We are flying into Bologna in October, and we're thinking of staying there for a few days. We thought we'd take day trips to Florence and Venice.

Any thoughts on this, and on places to stay in Bologna?

Before you decide to stay in Bologna, make sure there is not a major trade fair on. If there is, hotels will be heavily booked and rooms priced at a premium.

http://www.bolognafiere.it/bof_index...l=2&ma=157

Otherwise, day trips are certainly possible. Florence is an hour away with a fast ES train, Venice a little more than 1.5 hours.

We loved Bologna. Were just there this past May and stayed at Casa Ilaria which is a very nice, small B&B. I think Bologna is a lovely town, had the best food of any we have ever had in all our trips to Italy. Some nice sites to visit and unreal shopping. I would also consider a visit to Ravenna to see the spectacular mosaics. Its about 1.5 - 2 hrs train trip from Bologna. Bologna is a good place to base oneself and do day trips as u are thinking about doing.

Hi CristinaR, I am another one who loves Bologna BUT..I have never stayed overnight in Bologna due to every time I was going there they were having Trade Shows as Zerlina mentioned. So that is something you will want to check out for sure.

Bologna is a smart choice.
A good hotel is STERLINO, whose restaurant is very good: www.ristorantesterlino.it.

Rather than Florence and Venice, they both deserve more than a day trip because without late evening and early morning their full charm is not available, I'd suggest for sure Ravenna and also Ferrara, Modena and Parma.

Have a lovely trip.

Vincenzo

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=2

I was in Bologna in Oct. 06 - above is the link is to my trip report. Bologna is a great location - and great food.

not sure why the link isn't working - clicking on my name will bring up all my posts - the report is title 'Bologna trip report (Nov 4- 12)

I did spend a few days and nights in Bologna this past October in a B&B in town which we loved. It's run by a wonderful couple-Roberto and Maria, and was in their apartment- our rooms gave out onto a terrace garden and Maria's homemade breakfasts were just out of this world-in fact she gives cooking lessons also.
Just when we were leaving, they were in the process of moving their home base to Maria's hometown in Budrio on the outskirts of the city-a very short train ride from the center or and easy drive.

The spectacular food of Bologna is really not to be missed, IMHO!

In any case, here is the link for Maria and Roberto's place in case you want to check it out (there's an English version on the site)



http://www.accoglientebologna.it/

bm