Debbie

I am planning on a couple of nights in florence and a couple of nights in Venice. I have been both places before and wanted add on areas that I have never been. Would you consider these as day trips or better to spend a night or two. Another option would be to skip florence and stay in Bologna if there is alot there to see. I generally try to stay in each hotel for two nights so I am not moving around too much but don't mind an occasional one night stay. Also, I am assuming that lodging would be less expensive in these towns than Florence or Venice. Is that correct? Thanks

peter

bologna definitly eorth the stay. get hotel in the old section. have used hotel roma 2x and is very satisfactory and less expensive than flo or venice

former nyc resident

I think Bologna is worth A DAY but really worth that day. It has an amazing old city unlike any other in Europe and food to make you weep! You can get some great clothing bargains there, it is not inundated with tourists and so you can just kind of fit in which is nice once in a while. I would try to catch Bologna between Venice and Florence, and also add on Siena. I suspect Verona is a bit overrated THOUGH I HAVEN'T BEEN THERE!!!!! You don't mention the month of travel, the Italian Lake District, if April or May, would be divine. Loved Lake Garda, worth two days, ferry across the lake at sunset is magic and stay in the little town of Sirmione. This would apply if you are flying into Milan, as you have to pass the Lake District and Verona to get to Venice. We also liked Parma, worth a day, if you hit it in asparagus season (May-June) you will think you died and went to heaven! I think any lodging in Europe is cheaper than quality lodging in Venice but you probably already have favorite places since you have been before. I think the costly part of Italy is all the stuff you cannot help yourself from buying! more even than hotels or restaurants. You can get this same stuff in Bologna for far less.

topping

ttt

xxx

I live in Verona and would recommend it as a day trip from Venice. It typically takes about 1.5 hours by train from Venice to Verona. When you arrive in Verona at the station, it is easy to walk into the central historical district, or you can catch just about any bus heading that direction. Look for any bus that stops at the Caselveccio #23 and #24 are my favorites and two that I can think of right off hand. From the Caselveccio you are only 2 blocks from the arena and piazza bra. You can walk around and have a coffee. In this area you are also very near the river, Juliets balcony (5 minutes max to see this) Verona isn't a huge tourist draw, so it is lovely to get away from Venice and be able to move and breath. It is a beautiful city, with much to see. Although, it doesn't offer the huge ticket items like Venice, Rome and Florence offer. As for your question, I think Verona is a wonderful day trip. However, I wouldn't devote much more time that a day.