For those of you that have been to both cities. Which would you recommend to stay in for a week ? Which would include day trips to the one I don't stay in. This will be my 4th Italian trip. This time I want to stay in one town and just ABSORB the sites, sounds & taste of one town with a little side trip. Usually I have seen up to 6 towns<BR>in a 10 day period. Which of these towns would have greater atmosphere, ambiance, pretty vistas of the countryside, less hectic<BR>and so on ?

i would chose bologna its a great city and it gives an opertunity to do easy day trips say to palma or modena. if you go stay in the old section of the city, we liked the hotel roma for its location and service

ttt

Both could do. Parma is a bit smaller and quieter but it is still a university city, so you won't miss the fun and the youth. Bologna probably has a brighter cultural life. From both cities you can reach easily many other towns and cities (Modena, Reggio Emilia, Piacenza, Ferrara etc.). From parma you can easily reach Mantova, which is a wonderful city, while from bologna one daytrip that you should not miss is the Porrettana railway up to Porretta terme, down to Pistoia and back. My favorite italian writers are from Bologna, but, alas, literature is not that important when visiting the cities, or is it?

Good morning, Lorenz Have to second<BR>Peters' choice of Bologna, found it a<BR>very interesting city excellant ristorantes and Hotels, also second the<BR>ROMA, was very good and in a good location. If you want a coupleof<BR>ristorante recommendations, drop me a line and will send them to you.<BR>Richard of LaGrange pARK, iL..

Thanks all. Your comments are very helpfull.<BR>Lorenz

You didn't say when you will be making your trip. Just be aware more Italians leave Bologna in August than any other city in Italy. Bologna is virtually DEAD in August.

up<BR>

Hiho, have you been to Parma?<BR>

I've been to both places and they both sucked big time.

Author: John ([email protected])<BR>Date: 07/30/2001, 07:16 pm<BR>Message: Hi, I was thinking of going to Parma in Mid-sept, has anyone been or have suggestion? <BR>THANKS!<BR><BR>----------------------------------------<BR> <BR>Author: hiho ([email protected])<BR>Date: 07/30/2001, 08:32 pm<BR>Message: Hiho here <BR><BR>Parma has a nice, compact city center, with a number of fine old buildings. Also, it and the region are known for fine restaurants. <BR><BR>It merits a day or even half a day...not really more in my opinion.<BR> <BR>

HiHo here<BR><BR>I really think that either would be okay long as you don't stay too long. There is limited amount of things to see and do.

Bologna is known for having the best cuisine in Italy, as well as a fun and interesting night life. Go there.

I love a big Bolgne sandwich w/ mustard and Fritos on the side.<BR>I Like Parma on my spaghetti!!!!!!!!!

Hi Lorenz,<BR>I have been to Bologna, and I loved it, But I also loved all the Italian cities that I have been to. Bologna is just beautiful, and it has the best of the two worlds(historic, modern). <BR>I haven't been to Parma, but one of my best friends has, and she only had great things to say about it.<BR>If you chose Parma, be sure to try the famous Violet Liquor.<BR><BR>Have a fun trip,<BR><BR>Annie

Bologna is a wonderful city we are going back this fall, but make sure there is not a trade fair when you want to stay there. The entire city will be sold out and everything will be very expensive. <BR>Newt