I'm travelling to Italy in May, starting in Florence and ending in Venice (4 days each.) In between, I have 5 days to split between Bologna and Verona.

I will not have a car. Thought I might take a day trip to Vicenza via train, which has me leaning toward giving Verona the extra day. However, Bologna itself seems to have lots to see, and there is the wonderful food....

Since I've not been to either city before, which you think warrants 3 days rather than 2?

Let me confuse the issue.

From Bologna easy daytrips include Ferrara, Ravenna, and Modena.

From Verona easy daytrips include Vicenza, Padova, and Mantova.

Unfortunately, my answer to your question is BOTH warrant 3 days. I've done all these daytrips from both these cities. And Verona also has wonderful food.

What are you interested in seeing--paintings? architecture? mosaics? ancient sites? Knowing that may help you (and us) choose.

Ah, the riches that are Italy! I'm interested in all of it, but if I must choose, lean towards Renaissance art/architecture over ancient ruins. Am a pretty serious foodie and enjoy my wine as well. Though I know that's easy to do anywhere in Italy!

Due to the poor exchange rate, I am looking at budget accomodations. Have reservation requests in at Albergo Centrale in Bologna and Verona House in Verona.

if you want rennaisance, definitely ferrara from bologna and mantova from verona tho ravenna is a stunning link btwn byzantine influence and romanesque italy.

Spent some time with my guidebooks last night and am more torn than ever.... Ferrara and Vicenza both seem like "musts" as daytrips.

Would love further feedback from anyone with an opinion who can sway me one way or another, as I'd like to make hotel bookings in the next couple of days.

Ferrara is a delightful sidetrip from Bologna. The castle, its moat and its surroundings make for an interesting day trip.

Dear Lesli,

YOU WILL do 3 days in Verona and 2 days in Bologna.

THAT'S AN ORDER.







Did that help?

Actually, Ira; it might!

Since I was leaning that way anyhow, and Verona House seems nicer for the rate than anything I can find in Bologna anyway....

But let's be clear. I take orders from no man.

Good for you, Lesli, LOL!

I'll watch for you at Verona House--we'll be there May 7 through 15.

>But let's be clear. I take orders from no man. <

Ah, you have never been in the service sector of the economy. Lucky you.

Jocelyn - Assuming Verona House is able to confirm my reservation, I'd love to meet up with you there! My tentative dates are May 10-12. Maybe we can have drinks one evening?

Sounds great, Lesli. The 11th is out, as that's our long day trip to Milan. The 12th would work well for us, as it's our "free/catch-up day" in Verona. We're tentatively planning a nice dinner at La Greppia if you'd like to join us (my husband and me), or for drinks before or after. We could also swing the 10th if that would work better. Or maybe meet for breakfast on the 12th? You can email me at [email protected], although that address will only be valid for a few more weeks.

I hate to be the fly in the ointment, but you may want to check out some pretty interesting looking bed and breakfasts in Bologna at www.viaggiesapori.it.

Also, train connections will be marginally easier from Bologna. Either way, you will have a great trip.

Jocelyn - Thanks for the invitation! I've just sent you an e-mail, so let me know if you don't receive it.

Santa Chiara - Appreciate the article and will definitely look into the B&Bs mentioned. Especially since Albergo Centrale in Bologna has yet to respond to my reservation request....