Hallo Folks,

I am hoping for some helpful advice for a friend of mine (lol, but true!). Sadly, I don't know anything about Italy, so I can't be much help.

My friend and her wife are both over 70, and the wife has mobility challenges (no stairs and little walking).

They will be in Emilia Romagna 21 - 26 Nov and have an idea to see Ferrara, Bologna, & Moderna. The idea now is to go from Venice south by train. Their interests are historical, culture, and art.

My friend would like some guidance on how long to stay in each place -- or are is there another city that might be better than these? Also, if they do stay in these 3 cities, what areas should they look for for hotels, or any specific hotel recommendation would be great.

Thanks very much for any suggestions you can offer!

s

Note that Mondays tend to be dead days as most museums close.
Ferrara has a castle, a park, a big church, walls ans easy access to the banks of the Po. Do not be there on a Monday. Easy level walking from the station, though taxi may be better. Stay in the centre

Do they want to overnight in each of these places? It's fairly easy to reach them by train from Bologna, about 30 minutes if I'm remembering correctly. I've stayed in Ferrara and Bologna (3x in Bologna), both wonderful.

I have no experience with mobility problems, so although I've traveled in Emilia Romagna several times, I hesitate to advise. For example, Ravenna is unforgettable, but I'm not sure with mobility problems how difficult it might be.

Thank you much, bilboburgler & Leely2!

Yes, Leely2, they do want to overnight in those cities -- or others if recommended. Are you saying it's possible to do them by day-trip and not overnight?

If anyone would like to add hotel recommendations, my friend says they like simple, clean, & pleasant. They prefer to spend money on more trips rather than on hotels. But the hotel must have no stairs and must be centrally located.

Thanks again!!

s

Yes, Ferrara and Modena are both easy day trips from Bologna. Bologna is a major rail hub. However, if walking is an issue, maybe day trips are more problematic for your friends?

My favorite hotel in Bologna would probably be considered pricey. In Ferrara I stayed at the family-run (good-looking family!), ultra-convenient and very comfortable Hotel Annunziata. I seem to remember that there is an elevator but always write to confirm. Hotel is close to the castle. I walked from the station but your friends would want to call a taxi or figure out the bus.

Hi again!

That was such excellent advice, Leely2, to base in Bologna, thank you! I see now you did say that the towns are just a 30-minute trip from Bologna, so it makes a lot of sense.

I've learned the my friend's wife normally uses two canes for walking, so transferring to a new town every 2 or 3 days would be a great hassle.

My friend likes the idea, and is now looking for good accommodation for the six nights in Bologna, maybe an apartment to bring down the costs. If anyone has a recommendation, I and they would love to hear!

I also suggested that the wife may have an easier time with a walker than with two canes, especially if the streets are cobbled or she wants to rest sometime.

So, thanks! And we'd love to hear any other suggestions!

s

Keep in mind that even if there is an elevator, there are often steps to reach it, five or six steps is not uncommon. Just something you will want to check if that many steps are a problem. Ask the hotel for the exact number of steps, because in my experience, what they consider to be a few is not what I consider to be a few!