jgg

We will be spending 5 nights in Bologna in late June/early July. While there we also want to visit Ravenna, Parma, Modena and Ferrara. I have read in the past that on certain days most things are closed in these towns/cities. I am trying to get information on which days which towns/cities things are closed (incl. Bologna), also info. on which days they might have a special market.

Thanks!

annhig

hi jgg,

have a look at the websites for the local tourist boards for each city - they should be able to tell you what will be open when.

most tourist guide books can do that too eg Fodor's gold guide to Italy.

Steve_James

Hi Jjg - Here are a few links to get you started:

http://iat.comune.bologna.it/IAT/IAT...PageE?openpage

http://www.turismo.ravenna.it/index.php?lang=2

http://www.appenninomodenese.net/Sest_ing/

http://turismo.comune.modena.it/index-en.php

http://tinyurl.com/5ll3vw

http://www.ferraraterraeacqua.it/sito?lang=EN

http://www.artecultura.fe.it/index.phtml?id=312

Hope this helps ...

Steve

sacc

Hi jgg, in addition to checking what days sites might be closed, don't forget to also double check each day's opening hours.

For example, many places close for a fairly lengthy break at lunch, sometimes from noon or 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. I was particularly struck by this in Ferrara!

Some sites are only open half days. Again, in Ferrara, the Palazzo dei Diamanti is only open until 1 p.m. (except Thursdays when it's open late, and Mondays when it is closed entirely)

You've picked some delightful cities and Ravenna, I thought, was a particular gem.

LowCountryIslander

This is a very timely post for me. I'll soon be starting my research for a November trip to Bologna. Bookmarking for reference.

iamq

I am planning a similar trip with 5 to 6 nights in Bologna with some (too many?) day trips and I am having to remind myself that, even though we will be returning to Bologna each day, I need to plan to at least a couple of full days just for Bologna. Ferrara, Parma and Ravenna are on the top of my day trip list, but Id love to squeak Modena in there too.

jgg

Thanks for all the info. For others planning a similar trip - I have found out the following market days:

Parma - Wed.& Sat., Thurs. - flea market
Modena - Mon.
Bologna - Fri & Sat.
Ravenna - Wed. & Sat.

I found in some other notes I had taken that on Thurs. Modena & Bologna are closed - I'm not exactly sure what that meant - maybe a lot of the shops are closed??

AngyWarhol

Hi, i saw this post and was wondering if anyone had recommendations for hotels in any of these cities. im trying to stay in one of these towns you listed for two nights and cant decide on a hotel. thanks!

annw

And I'm trying to decide where to stopover, where to stash bags for a brief trip, in this region. Will be in Ravenna a week (taking a course, no day trips), then near Florence; want to stop in this region after Florence and then either Venice or Rome.

Sorry to piggyback off your thread but will follow the discussion in the event your question illuminates mine.

laartista

No Florence??? From a shopaholic's POV Bologna has great shopping!!! And a new super duper fast train 40 min. to SMN in Firenze if you care to visit a certain Fodorite

iamq

To Angy, If we stay in Parma, we will stay here probably:

http://www.palazzodallarosaprati.it/

The apartments at Hotel Paradise in Bologna seem like a good deal and get decent reviews.

Around Modena, this place has me intrigued:

http://www.locandadelfeudo.it/EN/main.html

jgg

laartista - will you actually be IN Italy?? You seem to travel everywhere!! Will send you a fb message soon on when we will actually be in town - would love to visit one of my favorite fodorites!!

jgg

Angy - in Bologna we are staying at Hotel Metropolitan (http://www.hotelmetropolitan.com/ita/pages/home)

laartista

Yep, will be back there finally, Will FB message you

dina4

also need to follow this post!!
thank you!

laartista

My apologies Dina

dina4

hi laartista!

can you share your favorite shopping spots in bologna!

(florence is my favorite shopping city!)

thanks!
dina