Excursions from Bologna: Incredible places within easy reach
Bologna has always been a key crossroads in Italy.
Situated almost halfway between Milan and Rome, it is the last great city of the Po Valley, connecting the industrialized north of the country with Florence and the rest of the peninsula.
It is also part of the main north-south axis of the Brenner Pass, making it a strategic point for traffic to and from Germany and northeastern Europe.
📌 Thanks to its excellent location, Bologna is incredibly well connected, both nationally and internationally.
This has made it an important economic center, but also an increasingly popular tourist destination.
*(Fun fact: Bologna has the second largest historical center in Europe, after Venice).
🔗 If you want to know more about Bologna, you can read about:.
- Why Bologna is known as "La Roja".
- The 10 most unmissable things to do in Bologna.
- Or better yet, you can join the tour of the 7 secrets of Bologna to discover everything that makes this city unique!
🗺️ Day trips from Bologna
In addition to enjoying its gastronomy, architecture and monuments, Bologna offers a privileged location that allows you to explore many nearby jewels easily accessible by train or car.
Here are some day trip ideas you can take from Bologna to discover the treasures of the surrounding area.
🏰 Sirmione (2 hours by train).
One of my favorite places in Italy.
Although the train ride is a bit long (because it's not on the high speed line), if you have a sunny day, I assure you it will be worth it.
📌 Location: On the shores of Lake Garda.
✔ Scaliger Castle with its breathtaking views.
✔ Natural thermal waters and spectacular scenery.
🏛️ Verona (52 minutes by train).
The city of love and one of the most beautiful cities in Italy.
If you are traveling as a couple, I recommend you visit, it is small but surprisingly charming.
✔ Arena of Verona: One of the best preserved Roman amphitheaters in the world.
✔ Juliet's House: The famous house with the balcony from Shakespeare's story.
✔ Historic squares and incredible gastronomy.
🔗 If you want to know more about Verona, here are my tips on what to see on a quick getaway. 🔗 Also, we offer tours in Verona, here you can find more information..
🏰 La Rocchetta Mattei (difficult to access by public transport).
A **magical and special **place, but difficult to access.
📌 Important: Not always open, as opening times vary throughout the year.
🔎 Curiosity: Despite its incredible beauty, it remains a little known destination with few tourists.
💡 For more information on schedules and availability, visit the official website of the site..
🏎️ Modena and Ferrari Museum (20 minutes by train).
🏙️ Modena's historic center is small but charming.
📌 It is famous for its excellent cuisine, especially for Modena balsamic vinegar.
But what really made this city famous is the world's most legendary sports car: 🏎️ Ferrari, founded here in 1947, in the midst of the post-war period.
📌 Curiosity:. Modena has a historical rivalry with Bologna, especially on these issues: ✔ Ferrari vs Lamborghini 🏎️ ✔ Who invented tortellini 🍝 ✔ The tradition of stealing the most important bell of the rival city ✔ Who invented tortellini 🍝
🔎 I will soon write an article with all these curious stories.
🌿 Park of the Plaster Moulds and Abbess Lands (Accessible by car, difficult by public transport).
If you are a lover of nature and hiking, this park is a hidden gem.
📌 Location: At the foot of the Emilian Pennines, southeast of Bologna.
✔ Limestone formations, caves and breathtaking landscapes.
✔ Ideal for hikes and getaways in the middle of nature.
🚗 Recommendation:. Ideally go by car, as public transport takes more than 1 hour and 30 minutes, with at least one stopover.
🚆 Best connected cities from Bologna.
If you have more time and want to explore great Italian cities, here are some options with high speed train:
📍 Milan → ⏱️ 1h 5min. 📍 Florence → ⏱️ 37 min. 📍 Venice → ⏱️ 1h 30 min. 📍 Rome → ⏱️ 2h 10min.
📌 Important:.
In most cases, traveling by high-speed train is faster and cheaper than by car.
In addition, it is the most environmentally friendly option. 🌱
📍 Conclusion: escape and explore!
I hope this guide will help you plan awesome tours from Bologna.
🌍 The possibilities are endless, and with Bologna's excellent rail connection, you can explore cities, castles, vineyards and natural landscapes with great ease.
📌 **If you're lucky enough to spend some time in Bologna, make the most of it and discover all that the region has to offer.
🔗 **And if you want a more complete experience, join our tours to discover the best kept secrets of Bologna and its surroundings.
🎉 See you soon, travelers! 🚆🌍
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