We are anticipating a Sept. trip and want to spend a couple of weeks exploring Emilia-Romanga and Liguria. Which city might be a good base, which would have good transportation (train, bus, etc.) for day or overnight trips in those areas? We have been to Italy several times, including parts of Liguria, but want to explore more.
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Suggestions for base in NW Italy
- Thread starter marshajc
- Start date
If it was me, then I'd look for two bases, one in each province (maybe that's your plan, and I didn't understand).
We've just come back from a first visit to Bologna, and were very impressed with the city. Looks easy to use public transportation from there. The interesting part of the city is actually not large at all - everything in walking distance - so even if you decide not to head out of town, you'll have plenty to see within easy reach. We spent four full days there. It's not very centrally located in the province - but this depends on what else you want to see in the area.
In Liguria : we've stayed in Levanto and really liked it. The train runs through the town. A beach, nice shops and eating places, plus a scenic location and a lively character make this an enjoyable place. Of course there's Genoa, which we also loved, but this city is less centrally located.
If you want to go a bit away from the more frequented spots (and have a car), then the mountainous area between Levanto and Piacenza is very attractive. From Levanto going north : the towns of Varese Ligure, Borgo Val di Taro, Bedonia, Bettola, Bobbio and Travo - very nice places with scenic drives between them. We hope to return there sometime.
We've just come back from a first visit to Bologna, and were very impressed with the city. Looks easy to use public transportation from there. The interesting part of the city is actually not large at all - everything in walking distance - so even if you decide not to head out of town, you'll have plenty to see within easy reach. We spent four full days there. It's not very centrally located in the province - but this depends on what else you want to see in the area.
In Liguria : we've stayed in Levanto and really liked it. The train runs through the town. A beach, nice shops and eating places, plus a scenic location and a lively character make this an enjoyable place. Of course there's Genoa, which we also loved, but this city is less centrally located.
If you want to go a bit away from the more frequented spots (and have a car), then the mountainous area between Levanto and Piacenza is very attractive. From Levanto going north : the towns of Varese Ligure, Borgo Val di Taro, Bedonia, Bettola, Bobbio and Travo - very nice places with scenic drives between them. We hope to return there sometime.
Ian Sutton
1000+ Posts
Agreed easier to have two bases.
I think it very much depends on what you want, as for me a base is a place that is not just convenient, but almost certainly the place I want to spend most time in. Any day trips break up the stay, but it would not be unusual for us to have a day trip every 2-4 days, the rest of the time spent in and around the base.
If wanting a city that can occupy you well, but also be convenient for escaping elsewhere, then Bologna is indeed great. Other places such as Modena and Parma offer a somewhat smaller / relaxed experience, and Reggio nell'Emilia has a yet more relaxed feel. All are convenient for the via Emilia road & rail
For Liguria I'd say it absolutely depends on what is drawing you back. Is it CT, Camogli, Genova, Portofino or perhaps heading inland, very much away from tourism?
I think it very much depends on what you want, as for me a base is a place that is not just convenient, but almost certainly the place I want to spend most time in. Any day trips break up the stay, but it would not be unusual for us to have a day trip every 2-4 days, the rest of the time spent in and around the base.
If wanting a city that can occupy you well, but also be convenient for escaping elsewhere, then Bologna is indeed great. Other places such as Modena and Parma offer a somewhat smaller / relaxed experience, and Reggio nell'Emilia has a yet more relaxed feel. All are convenient for the via Emilia road & rail
For Liguria I'd say it absolutely depends on what is drawing you back. Is it CT, Camogli, Genova, Portofino or perhaps heading inland, very much away from tourism?