Here’s our plan for travel from Ravenna to Como after departing the Celebrity Cruise on May 26:

 

On May 26, in the Lake Como region, sunset will be around 9:00 PM, with twilight lasting until approximately 9:30 PM. This gives you plenty of daylight for your drive and arrival. However, it’s still a good idea to aim to reach your destination by 8:00 PM, as navigating the winding roads around Lake Como is easier in daylight, and you’ll have time to settle in for the evening.

Adjusted Schedule

Here’s a slightly refined schedule to ensure you’re comfortably on track and making the most of your daylight:

Morning: Ravenna

  • 8:00–9:00 AM: Disembark from the cruise.
  • 9:00–9:30 AM: Rent a car, load luggage, and head to the Basilica.
  • 9:30–10:45 AM: Visit the Basilica of San Vitale (spend about 1 hour here).
  • 10:45–11:00 AM: Depart Ravenna for Bologna.

Midday: Bologna

  • 12:15–1:30 PM: Spend 1–1.25 hours in Bologna.
    • Explore Piazza Maggiore and the Basilica di San Petronio.
    • Walk under the porticoes or admire the Two Towers.
    • Grab a quick bite at Mercato di Mezzo or nearby trattorias (opt for a lighter meal to save time).

Afternoon: Parma

  • 1:30 PM: Depart Bologna for Parma (about 1 hour).
  • 2:30–3:45 PM: Spend 1–1.25 hours in Parma.
    • Visit the Cathedral and Baptistery in Piazza Duomo.
    • Stop for a Parmigiano-Reggiano tasting at a local shop like La Prosciutteria Parma.
    • Take a brief stroll through the city center if time allows.

Evening: Drive to Lake Como

  • 3:45 PM: Depart Parma for Lake Como.
    • The drive takes about 2.5–3 hours, depending on your destination within the Lake Como area.
    • Plan to arrive in Como town or your hotel by 7:00–7:30 PM to ensure enough daylight for check-in and navigation.

Key Adjustments

  • You can shave 15–30 minutes from Bologna or Parma stops if needed to stay ahead of schedule.
  • Ensure your hotel in Como has parking and is easy to locate for a smooth arrival.

With this plan, you’ll comfortably reach Lake Como with daylight to spare for settling in or taking a brief evening walk by the lake!