwendolynn

It was awhile ago... but I agree with Lexma's description of the route along the Adriatic. Not scenic at all.

shashie

Thanks so much. That's exactly what I needed to know.

It is my first trip to Italy and I am so excited about all of it -- but Venice ... I just feel like 3 nights can't possibly be enough, so yes, I will probably just want to get there and settle in ASAP. Not sure how the other 3 people will feel, but at least now I am well-informed on the subject.

The tolls are steep -- not prohibitive, of course, but I can understand why trucks might try to avoid them. I live in a state full of toll roads...

Michael

It's only 4+ hours of driving. I would do it, stopping in Ravenna for the mosaics and lunch and on to Venice. Rather than going to Bologna, drive to Ferrara and join the autostrada there.

shashie

Michael -- I do really want to see the mosaics in Ravenna, and it doesn't sound like it would have to be a long stop. Getting onto the autostrada at Ferrara makes more sense than Bologna. I will write this plan down and have it handy.

As Lexma90 said, I can decide at the time. If the day gets off to a good start, it sounds possible. And you make a good point -- have to stop for lunch anyway!

As for arriving in Venice, would there be a time to avoid? Like, would 6 PM be better than 5 PM? Of course, it being Friday, I expect there will be more traffic over a longer time than on a weekday...

Thanks for the advice!

Michael

There are several locations for the mosaics within walking distance of each other, and one which is more out of the way.

madamtrashheap

It's correct what has been noted about the less-than-scenic Adriatic route in that section after Ravenna, and Michael's suggestion of joining the autostrada at Ferrara (A13) is good one, it avoids the spaghetti junction around Bologna. You'll have plenty of time to view the mosaics, even the ones in the church on the edge of town. Then head out north to Ferrara (on the SS16, Ferrara junction onto the A13 is easliy spotted, but that's when the tolls start), have a coffee stop at the Autogrill stop Adige Est (the big red and white A - great and quick coffee bars, toilets, etc, then easy back on the autostrada) which is about 1h45m after Ravenna, then you'll be in Venice in no time. Friday afternoon usually sees a small exodus in the other direction from Venice, so you might get lucky, and there are no holidays/festivals around that date (San Francesco Day 4th October in Assisi, that's all,)but as you get to the junctions around Padua/Padova and then around Marghera you might find a bit more traffic for a bit, so if you can plan to arrive before 4pm you might avoid a large part of it. Are you dropping your car in Mestre, Piazzale Roma or where in Venice area?

It's really not a long day of driving, so you'll be fine with the Ravenna break, a quick coffee and arrival in Venice for aperitivo hour!

shashie

Thank you so much for all of the useful details. My cousin's husband is the driver and I am the navigator. Even though the car will have GPS (and I think my husband will be bringing his GPS too ... he loves it), I think having maps and certainly specific instructions is still molto importante.

Until yesterday I was consumed with finding and reserving lodging for the trip ... only now am I delving into routes and parking and tours. CH did this years ago but I'm sure many things about driving have changed. I have already been made aware of the perils of the restricted zones which we can expect to encounter everywhere.

But, to answer your question, the only note I have made about parking during our time in Venice is Piazzale Roma, which looks pricey. Any advice about options would be MUCH appreciated!

Michael

Mestre, a 15 minute train ride from Venice, has big parking structures near the train station. It was a few years ago, but at that time the cost was between 5€ and 8€ per day.

shashie

That sounds good to me -- even if the price has doubled. I read something that said Piazzale Roma parking was 45€ or more per day. That's like having an extra person traveling with you! But ... have to see how well the 4 of us do with packing for the trip. Maybe this will be incentive to travel light.