Bologna, Italy & San Marino

Upon arriving in Bologna, we wasted no time and wandered off to immerse ourselves in the city's vibrant atmosphere, with a jazz festival adding to the summer feeling in the main square, the Piazza Maggiore. One of the square's standout features is the Basilica of San Petronio, a colossal church that dominates the skyline.The lower parts of the exterior are covered in marble. It is worth visiting inside too...the basilica's intricate architectural details and beautiful artwork are rather special.

On the following day, we embarked on a scenic walk uphill to the Sanctuary of the Madonna of San Luca, located on a forested hill 300m above the city. This journey took us along the longest portico walkway in the world, a 3.8 KM stretch adorned with 666 arches. Bologna is famous for its extensive portico system, which spans a total of 40 kilometers within the city and has an additional 22 kilometers outside its walls. These historic porticoes have earned UNESCO World Heritage status, and strolling beneath them on this particular walk was impressive and very enjoyable.

In the afternoon, we explored Bologna's medieval towers. While the city once boasted around 180 towers, only about 20 remain today. Among them, the Asinelli Tower, is the tallest, offering panoramic views of the city and its surroundings. Climbing its 498 steps to a height of 97 meters, you are rewarded with breathtaking vistas that make every step worth it. Next door, the Garisenda Tower stands a shorter 47 meters but with a distinct, leaning appearance due to subsidence. These towers are emblematic of Bologna's history and resilience.

My birthday adventure took an exciting turn as we embarked on a day trip to San Marino, one of the world's smallest and oldest republics. The journey started with a train ride to Rimini, a picturesque coastal town. From there, we hopped on a bus to reach San Marino.

Exploring the narrow streets of Monte Titano, we reached the Three Towers of San Marino. These iconic structures, dating back to the 11th century, provided a glimpse into the rich history and fortifications of this tiny nation. Some marvellous views are to be seen from the top.

After returning to Rimini, we strolled along the wide sandy beachfront, and then cut through to the centre to visit to Rimini's main square. Another fine place to sit and 'people watch' whilst supping a beverage... before the return train back to Bologna.

For the final full day in Italy, we embarked on a short train journey to Modena. The city is small and rather lovely, and we indulged in a delightful lunch at Piazza Roma, right opposite the Palazzo Ducale. As ever, the relaxed ambiance and delicious Italian cuisine made it a memorable dining experience.

In the afternoon, we explored the Enzo Ferrari Museum, housed in a former workshop belonging to Enzo Ferrari's father. The museum showcased a stunning collection of iconic cars, including the F40, 250 GT, FXX, and 125 Sport. Even though these beauties were slightly beyond my budget (at 5 million euros in some cases), I couldn't help but admire them, especially since they all bore my initials!

Bologna is a fine and lively city to visit...which it close to the airport and to an extensive rail network...and with all of the porticoes there, I guess you can transit much of the city on foot without getting wet, even if it is raining! Highly recommended.