Hi to all!

I am thinking about using Bologna as a base for some day trips: Verona, Ravenna, may be Modena.

Are those cities suitable for one day visits?

Any suggestion will be appreciated. We are selecting Bologna as a base because the city is a big train hub, and length of travel to other cities seem good for one day visits.

Thanks to all inadvance!

Good choice---do not forget Florence as well.

Thanks Bob!

We did Firenze and Venezia , Pisa and Siena, also, may 2014.... And Rome and the Amalfi Coast in september, with some 7 friends....unforgetable!

I am a fan of all yor posts.

I hope you spend a long day in Ravenna. The mosaic sites, but also appertivi on the piazza and a nice stroll/passaggiata through town. Lots of good places to dine too.

Parma!!

Ferrara

Thanks Annw, Cruiseluv and Asps....your advice is helpful....some much beautiful places all over Italy!

All of the above and for sure get to Ravenna early as churches didn't stay open during siesta time when we were there. Time your long lunch accordingly.

Faience?

Modena is less than 30 minutes from Bologna. Hosteria Giusti: 4 tables, at the rear of the salumeria and unforgettable. Reservations mandatory. Lunch only.

TDudette: thanks for your tip....nothing bad in a long italian lunch!

DRJ: Having seen the reports about Hostería Giusti, Modena is definitely on the radar!

Parma and lunch at La Forchetta.

Florence is only 23 minutes away.

Ticket machines at the train station accept debit cards with a 4 digit PIN or cash. They need to be date stamped on the day of the trip using one of the little machines you will see on the way to the platform. Schedules on the Trenitalia web site, where you can also purchase tickets up to 20 days in advance for non-local trains.

And by the way, the Albergo Centrale is hard to beat.

jelopez33: If you don't have accommodations I certainly urge you to look at Residence Petronion on Booking.com. Keyless entry, modern apartments, across the street from the twin towers. Great stay!

The Bologna municipal Internet site for tourism has lots of ideas (more so than the downtown office.) Gearheads might be excited by its "auto" route including the factories of Ferrari (Maranello), Maserati (Modena), Lamborghini (Sant'Agata Bolognese), Ducati (Bologna.
http://www.bolognawelcome.com/en/pla...%20di%20Motori)
Bologna is an enticing alternative to the tourist crowds of Florence, Venice, and even Rome.

Enjoy and please report back, jelopez33.

RonZ : thanks for all the info!

DRJ: will check Residence Petronion,msounds good.

Southam: good tip! Thanks

TDudett:

No doubts there will be a trip report, you all are being sochelpful.

Previously, you will suffer another trip report on Paris(yes going again and again), Loire castles, Lyon and Frankfurt......net may and june with another three couples...

Sorry...I mean Dudette....