Emilia Romgna - Easter week or mid June?
Oct 7th, 2008, 05:44 PM
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Emilia Romgna - Easter week or mid June?
I teach so my trips are during holiday periods. Have my sights on Emilia Romagna for a second trip to Italy. We'd base in Bologna and use the train for day trips to Faenza, Ravenna, Parma, etc...
In April, the trip would be no more than 8 nights. In June. we'd be able to extend the trip to around 10 nights.
I am not crazy about visiting Italy in the summer, but if there are distinct advantages to being in this area in June rather than the week after Easter, I'd like to hear about them. My guess is it will be warmer in June. I am also guessing that this area won't be mobbed like Venice and Florence would be in June.
Any feeback or advice you can give me would be greatly appreciated.
Many thanks.
In April, the trip would be no more than 8 nights. In June. we'd be able to extend the trip to around 10 nights.
I am not crazy about visiting Italy in the summer, but if there are distinct advantages to being in this area in June rather than the week after Easter, I'd like to hear about them. My guess is it will be warmer in June. I am also guessing that this area won't be mobbed like Venice and Florence would be in June.
Any feeback or advice you can give me would be greatly appreciated.
Many thanks.
Oct 8th, 2008, 02:49 PM
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That area is humid -- which means in Spring it is rainy and in June it is muggy. Which would you rather avoid?
Most of the interesting touristing in that area is indoor touristing and doesn't depend on sunny weather for views or enjoyment. My pick would be to risk rain in Spring than muggy warmth in June.
Another consideration is what will and won't be open Easter and Easter Monday (as well as Good Friday). I would expect churches to be open. Stores and restaurants? Double check your favorites before booking your tickets.
Because train connections are so good out of Bologna, you can do a lot in eight days. But you can expect trains to be very crowded during the Easter holidays and you will do well to book tickets the minute you arrive in Italy. If you are the kind of person who likes to travel loose, you might perfer taking your chances on warmer weather in June.
If you are planning to base in Bologna, you really need to book in advance. My guess -- and it's only guess -- is that Easter week is not a great week for the trade fairs that confiscate all of Bologna's hotel rooms, but maybe I'm wrong. If you can, rent an apartment in Bologna, since hotels can be so pricey.
It is really hard to predict the tourist mobs this coming year. A lot of the folks who mob Firenze and Venezia in summer simply are not going to come this year because of the global economy. On the other hand, Italians love to travel during Easter week, and they love to go touristing in their own country. I would expect lots of pilgrims in Ravenna, and Italian sightseers in Parma, Modena, and Ferrara. But unless there is a trade fair, you'll most likely have Bologna to yourself.
Hope that helps.
Most of the interesting touristing in that area is indoor touristing and doesn't depend on sunny weather for views or enjoyment. My pick would be to risk rain in Spring than muggy warmth in June.
Another consideration is what will and won't be open Easter and Easter Monday (as well as Good Friday). I would expect churches to be open. Stores and restaurants? Double check your favorites before booking your tickets.
Because train connections are so good out of Bologna, you can do a lot in eight days. But you can expect trains to be very crowded during the Easter holidays and you will do well to book tickets the minute you arrive in Italy. If you are the kind of person who likes to travel loose, you might perfer taking your chances on warmer weather in June.
If you are planning to base in Bologna, you really need to book in advance. My guess -- and it's only guess -- is that Easter week is not a great week for the trade fairs that confiscate all of Bologna's hotel rooms, but maybe I'm wrong. If you can, rent an apartment in Bologna, since hotels can be so pricey.
It is really hard to predict the tourist mobs this coming year. A lot of the folks who mob Firenze and Venezia in summer simply are not going to come this year because of the global economy. On the other hand, Italians love to travel during Easter week, and they love to go touristing in their own country. I would expect lots of pilgrims in Ravenna, and Italian sightseers in Parma, Modena, and Ferrara. But unless there is a trade fair, you'll most likely have Bologna to yourself.
Hope that helps.
Oct 8th, 2008, 05:44 PM
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Thanks zeppole! Your information helps a lot.
When we traveled to Rome we arrived the day after Easter Monday,so we missed Easter weekend and that is what we'll probably do this time around if we go then.
Thanks again.
When we traveled to Rome we arrived the day after Easter Monday,so we missed Easter weekend and that is what we'll probably do this time around if we go then.
Thanks again.
Oct 8th, 2008, 07:52 PM
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i would do it easter week-- but that's because i'm a teacher and forced to travel in the summer, when the whole world is vacationing with me.
i think your plan to base in bologna is a great one... just remember how hot it can get if you go in summer. (especially in parma, which we love love love.)
in bologna, don't miss the best gelato in europe (imho) "stefino." (not another place that's on stefano street.) i posted about a while ago and it is truly the best i've had... and i'm and addicted expert!!
kawh, sebastopol, ca
i think your plan to base in bologna is a great one... just remember how hot it can get if you go in summer. (especially in parma, which we love love love.)
in bologna, don't miss the best gelato in europe (imho) "stefino." (not another place that's on stefano street.) i posted about a while ago and it is truly the best i've had... and i'm and addicted expert!!
kawh, sebastopol, ca
Oct 8th, 2008, 08:11 PM
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I'd go in June. Two extra nights is BIG!
Plus the weather in Emilia Romagna during June will be about perfect.
The students will be on holiday so it will be a little quieter.
Bologna isn't really like Florence or Venice with the overwhelming sea of tourists.
Plus the weather in Emilia Romagna during June will be about perfect.
The students will be on holiday so it will be a little quieter.
Bologna isn't really like Florence or Venice with the overwhelming sea of tourists.
Oct 8th, 2008, 08:52 PM
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I've spent 4 Easters in Italy and can't remember any rainy day at all, but I do remember the daily rain during the wet November month.
This year, you'll have the perfect time window because Easter falls on April 12 and the Italian Liberation national holiday is on April 25.
This year, you'll have the perfect time window because Easter falls on April 12 and the Italian Liberation national holiday is on April 25.
Oct 9th, 2008, 05:24 AM
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You're fight motorino. Two extra night would be a really good thing. With that extra time, we might a take a 2 night trip to Lake Garda or some other location.
Thanks to all for your ideas and help, especially the gelato tip!
Thanks to all for your ideas and help, especially the gelato tip!
Oct 18th, 2008, 08:53 PM
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Let's say that I suggest June because, first of all, I DO NOT suggest Easter in Italy.
And I do not suggest Easter because it is crowded by Italian tourists as the school closes for one week and it is our first spring trip.
Then June is Romagna is very nice because very long day light, not yet crowded the coast, several nice and interesting festival everywhere and the chance, almost everywhere, to dine outdoor and enjoy everything at the best, really.
Vincenzo
And I do not suggest Easter because it is crowded by Italian tourists as the school closes for one week and it is our first spring trip.
Then June is Romagna is very nice because very long day light, not yet crowded the coast, several nice and interesting festival everywhere and the chance, almost everywhere, to dine outdoor and enjoy everything at the best, really.
Vincenzo
