Hello - after seeing the mosaics in Ravenna and spending the night there, a family of 4 will be driving up to Bellagio. I think the drive is about 4 hours. Where would you recommend stopping for a break, walk about, and lunch? Looking at the map it appears the likely places would be Bologna, Parma, Modena, Bergamo, or somewhere smaller in between? Any suggestions or ideas are welcome. Perhaps there is some sort of country house close to Ravenna which would be a better place to sleep? We will have two young teens with us. Any thoughts are welcome.

When we went from Verona to Bellagio, we stopped up at the "high city" or old town of Begamo for lunch. We drove up and parked at the top just outside the walls and walked. It is a fascinating small city, with some splendid buildings and we had a most memorable, but major lunch at the splendid little Agnello D'Oro.

Patrick has a good idea above, but with kids I would stop at Sirmione at the south end of Lake Garda. It has a moat and castle and a real Roman history.

OH, right. Didn't think of that as we had just been to Sirmione while staying on Lake Garda. Can I change my answer? Sirmione is a better choice with the kids than Bergamo!

Thanks Bob and Patrick. You mean that Sirmione castle/town is small enough to enjoy in a few hour stop? I mean would we have the time to tour the castle, eat lunch, explore whatever, and still make it to Bellagio before sundown? This will be in summer, so late sundown.

I would plan 2 hours there. It is not really a castle town--just has a nice castle at the entrance more as a landmark. It is a resort town with lots of shops, and a big parking lot before you enter the village. A bit touristy but cute and on the Lake--and about half way.

Thanks so much Bob. You are a fountain of information and you always give it in a polite and helpful way. I'll begin investigating Sirmione now.