During our Italy trip, we have a couple of days to spend in the Emilia-Romagna area in between Venice and Tuscany. We'll have about 1/2 day after we leave Venice, one whole day, and are meeting a group in southern Tuscany late the following afternoon (that's two nights, for those who look at it that way).

I'm thinking of driving (we'll have a car) down the coast from Venice to Ravenna, but not necessarily staying the night there. My companion has a thing against Bologna ("all they have is meat sauce" a difficult image to change, as he won't READ or LOOK AT any of the travel materials I give him. But Ferrara sounds nice, and similar to Lucca, which we love. Maybe a day/dinner visit to Bologna, but stay in Ferrara?

Any suggestions for where to go or not go? Restaurants in the area? Special hotels? Thanks!

Hi Lexma,

may I congratulate you on a good choise! Emilia-Romagna is a very beatiful area.

I have been to all of those cities you mention. Ravenna IMO wasn't that exciting; the mosaics were of course exquisite but besides that I found the city a bit dull. Ferrara was very charming but also quite small. A day trip to both of those cities IMO will suffice.

Having said that, I suggest that you do stay in Bologna. It's a bit bigger (pop. 300 000) and there's lots to see and do, and it's also a good transportation hub. And it's not all about the meat sauce (=ragu) Try some good seafood at Il Veliero, Via Milazzo 11, very close to the train station.

Good luck convincing your companion!

Sorry, can't give you any advice on accommodation since I'm blessed to have friends in that area...

Have a wonderful trip! =)

Hi Lexma,

Bologna would be a very good place for two nights.

See my trip report

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34451044

Please pass this gentle message along to your friend.

HEY! JERK!
Since you have no idea what you are talking about, listen to people who do. You are going to Bologna, and you will like it. UNDERSTAND!

Thanks for the info, Emily and Ira. Ira, your trip report will be helpful ammunition for Bologna - my husband loves gelato. Unfortunately, I feel I can't strongarm him on Bologna too much, as most of the other days of the trip are my choice (a horseback riding tour in Tuscany - I ride, and he doesn't).

Any more info from others?????

ttt...anyone else?

Bologna. It's the most beautiful of the E-R cities and has the most to see. Not to mention the best passeggiata in Italy and great restaurants.

(caveat: I have not yet been to Modena, but I would take Bologna over Ravenna, Ferrara, Rimini, or Parma)

Oh and do make sure you eat just 1 gelato at either Stefino (Via Galiera) or Gianni (Via Montegrappa).

I love the Emilia Romagna area, and I am also planning to take my family there when they visit. Ravenna is a worthwhile city that you can spend a full day exploring. It's quieter than you would imagine, but very pleasant. (you can read about my day trip there: http://www.stelleinitalia.blogspot.c...a_archive.html , under the title "Pieces of Light&quot.

Bologna, on the other hand, is one of my favorite cities in Italy, and while I think your friend has a cute reason for not liking it, there is definitely more than just meat sauce in Bologna. I think at least a day there is a must if you will be in the region, but two days is better, and it is a wonderful place to stay over-night, especially with the night life. It's a very lively city, and its history and beauty rival that of better known cities (I'll go out on a limb and say Florence). Definitely an underated town.

For a small town, consider Modena, which is a little off your path unless you are planning to stop over in Bologna.

Have fun and report back!