After a long journey from Miami to Milan, followed by a train ride to Bologna all in the same day, we finally arrived completely exhausted — but excited to begin our Italian adventure. We enjoyed a wonderful dinner at a charming local restaurant before calling it an early night.
The next morning, refreshed and ready to explore, we joined a walking tour through beautiful Bologna and quickly discovered why this city captures the hearts of travelers. Beyond its medieval streets, endless porticoes, and historic piazzas are hidden corners you’d never find on your own, fascinating stories not found online, and incredible local flavors known only to true Bolognesi.
One of the best parts of the experience was not having to worry about missing the “must-see” sights or wasting time figuring out what was really worth visiting. Our guide tailored the tour to our interests, showing us Bologna’s iconic landmarks while also revealing hidden gems and local secrets that made the city feel truly authentic. We also received fantastic insider recommendations on where to eat — and what places to avoid — helping us experience Bologna far away from the typical tourist traps. It turned out to be the perfect introduction to this incredible city.
Along the way, we explored some of Bologna’s most fascinating and beautiful sites. We visited Piazza Minghetti, a charming square surrounded by elegant historic buildings and shaded greenery, named after Italian statesman Marco Minghetti and featuring a statue in his honor. We wandered through the famous Quadrilatero district, a lively maze of narrow medieval streets packed with traditional markets, artisan shops, and local eateries that have been part of Bologna’s commercial life for centuries.
We also strolled down Via Pescherie Vecchie, one of the city’s most atmospheric streets, lined with bustling food stalls, butcher shops, delicatessens, and specialty markets overflowing with the flavors and aromas that make Bologna Italy’s culinary capital.
One of the highlights was seeing the magnificent Fountain of Neptune, the iconic Renaissance masterpiece created by sculptor Giambologna in the 16th century. The towering bronze Neptune stands proudly at the center, surrounded by intricate details that blend art, mythology, and history into one unforgettable monument.
Of course, no visit to Bologna would be complete without Piazza Maggiore, the city’s grand central square and heart of public life since medieval times. Surrounded by stunning landmarks like the Basilica of San Petronio and Palazzo d’Accursio, the piazza buzzes with energy while showcasing Bologna’s extraordinary architecture and history.
We also visited Bologna’s famous Two Towers, commonly recognized as the enduring symbols of the city. Located in the heart of Bologna at the point where the ancient Via Emilia entered the city, the towers date back to the Middle Ages and once served important military purposes including signaling and defense. Beyond their strategic function, the towers were also built to display the wealth, power, and social prestige of the influential families who commissioned them. Standing beneath these towering medieval structures was truly one of the most unforgettable moments of our tour.
Tomorrow we take the train to Ravenna where we will join our ship, Celebrity Constellation the next day.