kja

Not sure, but maybe we were posting at more or less the same time?

goddesstogo

We spent four wonderful days in Florence so I don't think we'll do that again on this trip.

I felt that way about Venice. So many people told me that three days was enough there but I felt I could have used more time.

kja

Oh, now I understand a bit more about the reasons for your plan! Thanks for clarifying....

danon

Well, it was our second visit to Florence -the first lasted for a week - we just wanted one more look.
I am sorry we did not go to Ravena.

goddesstogo

Ravenna's definitely on our list.

If anyone knows of any trustworthy in-town (any town) apartments, I'd love to hear about them.

Jean

I would stay a couple of nights in Turin and then move (with a car) to a town in the Langhe Valley. There are several nice hotels/B&Bs in Alba. After Piemonte, I'd drop the car until you want to go to Urbino.

Near the hotel in Bologna mentioned by Happytrvlr (Art Hotel Novecento), we stayed the Al Cappello Rosso. Loved the hotel, but FWIW I was ready to leave Bologna after 5 days. Bologna has a ZTL and lots of traffic, and I'm not sure I'd want to drive into the zone even with precise directions from the hotel. If you want to spend a couple of nights elsewhere, consider Ferrara.

http://www.alcappellorosso.it/

Keren

A week in Turin is perfect, I did just that in September 2015. I went to Basilica di Superga for a few hours (and SHOULD have hiked back down, there's a hiking trail just there). I also went on a little trip to Mondovì, where I'd been many years before and wanted to visit once again: there's a lovely market in the lower town, the upper town has gorgeous views, wonderfully frescoed Baroque church and a good, new ceramic museum, with English commentary.

I could have gone on many other day trips from Turin. A week is certainly not too much there: fabulous museums, great food, go over the river to the Alpine museum, for excellent views of the whole area around from the courtyard, and inside is interesting as well (the neighbourhood itself, probably where the ultra-rich live, is amazing). On good-weather days Parco Valentino could be a great place to wander.

Ditto for Bologna, 1 week is absolutely not too much time. It is so easy to fill 7 days with day trips, but I just love exploring it slowly, too, discovering new things on every visit. Climbing Parco villa Ghigi for fabulous views and fresh air.

Roma e Rocca Cavour is good hotel in Turin, where I stayed for my last visit. The breakfast isn't fantastic and staff could be warmer but I would stay there again.
http://www.romarocca.it/ita/hotel-torino

Elizabeth_S

LowCountryislander and her mom spent two weeks in and around Turin. I loved their trip report. Click on her name for a bologna one as well

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...n-of-italy.cfm

danon

"Climbing Parco villa Ghigi for fabulous views and fresh air."

We did it too, a nice break from th city
another wonderful outing

http://www.bolognawelcome.com/en/hom...y-of-san-luca/

TDudette

Below is a link to my TR. It is older, but you can get some ideas of train travel and general timing. We were in our 50s--DH still well but my asthma just beginning. Our Bologna hotel was directly opposite the train station--it WAS a Sofitel then but I think it has changed. No train noise but a bus hub made the sidewalk crowded with Easter travelers--not a problem in Sept.

We found a non-stop flight to Milan and took a bus from the airport to Turin. Details are in the TR but I think you would might save overall travel time by training or bussing to Turin from Milan. Can anyone confirm???

Even if you don't leave Italy, please read maitaitom's TR. I still have a mind picture of him at that bar.

Back to Milan. Its Duomo is magnificent. We made Milan a day trip by train from Verona but would have spent the night if we could have gotten opera tickets.

TDudette

Forgot the link: http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...ellagio-tr.cfm

Leely2

A couple years ago I stayed at the Hotel Corona d'Oro in Bologna and it was very nice, great location:

http://www.hco.it/en

For me a week in Bologna would be too long. I'd probably give some of that time to a longer stay in Le Marche. And I would definitely want a car in Le Marche. We stayed in Ascoli Piceno, but that is further south than you will be.

bvlenci

I'm not sure why you would rent a car to drive to Bologna. I think the car might be more useful while you are in the Torino area. Bologna is one of Italy's best rail hubs, and it's also sheer hell for cars. I would go to Bologna by train and rent a car when you're ready to move on.

A car would certainly be useful (almost a must) in Le Marche, which is where I live. There are many wonderful places to stay in this region. Urbino is on top of a rather steep hill, and driving up and down every day to make day trips can get a bit old. You might want to stay down in the valley, in a rural setting (if you have a car). Some other charming towns are Cagli, Mondavio, Corinaldo, Serra de'Conti, Recanati, Matelica, and many others. Corinaldo is especially charming.

goddesstogo

OH MY! I went to work, came home and found this! I really believe I could plan a three-week trip just using the information on this thread!

I'll take time to go through it more slowing, making notes and looking at links, but I just wanted to say thank you so much -- this is so generous of all of you!

your very grateful fellow fodorite
gtg

ekc

Not sure if you are still looking for a Parma hotel rec, but we spent 3 very enjoyable days at Hotel Della Rosa Prati in Parma a few years ago. I would return in a heartbeat.

goddesstogo

I'm absolutely still looking for all hotel info I can get, so thanks for that rec, ekc!

Andrew

I stayed at the Hotel Button in Parma. GREAT location, right near the center of town, though I had to take a bus from the train station (a bit far to walk to the hotel). Hotel itself was decent.

goddesstogo

Hotel Button goes on the list! Thanks, Andrew!

Suki

I'll get you those names, gtg. For me, a week in Turin would be too much. I'm sure that you could fill the time and be happy but I guess I like a little more variety when I travel. 3 or 4 nights in Turin and 3 or 4 nights in the Piemonte was perfect for us.

Leely2

If I may hijack for a second, goddesstogo:

Suki, I have been considering Torino for a few years now, and that is the impression I get too: 3-4 nights, rest of the time in Piemonte. I tend to have more time away from work to travel in high summer these days, though, so Torino, which I understand is quite humid in summer, always drops off the list. What time of year did you visit?