We have three days in Bologna sandwiched between a stop in Bassano del Grappa and Tuscany. We will stop at Ferrara enroute to Bologna, and, of course, spend time in Bologna itself, but what else should we try to pack in? Among Parma, Reggio nell Emilia and Modena, which would be the most interesting destination(s) for some time out of Bologna? Or should we go to Ravenna in the other direction instead? If you been to any or better yet all of these, please give some guidance on which are the most interesting and why. Thanks.

Why seek anything else? You even use language that suggests to me an approach that I would not take: "to pack in". Bologna is interesting enough for three days.

I liked the "Bologna sandwiched" and would of course recommend white bread, American cheese and mayo . . .

We enjoyed our side trip to Ravenna very much.

http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...p;tid=34954110

Scroll down to March 1st and 2nd for the pertinent parts.

I would also recommend Ravenna. The mosaics are really worth seeing. Haven't been to Modena but have heard it has a similar look/feel to Ferrara so I wouldn't add it to your itinerary. Parma is a very nice little city as well.

Another vote for Ravenna for the amazing mosaics

Ravenna would be my choice, with a stop in Faenza for the ceramics museum.

Hi J,

If you think that 3 days in Bologna will bore you, is there a reason why you don't want to visit Venice?

Thanks for the opinions. We aren't particularly thinking that Bologna will bore us, but we do want to see more of the area if we can fit it in since we've not been here before (except for Ravenna on a trip down that coast many years ago) Since we can't see it all, the idea is to find out which are the most important to try to get to. We have done a lot of Venice so that's not a necessity on this trip. Looks like Ravenna or Parma will be our choices. Thanks for the guidance. Julie