Visiting Bologna, Italy with Uniworld River Cruises
Visiting Bologna, Italy with Uniworld River Cruises
Visiting Bologna, Italy with Uniworld River Cruises
WJ Tested: Uniworld Po River Cruise Day 5 – Polesella to Bologna full-day included excursion
Our morning started with a delightful buffet breakfast aboard Uniworld River Countess. At 8:30 am passengers departed the ship for the included excursion to Bologna. Local guide Elisa accompanied our bus to Bologna and during the 90-minute drive provided information about the Emilia-Romagna region we were driving through, also explaining the program for the day.
The Basilica of San Petronio is the main church in Bologna, Italy
Interesting Facts – Did You Know?
- Bologna is the capital of Emilia- Romagna region
- Nicknamed: La Grassa (meaning: “the Fat One”)
- Became a republic after WWII
- Emilia-Romagna region is famous around the world for food – Bolognese sauce, tortellini, mortadella, Parma ham, Modena balsamic vinegar, Parmesan cheese
- Grappa is from this northern region
- Ammazzacaffè (Italian meaning: kill the coffee) is espresso with a shot (on the side) of grappa or sambucca (in the north), or limoncello (in the south)
- Ferrari, Lamborghini and Ducati are all made in Bologna
Visiting Bologna, Italy with Uniworld River Cruises
After a scheduled AutoGrille stop along way to use the facilities and grab a cappuccino we arrived in Bologna and started our morning walking tour with the city local guide, from Piazza Malpighi to Piazza Maggiore. Cruise Director Martin accompanied a few guests on an optional outing to visit the Lamborgini museum.
Palazzo dell’Archiginnasio in Bologna, Italy
Our group tour included a visit to the Palazzo dell’Archiginnasio – one of the most important buidlings in Bologna – where we paid a brief visit to the Teatro Anatomico.
Palazzo dell’Archiginnasio in Bologna, Italy
Palazzo dell’Archiginnasio Interesting Facts:
- Construction dates back to the 16th century
- Was once the main building of the University of Bologna – the oldest university in Europe
- Currently home to the Archiginnasio Communal Library
Carved wooden figure of a famous professor – seen inside the Teatro Anatomico.
Teatro Anatomico Interesting Facts:
- Designed in 1637
- Made of spruce wood
- Anatomy lesson in center
- Symbols of professor of medicine
- Sculptures of most important professors
- Home to about 800,000 books and manuscripts
Strolling through the Quadrilatero to the Mercato di Mezzo in Bologna
After leaving the palazzo we strolled through the Quadrilatero to the Mercato di Mezzo; vibey streets chock-full of loads of local and regional foodie shops butchers, fishermen and greengrocers.
Piazza Maggiore in Bologna, Italy
Our two-hour walking tour ended at the foot of the leaning towers and we had an hour of free time before rejoining our group and making our way to lunch at Cantina Bentivoglio.
Bologna’s Leaning Towers
In the evening, a special Epicurean dinner was featured aboard Uniworld River Countess – local food paired courses to match wine. Unfortunately, we were much too full from the fabulous lunch experience at Cantina Bentivoglio, so instead went to Osteria Siena for a much lighter meal of salad and made-to-order pizza.
Our evening was topped off by live music in the Castillo Lounge with a very talented local trio – vocalist Maria and musicians on the keyboard and drums.
Next… Verona and Private Visit to St. Mark’s Basilica
Previously:
- WAVEJourney’s Uniworld Po River and Venetian Lagoon Review
- Uniworld River Countess Ship Facts: Ship Features and Amenities
- Embarkation in Venice – Day 1
- Explore Venice on Foot
- Padua & Scrovegni Chapel
- Venice to Chioggia
- Ravenna and Po River Cruising to Polesella
- Bologna Pasta-Making Demonstration and Lunch
If You Go:
- Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection
- Uniworld Po River & the Venetian Lagoon
- Uniworld River Countess
- Scrovengi Chapel
