We will be in Bologna for 3-4 days the first week of Sept. and want to take a day trip or two. Suggestions?

Just to clarify. We won't be able to spend the night anywhere other than Bologna, so we're just looking for day trips - like an hour or less to the destination. Thank you!!!!

Hi, I live in Bologna. You can go to Florence (1 hour trip) or Venice (2 hrs) by train, but you won't have much time to visit everything... Ferrara or Ravenna are nearer and worth a visit

bologna on white with mayo please

Parma is close to Bologna. Parma is a famous city and home to the famous Parma Ham. There are many things to see in Parma. A little further away, but still a fun trip, is Lago Como. Como is on the Swiss border and you may have to plan a one night stay (not sure). However, Villa d'Este on the north shore of the lago is very interesting. So, you could plan a one-night stay at Villa d'Este and then return to Bologna. Venice is a bit further. I don't recommend a visit to Venice because travel by car is difficult. Venice is really a different trip or an extension of your trip.

Travel by car is difficult to Venice??? Huh? I used to live in Switzerland and drive to Venice all of the time. Simply take the train from Bologna to Venice or if you do drive, stay outside of Venice and take the train into Venice. We always used to stay in Quarto d'altino which is East of Venice and take the train into the main station. Everything is there right in front of you and you don't have to deal with your car or taking a water taxi. It is easy. The hotels are cheaper outside of Venice as well. Try the Holiday Inn Express in Quarto. It will run you about 65 Euro - a great deal. Lake Como is a lovely area, but Venice is special. You may also want to consider a day trip to Cortina in the Dolomites. Beautiful. North of LakeComo is Lugano, Switzerland which is also beautiful. You could get a little taste of Switzerland - it is very close.
If you have a little time, you could always head North through Austria up to Salzburg...it is maybe 3 hours from the Italian border and you could do it as a two day trip easily.