My wife and I are planning a late October-early November trip to Italy. This will be our fourth trip in four years and we have seen the "big 3" (Rome, Florence, and Venice)We are considering Bologna, Pisa/Tuscany/ or the Lakes. We are both foodies and would like to know what you all think would be the best trip.
Duration: 7-10 days.
Budget: $150.00-200 USD per night ((may try to use points for the hotel, though (if possible)).
We tend to like to stay in one place on a "shorter" trip like this as opposed to 2 nights here 2 nights there, but day trips are OK.

We think we have settled on Bologna, but any suggestions would be appreciated.

I've only been to Italy once (to the big 3 plus Tuscany). But next on my list would be Bologna, Umbria, Marche and the Veneto region. I think Bologna is a great idea... especially if you are a foodie. On that note, we were spoiled by the fresh and delicious food in Tuscany. (We didn't enjoy Rome as much because of this.)

One thing to consider is all the harvest/food festivals around the same time. We were in Tuscany at the start of Olive Oil and White Truffle season. Mmmm

Also planning for this time...Any suggestions would be appreciated. What type of clothing appropriate for the season.

hello again...anyon know how long it takes to get from Venice to Bologna. I will be flying back to US from there. Thanks

hi, again, itchy [just answered another query about weather on another thread]

I looked up the timetable for Venice san lucia to bolgna central on www.bahn.de - there are trains at least once an hour and it takes under 2 hours. so you can have breakfast, and arrive in time for lunch!

sounds great - you're giving me ideas!

regards, ann