Florence and Venice from Bologna
 

I will be studying at the language institute in Bologna in late May for 1 month.
I am planning to do a weekend trip to both Venice and Florence, leaving after class on Friday around 14:00 and returning on Sunday evening.

I want to pre book my hotels before leaving the States and am seeking recommendations for hotels in the 100 euro per night range.

Helpful hints on a 2 day itinerary in each city would be appreciated as well.
I am hoping to be efficient but do not wish to rush to see too much.

Since I have another weekend available, should I go to Milan, Rimini, Parma?
Suggestions welcome.

Thank you in advance.

Bruce

This is a good thread with suggestions for things to see in Florence. Everyone's top 10 is a little different but the thread gives you an idea of what to look at so you can decide for yourself:
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...op-10-list.cfm

For another side trip I would recommend Ravenna with its amazing mosaics, but it depends on your interests.

Hi Bruce, I would recommend the Hotel Casci for Florence.

http://www.deliciousitaly.com/travel...tel-casci.html

I would also suggest to visit Parma.

Florence is so full of things to see and do - after your first visit, you may want to return for a second weekend. In addition to hotel reservations, if you intend to visit the Accademia to see the David, you should make a reservation there as well.

Bruce,


Here's an excellent resource for hotels in your price range.:

http://www.eurocheapo.com/venice/ (neighborhoods #2, 3, 4, & 5)

http://www.eurocheapo.com/florence/ (neighborhoods #1, 5, & 6)

...still in Florence at the end of May there is the ice cream festival in central town! ;)

This might help you find something in Venice:

http://www.turismovenezia.it/eng/dynalay.asp?PAGINA=437

Florence might have a similar site.