We are planning to visit this region sometime in September. The plan is to fly from Frankfurt, Germany to Milano and rent a car there, then drive South. We would like to find a nice quaint Agri-Hotel (recommendations greatly appriated) in the countryside. We do plan to visit the larger cities, especially the old historical sections, in Parma, Modena, Bologna and Ravenna. Our thought is, with a car we can go pretty much anywhere we want, and perhaps we can take a train or bus into the cities and walk. Is this a do-able plan? Any suggestions or ideas are really welcome. We will be in Germany (at my mother's) from the 20th of August and are scheduled to return to the US on Sept.24. I chose Sept for our Italy trip thinking that the main tourist season might be tapering off? We are very flexible as to the time, and are planning to make the travel arrangements from Germany. Thanks for being such a friendly community here! Ciao/Tschüss

ursiglass, Did you see my thread on Bologna?

The only advice I can offer (I have been through several of those places before) and thats if you take a car, try to book hotels that offer car parking spaces as part of the rate. Driving in the cities is ok, parking is much harder. Not much advice as you probably need, but a tip!

Umbria holiday villas

Thanks for the advice. I think we are on the right track. By staying "in the country" we'll avoid the parking problems in the city - I hope. We are planning to take public transportation (Bus?) into the city (cities) and then sight-see on foot.

Yes, thanks, Villa. I should know better to search first - then ask questions. I have been searching and found a lot of good info right here. Saw those Videos of Bologna and others, what fun. -- On to more searches... Any other hints/links will be appreciated.

I love the little place outside of Parma called "Il Conte giacomo". I t is a little more expensive but the rooms ar beautiful and they serve the BEST breakfast I have had in italy ever. Call Gian Marco 0524605122 or visit their website. He worked in NYC in advertising for years and returned to open this B&B with his family.

Hi, Suz
ooh, aah, very nice! - Thanks for the recommendation. I have put the link into my favorites for further perusal. -- Do you know if bus service is available from there (or nearby) into Parma? That would be ideal

Sorry for the delay in response. I have only beebchecking the new posts and now i realize I missed yours. I would email Gian and ask. I work a little blog at Suz123nj's Traveler Profile - TravelPod with pictures etc. And will be adding another tomorrow or tonight if I have time. Hope this reaches you in time to help.
Suzan

Hi, Suz -- Thanks SO MUCH for your reply. I have a little time yet. (to the Middle of August) I have emailed the B&B in Parma as I think it is JUST what we had in mind, we also like the location (Google maps has a very good aerial shot, you can even see the pool), BUT they have not responded. In this day and age of spam and blocked mail I suspect my mail may have been trashed. In your opinion, would I be better off to call there? I'm making absolutely no progress with my Italian, so I need somebody to speak English or German. -- I have looked at your blog briefly but will peruse it further when I have a little more time, thanks for the link. -- Do you have an opinion as to how soon I have to make the arrangements there? -- Again, thanks for your help.

Gian worked in NY in an advertising co for years before moving back. He did the jet blue campaign. You certainly could call.Try the booking on line section and ask a question question about dates you want. I sent him a message too.
Suzan