TJinSOMA

We are going to end our winter trip in Bologna for four nights after being in Tuscany. I'm researching the nearby towns but considering the following:

Day 1 - wander Bologna
Day 2 - cooking class (CIBO)
Day 3 - one of the following: Parma/Modena, Ravenna or Ferrara
Day 4 - knock out another of the Day 3 day trips or chill out in Bologna before flying home

I'm a big foodie but it doesn't necessarily appeal to me to tour the Parmesan and vinegar facilities so not sure if that should knock Parma/Modena off the list?

We are also debating on whether to hit Osteria Francescana but leaning towards not as we tend to love the more casual meals we've previously had in Italy.

All thoughts welcome since this our first visit to this particular area.

Leely2

Ravenna is astounding--so glad I went! I visited Bologna for the first time this summer. It's busy, buzzy and fun. Your plan sounds good to me.

greg

Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca in Bologna would be an easy half day trip if you at least walk down from the top to the bottom.

Parmesan cheese factories are outside the city of Parma and Reggio Emilia so city of Parma itself has little to do with either facilities. Parma has no tourist biggies, and it also does not attract flag waving tour groups. I liked dinner at La Filoma. It exuded a feeling of an old elegant Italian restaurant from the time past.

I also walked into a pastry store, Pasticceria Torino, as I walked the main street and picked up some sweets I have not seen elsewhere. I also stopped by Salumeria Garibaldi to pick up some Parmesan cheese. Of course, it is not as simple as buying one at home. They come in many different types.

starrs

The source of soletraveler's cut and paste -
http://bolognauncovered.com/2012/09/...it-to-bologna/

danon

as sole traveler pointed out there is a lot to do in Bologna.
We stayed foR a week...only one day trip.

cmstraf

Don't miss Ravenna--the mosaics are amazing and it is a lovely small city.

annw

Another vote for Ravenna --

quokka

Bologna can keep you busy for much longer than just one day. Soletraveller has posted an excellent list. Let me add a few points.

11. Visit the ancient complex of Santo Stefano, with several churches, courtyards, a little museum.

12. Walk under the arcades, look at all those little shops, get lost in the side streets, poke your nose into some of the many churches you encounter, look at the many old palazzi, Little Venice, the medieval tower houses, note art works on the walls, the presence of the university, observe the traces of people's daily lives... in other words, take your time to explore and discover.

13. If you are there on a Sunday, the main streets in the old town are closed to traffic. Go for a Sunday walk like the Italians do, this is perfect for people-watching, listening to street musicians and enjoying Dolce Vita.

DRJ

Don't know if you have accommodations in Bologna, but, if not I recommend looking at Petronio residence on booking.com.

In 26 trips to Italy since 1998 it is the best apartment of all. Keyless entry, elevator, modern ambiance and across the street from the twin towers.

Also, Osteria Giusti in Modena should not be missed. Lunch only, four tables, memorable. Reservation mandatory.

flwrjen

How soon are you going? I'm in Bologna now and will start a trip report next week. It's a great city. Compact, cosmopolitan, beautiful, historic, vibrant.

Truffles

bookmarking

sandralist

Another vote for Ravenna -- and a vote against just "wandering" in Bologna. A great deal of what is beautiful and worthwhile in Bologna is inside. In fact, part of the history of Bologna is that it once passed laws against people decorating the fronts of their houses with lots of rich display and carving, because they felt the competitive displays of wealth were not good for the civic atmosphere of the city. In addition, Bologna has a fair amount of traffic, so its often not idyllic wandering in Venice or Lucca. Some of Bologna's most rewarding sights close for several hours in the middle of the day, and some do not re-open in the afternoon.

So I suggest having a plan. There is information online about Bologna's unique indoor sites, including a Michaelangelo, and extraordinary terra cotta deposition, several unique museums and the anatomical theater. There are also sites for people particularly interested in music or medieval history (Bologna's small museum is one of the best,) and worthy collections of art the papal legate rooms, the Pinocoteca and the unique Morandi museum.

I often see it recommended to go to the santurario, and I think it is a lesser use of your time that understanding Bologna as a unique city of learning, the oldest university city in Europe. Even if you prefer walking outdoors to indoor sites, then I would at least go with an understanding of the difference between the student quarter, the Jewish quarter, the historic Roman-era food markets. Taking an organized walking tour would reveal a lot of you can't locate a good guide book or online information. Try the Bologna Welcome website for starters.

TJinSOMA

Very cool recommendations. We are now booked for early December. We wanted to try Itsly duri g a totally different season as we typically go in spring or early fall. DRJ - agree their properties look great. We are going to stay at their sister property - Adriano Reisdence. A little further out but a little bigger rooms with kitchenettes (given all the restaurants, I don't plan on cooking but love being able to have breakfast in the room).