My wife and I will be going in late September. Ports of Call will be Cremona,Ferrara, Mantua, Murand, Padua, Parma. We will end the trip in Venice (stay 2 days) and then on to 2 days in Florence and home. Anything I should NOT miss in the samll towns? Any don't miss restaurants? Venice and Florence- I am researching so am more interested on info from anyone who has been on the River tour.

Fodorites! Thought I could count on someone for replies!

You are right...

The itinerary you have is wonderful..

I can give you some info for Parma:

Make sure you visit the Cathedral and the Battistero, the Pilotta where two wonderful museums are located.
As far as the food try the Prosciutto (ham) and tortelli d'erbetta (local ravioli filled with cheese and spinach) together with lambrusco (the local red sparkling wine) or malvasia (local white sparlking wine).
And for shopping the local violet porfume "Violetta di Parma" there is a wonderful small store right by the main square (Piazza Garibaldi).

And if you have time visit Torrechiara castle just south of the city.

Thank you. Have recorded your info and
will check it out!

oberost, There is a nice little article in the currenta nd unfortunately the last issue of Travel/Holiday about Parma, Cremona and Mantova, Buon viaggio,

AndrewDavid

In Parma go see the cheese being made.
check out www.parmagolosa.it We spent a day with them last fall and it was great.
Newt