 |
Bologna is one of the oldest cities in Italy. It is the capital city of the region of Emilia-Romagna. Bologna is the home the famous "due torri" or two leaning towers of Asinelli (500 steps to the top) and Garisenda. Bologna's university is the oldest in the western world, and was founded in 1088 . There are numerous attractive arcades, or porticos around the historic center and beyond. They are decorative as well as functional, providing shelter from rain, or shade from the sun. Bologna has wonderful piazzas, such as Piazza Maggiore with it's grand Fountain of Neptune, and Santo Stefano near the "four churches in one." There are gorgeous churches with treasures inside their lovely facades. San Luca sits atop a hill overlooking the city with stunning views.
|
 |
Nearby Bologna, we will visit the old trattoria, La Buca, in Zibello, where Mario Batali learned to make tortellini, and a Sunday "pranzo" (lunch), can be enjoyed on the terrace. We will visit Dozza, a charming small town filled with murals and a castle which is now a regional enoteca. We will visit a private winery for a wine-tasting. The ancient mosaics of Ravenna are stunning and amazing, and just a short ride away. |
|
Bologna is called "la grassa", the fat one, and is probably best known for it's culinary traditions: Bolognese sauce, tagliatelle, tortellini, lasagna and mortadella all came from Bologna. Tagliatelle are claimed to have been “invented” in 1501 for the wedding banquet for Lucrezia Borgia and Alfonso d’Este. They resemble a noblewoman’s long hair, and are traditionally served with "ragu", a red sauce of meat and vegetables simmered for hours over low heat.
Bologna is part of the region where Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese is produced and balsamic vinegar comes from Bologna’s close neighbor, Modena. Bologna is a food-lover’s dream, and the food shops, cheeses, cured meats and produce stands, bakeries and pasta shops in the market area are amazing. Well-regarded wines such as Pignoletto, Sangiovese, and Lambrusco are also produced in this area. The Bolognese are proud of their delicious food, and many, (including Palmabella) say it is the best in Italy. We’ll cook a meal together that includes two kinds of pasta made by YOUR hands! Explore, taste, and savor the joys of Bologna with us.
Take a look at our Bologna Itinerary Highlights. |
