More Than Just Ragu: Why Bologna should be on your list

Forkfuls of Parmigiana and History

Bologna.  

A key Italian city yet one which is brimming with a local feel and ambience. This irresistible destination nestled in the heart of the world-famous Emilia-Romagna region is charming, yet less chaotic and touristic than its louder neighbours. 

Think...  

Slower-paced travel.  
Wandering effortlessly.  
Stepping into local scenarios at every corner you turn. 

The birthplace of Bolognese  

Bologna’s nickname is “La Grassa”, which translates to “the fat one”.  

If you had Italy as a destination on your mind for a tour, what better spot to weave into your plans than the food capital of Italy itself? 

Take a breath, pause and reflect upon some of the most mouthwatering Italian ingredients and dishes. Bologna likely has something to do with them. 

Bologna has birthed... 

• Ragu alla Bolognese (Pasta Bolognese) ✅
• Parmigiano Reggiano cheese (Parmesan) ✅
• Aceto Balsamico (Balsalmic vinegar) ✅
• Mortadella (Sausage made of finely hashed/ground pork) ✅ 

When you step into “La Grassa”, expect to swirl your fork around tagliatelle al ragu, tortellini in brodo (pork and meat-based broth and parmesan) and lasagna verde (green lasagna) in a traditional osteria. 

Find yourself face to face with a local nonna waiting for you with a big grin, a hearty meal of the day recommendation a hand-cooked meal in which every bite leaves you craving more.   

If you have left some space for more after many courses are sampled, what you read next is sure to not only surprise you but persuade you that Bologna is a location you seriously need to consider...  

Bologna is famous for having its very own Gelato University! 

There are over 100+ gelaterias and we guarantee one of the many gelato university grads won’t disappoint that sweet-tooth craving at the end of a delicious homemade meal... 

Streets lined with traditional porticos 

Ready to be transported mentally to a day strolling through Bologna? Picture beautiful little archways lining the city’s streets, stretching for over 60km... These walkways, named “porticos” symbolise this city and pave the way, quite literally, for awe-inspiring walking conditions.  

Too much Italian heat?  

In need of more shady settings whilst out adventuring?  

Unexpected downpour and forgotten your umbrella?  

A close by portico will be there to shelter you. These shelters tell their own stories – they could be simplistic, or you could look up to find intricately painted ceilings.  

Take your time to stroll at a nice leisurely place dotting in and out of porticos and taking advantage of this flat city. With these shelters, walking conditions and many key sights being within 15-minutes' walk of one another, this characterful city provides a great base for exploring. 

Local charm and stories await 

Bologna is the location you didn’t know you needed until arriving and finding yourself nestled amongst local people, local restaurants and local experiences.  

You will find individuals dressed in timeless Italian outfits, nonnas taking their time to locate the perfect ripeness of tomato for a Sunday dinner and trattorias with menus in the native language.  

Our Taste of Medieval Italy tour has been carefully planned to spend time connecting with locals in cities such as Bologna and other lesser-known locations where every recipe is a story.  

This journey includes local moments and opportunities at every step along the way to uncover a true sense of Italian culture and personality with fewer crowds. 

Ready to find out more about the food capital of Italy and the other locations we’ve paired it alongside? See what take-your-breath-away moments our tour includes here.