Bologna

Bologna is the spirited capital of the Emilia-Romagna region, and is kept progressive and youthful by the students of the University of Bologna – an establishment founded way back in 1088. This sun-drenched city maintains an upmarket vibe, where visitors can shop for finery, catch an opera, then dine out in one of the many restaurants in what is arguably the food capital of Italy.

The medieval city is awash with remnants from its past, from the tallest of the Two Towers piercing the terracotta-tiled cityscape, to Piazza Maggiore – a sweeping plaza, framed by arched colonnades, and dotted with landmarks like the Renaissance City Hall and the spectacular Fountain of Neptune.