I recently spent nine nights in Bologna and loved it. I took a day trip to Florence to see certain favorite things --I've been there twice before but had no desire to stay over. I find Florence too tourist driven and much preferred Bologna as a base. If you click on my user name you can see my Bologna trip report and one on day trips from there.

I hope Charni sees this thread because she has spent time in Bologna.

I haven't grown to love it yet on two brief visits but I hope to have another try at it in March. I do feel it's a better "scale" for me than Florence, but I don't know Florence well enough to have a more informed opinion. Venice, OTOH, I know moderately well for a nonresident.

I look forward to your trip report!