Travelling from Milan to Tuscany and will arrive in Parma-Modena area around 10am. It'll be too early to check into our villa so wondered if anyone had a preference for a stop of a couple of hours to look around and have lunch? Which would be "easiest" in terms of managing town and parking? Thanks.

Regarding parking it's a toss up. It was easy to park in both cities during July. <BR> <BR>Modena has free parking lots in the vicinities of the large Novi Sad Park (Viale Fontanelli, Viale Berengario and Viale Vittorio Veneto). Within the historic centre there's pay parking in Piazza Roma (in front of the Palazzo Ducale, one of the sites). <BR> <BR>In Parma there's free parking in Viale Mentana. If you wish, there's underground parking on the river, by Palazzo della Pillota. <BR> <BR>Modena boasts an outstanding Duomo, possibly the best example of Romanesque architecture in Italy, which is connected to he tall and inclined (slightly) Torre Ghirlandina. Besides the very fine Estense Gallery that, together with a couple of museums and library is housed in the Palazzo dei Musei (which you won't have time to visit), the other main sight is the Palazzo Ducale. <BR> <BR>On the other hand, Parma boasts the outstanding Romanesque Episcopal Centre, with the Duomo and Baptistery in perfect harmony. Close by is the Renaisance (with a Barroque facade) San Giovanni Evangelista church, with frescoes by Corregio inside. Other sites of interest (which you won't have time to visit) are Corregio's Room (frescoes), and the Farnese Theatre and the Pinacoteca, both housed in the Palazzo della Pilotta. <BR> <BR>Should you opt for Modena, you may consider having a snack lunch at Compagnia del Taglio. This is a Enoteca on via del Taglio 12 (just off Piazza Roma in the direction of the Duomo). You may taste a glass of wine and order a plate of cheese, salumi, cold meats, etc. If you prefer something more substantial, you may try the Osteria Ruggera on via Ruggera 18 (leaving Duomo's Piazza Grande to the west, on Corso Canal Chiaro, turn the 4th street to your right). <BR> <BR>I can't find the data on the restaurants we experimented in Parma. I'll eventually come back later. <BR> <BR>Paulo

Wow, Paulo...great info. Thanks. We probably won't be in any shape for museum touring as we'll have been up all nite on our flight. Which town would be a good "walking around" town - the most compact...we just need to wander dazedly for a few hours in the throes of jet lag.

Both historic centers would serve your purpose well. If you were doing a more "serious" visit and only had time for one city, I'd recommend Parma. It indeed has more "goodies". I visited enroute twice in the past and it took me around 4 hours before hitting the road once again (including lunch). But once you'll have to take it "lightly" Modena gets into the picture strong (I also stopped here twice with stays of 2½ hours). As I see it, you'll stroll around and take the time to visit a single monument more carefully, either the Duomo in Modena or the Duomo/Battistero in Parma. <BR> <BR>After leaving the Malpensa precint, the drive to Parma should call for about 1½ hour under normal traffic conditions. Add ½ an hour and you're in Modena. Why don't you play it by ear? If you're running early or on time, visit Parma and and don't feel guilty to stretch your stay if you feel like it. On the other hand, stop in Modena and concentrate on the Duomo if you're running late. Once the drive from Modena to Florence calls for about 1½ hours, 2-2½ hours will possibly be enough to get you to your destination. <BR> <BR>Paulo

Regarding restaurants in Parma, I could only find the one we experiemnted the last time up. Exiting the cathedral square from the north-east corner on San Nicoḷ, a few steps will lead you to viccolo Scutellari (to your right). We had an excellent lunch at the enchanting Angiol d'Or. Even though the bill may read some $50 for two, it would be an excellent introduction to the Italian cuisine. Of course, being in Parma, starting of with parmigiano reggiano cheese, prosciutto di Parma and a glass of light "spumante" is a certain must. <BR> <BR>Paulo

Paulo..should I be talked into a trip to Modena/Parma? I will be staying about 1/2 hr. south of Florence and planned to do the tuscan/chianti region. Would you recommend a day trip to visit Parma/Modena?

It depends on the "price" you'd be willing to pay, which I'm in no position to assess. The 5-hour total driving time is there for starters. If, for instance, this would mean to axe my beloved Siena, the price would be certainly extorsive <BR> <BR>I personally find the Parma/Modena combo quite doable (though I've always done it enroute) and attractive. If you start off early (8am) you'd be in Parma around 10:30am. A 4-hour visit including lunch would place you in Modena around 3pm. If you leave around 5pm you'd be home at 7pm. This would be rewarding if you like art, specially architecture. The Romanesque in both cities would provide the contrast to Gothic Siena and Renaissance Florence. <BR> <BR>Paulo