I am feeling more settled about my trip, which is only six weeks away now! After much research and thinking about things for awhile, trying to decide where to go, today I made some concrete plans. I am really excited about the agenda, which leaves room for me to decide day by day where to go, from a central location.
In May, after the days in Rome amidst two million people, I will be taking the train to the small town of Carrara, where I will be able to tour the marble caves and experience the same scenery that was featured in the opening chase scene of the 2008 James Bond film, Quantum of Solace. From there I hope to spend time in the seaside town of Viareggio, and also spend a day in the city of Parma, and maybe see how Parmigiano Reggiano cheese is made.
From there I will go to Bologna, which is home to the University of Bologna, the oldest university in the world, beginning in the year 1088. Having never been to Bologna, I will have lots to explore, and will also be able to use it as central spot for taking day trips to Ferrrara, Ravenna, Rimini, and San Marino, and wherever else looks interesting. Having never been in this Emilia–Romagna region of Italy, I am happy for the opportunity.
The last part of this 10-day itinerary will be in Verona, where I will spend 4 nights and be able to really enjoy the ambiance of the place well-known for the Romeo-Juliet romance. I plan to explore the cities of Bergamo and Asiago as well, and play it by ear. I will end up in Milan, where I will be meeting up with my brother and sister-in-law for the next leg of this awesome journey! I am so lucky!
I'm always interested in your thoughts, so please leave a comment.