I've been lucky enough to have visited Bologna 14 times. Emilia Romagna has to be one of my favorite regions in Italy. The gastronomy is great, the people are way friendlier than Milan, it isn't cheap, but it is worth it for sure. You have Florence and Venice really close as well, just hop on the Trenitalia and you're there in a few hours! I would only put Tuscany higher up on the list.Lovely blog you have there sir, and great advice!.

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Western Europe Travel Forum
Western Europe Travel Talk