I planned an October trip including Venice and Florence. Then I extended it a day, arriving earlier in Venice. I'll have three days there and three in Florence and an open day in between.

I'm thinking of stopping in Bologna because, for one, it's basically on the way, but it also sounds like an interesting town, nice old university, but slightly less touristy. What do you think? I know Bologna can book up due to the trade shows but it shows decent availability on the night I'd be there.

Alternate towns in between you might suggest besides Bologna?

hi, andrew,,

If I were you, I'd look no further. there was a great thread about Bologna a few weeks ago and I'd love to go there in between Florence and Venice, or just by itself.

regards, ann

Excellent idea, A.

Bologna the red.
Bologna the fat.

Parmigiano, Aceto Balsamico, Prosciutto, Mortadella....the best fresh pasta in Italy....I'm not sure one day in Bologna would be enough.

Well, one day in Bologna is probably all I'll have. I'll only have three nights in Florence and I'll be doing at least one day trip (Siena) from there. Don't worry, I hope to get back to Italy someday.

hi, Ira,

sadly, you give two reasons why I SHOULDN'T go to Bologna.

:-<

regards, ann

Ravenna has wonderful mosiacs - that might be an aoption.