THE REGION'S QUEENS: BOLOGNA & FERRARA
Strenuous Activity
Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.
WHAT YOU VISIT
Bologna
Acclaimed as one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe, its historical center reveals medieval, renaissance, and baroque squares, churches, palaces and pedestrian zones. Your walking tour begins in Piazza Maggiore, home to Bologna's main sights, such as the massive 13-foot-tall Neptune Fountain. The square's most impressive building is the Basilica of San Petronio. Able to hold 28,000 it's one of Italy's finest examples of Gothic architecture. Just minutes away is the splendid Basilica of Santo Stefano, a complex of seven churches erected between the 11th and 13th centuries. From here you will proceed to one of the most famous features of Bologna, the Leaning Towers.
Ferrara
During the Renaissance, Ferrara flourished as a center for the arts under the rule of powerful Este family who erected some of the most monumental structures in Italy-two that are now declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Enjoy outside visits to the Ferrara Cathedral. Built between the 12th and 14th centuries, the Cathedral boasts a Romanesque-Gothic façade, a 15th century bell tower, a Baroque interior, and a 16th century apse. Continuing your walking tour of Ferrara, you'll reach the four-towered, moat-encircled Este Castle built in 1385. Constructed to protect the Este family, it retains the look and feel of a typical medieval fortress, despite being adorned with marble balconies and tower loggias representative of the 15th century.
PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES
Be prepared to take photos left and right as you explore Bologna and Ferrara. From Bologna's 319-foot-high and 230-foot-high Leaning Towers to Ferrara's imposing Este Castle, your camera will be working overtime.
LUNCH
Bologna is also famous for its exquisite cuisine. Enjoy lunch on your own in a trattoria and try the city's famous tagliatelle Bolognese. Another local specialty is the torta tenerina (like a flourless chocolate cake).
SHOPPING
Enjoy free time in Bologna and Ferrara to sightsee, relax in an osteria with a glass of local wine called Lambrusco or shop for balsamic vinegar, Parmigiano Reggiano, or decorated pottery.
WHAT YOU SEE ALONG THE WAY
As you travel west from Ravenna, it's interesting to note that through the centuries-old history of Bologna and Ravenna, Etruscans, Celts, and Romans once called these cities home.
Points of interest
Bologna
Special Notes
Note: This tour requires a considerable amount of walking, and it is not recommended for guests with walking difficulties. This tour is not recommended for wheelchair users. Wear comfortable walking shoes. Bring local currency or credit cards as meals are on your own.
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Strenuous Activity
Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.
WHAT YOU VISIT
Bologna
Acclaimed as one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe, its historical center reveals medieval, renaissance, and baroque squares, churches, palaces and pedestrian zones. Your walking tour begins in Piazza Maggiore, home to Bologna's main sights, such as the massive 13-foot-tall Neptune Fountain. The square's most impressive building is the Basilica of San Petronio. Able to hold 28,000 it's one of Italy's finest examples of Gothic architecture. Just minutes away is the splendid Basilica of Santo Stefano, a complex of seven churches erected between the 11th and 13th centuries. From here you will proceed to one of the most famous features of Bologna, the Leaning Towers.
Ferrara
During the Renaissance, Ferrara flourished as a center for the arts under the rule of powerful Este family who erected some of the most monumental structures in Italy-two that are now declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Enjoy outside visits to the Ferrara Cathedral. Built between the 12th and 14th centuries, the Cathedral boasts a Romanesque-Gothic façade, a 15th century bell tower, a Baroque interior, and a 16th century apse. Continuing your walking tour of Ferrara, you'll reach the four-towered, moat-encircled Este Castle built in 1385. Constructed to protect the Este family, it retains the look and feel of a typical medieval fortress, despite being adorned with marble balconies and tower loggias representative of the 15th century.
PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES
Be prepared to take photos left and right as you explore Bologna and Ferrara. From Bologna's 319-foot-high and 230-foot-high Leaning Towers to Ferrara's imposing Este Castle, your camera will be working overtime.
LUNCH
Bologna is also famous for its exquisite cuisine. Enjoy lunch on your own in a trattoria and try the city's famous tagliatelle Bolognese. Another local specialty is the torta tenerina (like a flourless chocolate cake).
SHOPPING
Enjoy free time in Bologna and Ferrara to sightsee, relax in an osteria with a glass of local wine called Lambrusco or shop for balsamic vinegar, Parmigiano Reggiano, or decorated pottery.
WHAT YOU SEE ALONG THE WAY
As you travel west from Ravenna, it's interesting to note that through the centuries-old history of Bologna and Ravenna, Etruscans, Celts, and Romans once called these cities home.
Points of interest
Bologna
Special Notes
Note: This tour requires a considerable amount of walking, and it is not recommended for guests with walking difficulties. This tour is not recommended for wheelchair users. Wear comfortable walking shoes. Bring local currency or credit cards as meals are on your own.