Italy Archives – Little Holidays

Driving in Italy – a guide for tourists

Idyllic countryside, dramatic coastal roads, and romantic lake towns – this is a side of Italy you’ll only get to see if you step out of the big cities and go on a road trip. While, indeed, the rumors are true – driving in Italy is a bit of a challenge – it’s also very doable with a little extra planning and prep, and ultimately thrilling once you’re zipping around Italy behind the wheel.

Whether you’re planning to brave the Amalfi coast’s cliff-hugging roads for breathtaking views of the Tyrrhenian Sea or eating your way through the wine and food regions of Emilia-Romagna and Tuscany, this guide will gear you up for your driving adventures ahead. Here’s everything you need to know about driving in Italy.

3 days in Bologna, Italy – best things to see and do in Italy’s food capital

Europe, Italy, Travel Guides

Bologna is a food-lovers’ haven – and the city knows it.

From the moment you step off the plane, the city welcomes you with food. Giant posters of food immediately give way to stalls of actual food, packed to the rafters with homemade tortellini, parmigiano reggiano, hams and sausages and bottles of aceto balsamico.

The ride from the airport to the city center is lined with osterias and trattorias, their tables clad in red-and-white checkered tablecloths. A quick walk down a street – any street – brings you past food stalls and markets, filled with the season’s bright-colored fruits and produce, various forms of meat hanging from the roof, and lots and lots of cheese.

The food alone is worth staying in Bologna for a couple of days or more, but the city has a lot more to offer. The city is peppered with historical and cultural artifacts and plenty of spots for panoramic city views and romantic strolls. Bologna is also an excellent base for day trips in and around Emilia-Romagna, whether you’re searching for culinary experiences, charming medieval towns, or a seaside escape.

While you can easily extend your stay and never run out of things to do or restaurants to eat at in Bologna, this essential travel guide will get you started on your holiday plans. Here’s how to spend 3 days in Bologna.

Where to stay in Bologna, Italy – best hotels and places to stay in Emilia-Romagna

Europe, Italy, Travel Guides

Bologna lies in the heart of Emilia-Romagna, Italy’s gastronomic capital. While that alone makes this city a must-visit especially for food-lovers, Bologna’s got a lot more going for it.

The city itself is beautiful and picturesque, filled with historic medieval and Renaissance structures. You can spend an afternoon relaxing in the Piazza Maggiore and walking around the cobbled streets under the shade of the porticoes. You can go up Italy’s tallest leaning tower from where you can capture a gorgeous panoramic view of the city.

Bologna’s central location also makes it an excellent base for road trips around northern Italy – from the foodie cities of Modena and Parma to the beaches of Rimini – and even across the border to San Marino.

If you’re looking for a holiday filled with delicious food, road trips, and a relaxing city break, Emilia-Romagna’s capital city is the perfect destination. Here’s where to stay in Bologna.