Planning a trip to Bologna next year. Suggestions?

[Arimaul]

Cinque Terre.

It is about three hours from Bologna. It was one of my wife and my favorite parts of Italy.

[Betty]

My wife and I did a trip to Italy earlier this year. We ended up spending a week in Bologna, but was not part of the plan ... so I can only really tell you about the short trip between my hotel and the hospital. Bologna is home to Europe'e oldest University but all Italian cities/towns have their own points of interest. I can tell you that the hospital is quite good.

The highlight of our trip was meant to be a Ducati Tour as mentioned by Donzo but the first full day in (on our way to the factory) my wife was involved in accident requiring emergency surgery. So my recommendation is to stay off the autostrade (tolled motorway). I don't want it to sound like an advertisement but the Ducati Tours people looked after us ... they are such a small crew and it is a really difficult business to be in, particularly in ths economic environment. Like I said I don't want to sound like an advertisement if you want to know more just ask or send a PM.

The advantage of that type of tour is that they show you the best roads and organise accomodation, carry your luggage, etc. Yes it may seem expensive but the expensive bit is hiring the bike the 'extras' just make it all work. It is pointless hiring a bike and spending your time lost on the motorways.

Eventually got back to the factory and museum ... but for shopping I wouldn't recommend the small shop attached to the museum. There is what is effectively a factory outlet just down the road ... bigger range and more affordable.

[mitt]

Cinque Terre.

It is about three hours from Bologna. It was one of my wife and my favorite parts of Italy.

We drove past it, but didn't stop, wish I had...

We also visited Cortona, and it was very impressive.

mitt

[dax]

I'd recommend booking a Ducati Factory tour early as when I went the second time i wasn't able to get in.  The museum was still very cool.  I actually enjoyed it more than the Ferrari Museum in Maranello (but that was def worth a look too depending on how much time you spend in Italy).  I wouldn't plan on really spending alot of time in bologna though.  My experience was that Bologna, and Milan for that matter, were some of the least worthwhile places to visit other than for the Ducati factory and viewing the Duomo in Milan and the last supper.  Worth a day stop and thats it. 
You should def make an effort to get to Cinque Terre  on the Western coast of Italy, as well as going to Rome and florence. 
I hit a buncha spots my first trip since i was there for 3 months, the second trip I did some places again but it was 2 weeks and got to Venice, Bologna, Modena, Maranello, Rimini, Florence, Rome

oh and btw, the ducati factory tours shut down late July, early august or something for races and a vacation basically.  so plan accordingly

[JoDuc]

Cinque Terre.

It is about three hours from Bologna. It was one of my wife and my favorite parts of Italy.

I was in Italy for a week's vacation last month, my second time. I took the future x-wife to the main attractions - 2 days Venice, 2.5 days Rome, 1 day Florence. We didn't have the time, but I wish I gotten back to Cinque Terre. It's 5 very small towns along the coast. They are connected by path, no cars. All the wine is local and the food is homeade / fresh. My next time back will have it in the itinerary. It's some of the best Italy has to offer. First timers need to see the big sights, but with 2 weeks make sure to get to Cinque Terre!

[Dave328]

You'll be right in the thick of it in Bologna. Right up the road is Modena.
Ferrari factory in Maranello, Lamborghini in Sant'agata (sp?), and Pagani are all around that area. Don't know for sure about Lambo and Pagani, but you must be an owner to tour the Ferrari factory, but the Galleria is a must see.

Dave