One for two nights [train from Bologna]; the other a daytrip from Bologna.

Yes, both are easy daytrips, but we don't mind packing up and moving.

I may not understand what you're asking, but I would make Parma the overnight. It just seems to be larger and require more time.

Parma seems to be more popular, at least on this forum but I much preferred Ferrara. It was just a visually much more interesting city, had a much livlier vibe, had a nice castle, beautiful squares, gorgeous Duomo, more variety. I really loved Ferrara and will be going back.It even rained the afternoon I was there and that is usually a major downer for me and I still like it better than my day in Parma. Parma I was bored with after a few hours and left (did them both as day trips). Now, I'm not a foodie but I do enjoy looking in markets and food shops and I was surprised that there were not more of them in Parma.

Here's my photos which include both towns -www.pbase.com/annforcier/italy_emilia_romagna

Parma seems to be more popular, at least on this forum but I much preferred Ferrara. It was just a visually much more interesting city, had a much livlier vibe, had a nice castle, beautiful squares, gorgeous Duomo, more variety. I really loved Ferrara and will be going back.It even rained the afternoon I was there and that is usually a major downer for me and I still like it better than my day in Parma. Parma I was bored with after a few hours and left (did them both as day trips). Now, I'm not a foodie but I do enjoy looking in markets and food shops and I was surprised that there were not more of them in Parma.

Here's my photos which include both towns -www.pbase.com/annforcier/italy_emilia_romagna

Thanks! This is very helpful.