Bologna, Modena, Parma, Ferrara - how many nights in each?
 

We have to be in Galeata-Forli towards the end of June for a few days business. We'll have 2-3 weeks after that for holiday with our two children age 24 and 26. Our last trip to Italy we stayed in Rome, Sienna, Venice and Lake Garda. Seeing this is our first time to Emilia-Romagna, I would love any advice on where to stay and for how long in each place. Also will we have time to do a coastal town like Rimini or go west to Portofino?

Go annually have been there sort of underwhelming for me.

That area is flat not scenic sort of farming and industry.

You would do a lot better to head for

Ravenna/Rimini mosaics decent beaches more touristic

maybe Umbria www.asissi.com Old Town beautiful

www.lucca.info www.viareggio.it

and my fav www.metropole.it for Portofino and

www.cinqueterre.com

Far prettier than where you are talking of...

Happy Journey,

www.

In my opinion, you can stay in Bologna and visit the other towns from there. Bologna is fabulous.
On my last trip I loved my stay at the Hotel Metropolitan. It also rents out a few apartments nearby the hotel.
http://www.hotelmetropolitan.com/

And for how long? 1 week-10 days would be marvellous.

Thanks - I checked out Metropole Hotel - it looks wonderful!

The room I had was comfortable and very quiet- number 108. Nothing special as far as room design goes, but I was not looking for that. Nice breakfast, excellent central location and a great host.

I have to agree with Keren, and base yourself in Bologna. I really enjoyed Bologna and would go back in a heartbeat. I stayed in Bologna for 8 nights last November and did easy train day trips to Modena (20 minute train ride) and Ravenna (1 hour 20 minute train ride).

If you click on my screen name you will find my Bologna/Rome trip report if you want to read about the apartment I stayed in and the restauarants I went to in Bologna.