Escape Bologna: Top 5 Day Trips You Won’t Regret

Bologna, fondly nicknamed “La Grassa” (the Fat One) because, so, it’s known for its incredibly delicious food, offers so much to explore. You’ll enjoy all of its porticoes and vibrant markets, but what if you want a bit of a change? What if, perhaps, the call of other Italian treasures is growing too strong to ignore? Have no fear, since this part of Italy is packed with gems just waiting to be discovered. Fortunately, various day trip options, all within easy reach, mean a taste of something completely different is much more feasible than you’d imagine.

1. Parma: Where Delicious Flavors Await

You, basically, can’t talk about food around Bologna without bringing up Parma. You’ll get to witness exactly where Parmesan cheese comes to life. Taking one of the guided tours is how you get to peer behind the scenes, seeing cheesemakers at work, as they still follow centuries-old traditions; I mean, just witnessing the dedication they have is really something. Then, as a matter of fact, the highlight? Yeah, you’ve probably guessed it right: a cheese tasting. Mmm. Parma doesn’t just end at cheese though. We do have Parma ham, the kind of super savory prosciutto that really melts in your mouth. Again, many local producers are delighted to open up their doors so guests are able to learn a bit more about the curing, slicing, and, finally, the enjoying, all aspects of these incredible flavors.

Yet, beyond the food scene, which is so impressive in its own right, Parma offers so much beauty to admire, too. That baptistery? Oh boy. Covered, very much, in pink marble, and with such a dramatic design that, honestly, your jaw will drop, I promise. Make some time for the National Gallery if gazing at fantastic artwork from big names like Correggio and Canaletto is what you want to do. This charming city delivers a very memorable cultural punch, arguably rivalling that of bigger Italian centers, in many respects.

2. Ravenna: A Stunning Mosaic Wonderland

Ravenna? Yeah, a completely different vibe compared to Parma, since, actually, it’s all about sparkly mosaics. As I was saying, what Ravenna used to be, a super influential capital for both the Western Roman Empire and the Byzantine Empire back in the day, is actually reflected so incredibly in the unbelievably gorgeous art, still shimmering brightly today, within its ancient churches and baptisteries. Seriously. So you see places such as the Basilica di San Vitale and the Mausoleo di Galla Placidia, you are going to stand completely still, almost unable to actually grasp the stunning detail put into all of these breathtaking mosaic displays; really something. Ravenna, at the end of the day, doesn’t just show art, since, as a matter of fact, it tells you some amazing historical stories; really a journey.

Ravenna is basically a bit of a treat if you’re a history enthusiast or, perhaps, just anyone who really loves art, like your’s truly. It’s pretty easy to walk around, and that charming town center is overflowing with great cafés as well as little shops. Because you have a coast just a stone’s throw away, as a matter of fact, it’s an appealing escape during summer, even. As a matter of fact, why not finish that day trip by savouring some tasty seafood with a stunning seaside backdrop before heading back to Bologna, eh?

3. Ferrara: Biking in a Renaissance Dream

Are you up for feeling what Renaissance vibes are really about? Then head straight towards Ferrara. Very much a UNESCO World Heritage site, what that city offers visitors is actually an astonishing example of just what urban planning and art looked during the Renaissance period, so I think that’s kinda a big deal. The thing is, Ferrara isn’t all the rage like some of its neighbors, instead you’ll be experiencing some genuinely peaceful exploration vibes, that’s pretty fun, no?

What makes that town really pop, anyway, is how bike-friendly it is; honestly, basically, it’s one of the best ways to roam through. Since, seriously, there are walls, there are cobbled roads, there are pretty squares, they’re all so flat which makes cycling completely comfortable; there’s the kind of vibe where you don’t even break a sweat; like honestly so gentle and relaxing. That massive Castello Estense, completely encircled by a moat, gives out fairytale feelings for sure, and is that reason alone which can justify giving Ferrara a shot; this grand symbol of the Este family looks very stately on photos, just in case that helps win you over. Since there are palaces galore plus some nice galleries there is plenty in store should you wish to absorb something regarding its past, too, since Ferrara manages that rare mix of chilled back setting plus lots for enthusiasts to admire.

4. Modena: More Than Just Fast Cars

Most likely, that town of Modena could ring a bell if you’re keen when it comes to motorsports since, obviously, that’s where you’ll discover Ferrari as well as Maserati’s homelands; for some lucky visitors that makes the prospect of a visit utterly irresistible. You know, there’s actually various tours you might take when getting an exclusive look, really up-close, what this automotive excellence really involves, so, as a matter of fact, if you do have even just passing interest then Modena needs your visit; it’ll all be worth your while.

Anyway, though, as a matter of fact, the charm relating just to high-octane thrills isn’t the main aspect; also, you’ve got the fantastic gastronomy as well as awesome artistic attractions going strong, which makes Modena, possibly, a destination you need on your itinerary. One that’s certainly worth a glance happens to be the Piazza Grande, featuring that stunning Duomo (cathedral), a great example when it comes to architectural magnificence; that Ghirlandina tower located on location, honestly, just gives stunning vistas relating to this very magnetic place.

5. Brisighella: A Medieval Village With Amazing Views

For experiencing just that certain Medieval charm, what that super attractive, somewhat relatively hidden gem which is called Brisighella really offers makes one terrific change compared to the familiar towns near Bologna. So. You should expect not only dramatic panoramas, very authentic cultural encounters too, once setting feet around town; oh, actually it gets more awesome, yeah, you’ve a super-quiet atmosphere to admire at length too!

The very most iconic of highlights are, undoubtedly, the Rocca Manfrediana, La Torre dell’Orologio (clock tower), plus the Via degli Asini, this extremely singular elevated walkway; really, such sights absolutely need showcasing those Medieval vibes I described! What olive oil or outstanding wine this territory is recognised because of is very much another major drawcard here too; sampling sessions relating to delicious locally grown delicacies happens frequently plus forms just the best method while admiring all that idyllic panorama that this charming municipality proudly puts on display.