Emilia Romagna?
 

My fiance and I are planning our honeymoon in Italy and there's one part of the trip that we're not sure about. After arriving in Rome, we're heading straight to Florence for 3 nights and then to CT for 3 nights. We intend to rent a car after we leave CT (although that's a challenge too as we're leaving on a Sunday and so many rental car office are closed on Sundays) and then head to Emilia Romagna. After a couple of nights in this region, we're heading south to Tuscany and Umbria for about 6 nights.

My question: which city is a good base to explore the ER area?

We're considering taking the train after CT to Parma (on Sunday) and then renting a car the next day when the rental car shop is open. Or should we head to Genoa and rent a car there (it's open on sundays) and then take a long drive around.

We would really appreciate any comments on this region as we're not as familiar with it as other parts of Italy.

My favorite town in the area is Reggio Emilia. Also, many car rental places will make arrangements to drop a car off on Sunday even when the offices are closed. Try autoeurope for a car.

Go to Parma.
It is really beautiful and it has several fantastic castels nearby.

Ciao.

Gianni (Milan, Italy)

In which month are you coming here ?
Bologna is a nice town to stay, otherwise, if not summer, I suggest Parma or Rimini.

Vincenzo

We'll be there early October.

I agree with those who find Parma to be a lovely town.

I regret to say that outside of our hotel we experienced Bologna as a surprisingly hectic place that was not very welcoming to tourists.