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After leaving the Amalfi coast and Sorrento it was time to head to Bologna, Parma, Firenze (Florence), and Genova. All in the span of three days.
Armed with a couple of new words it was time to be immersed in Italian culture, food, and traditions.
Bologna
The preeminent attribute one discerns about Bologna is the admirably maintained and neat streets and historic architecture. Bologna is the capital and most populous city of the Emilia-Romagna Region in Northern Italy. Bologna has a well-preserved historic centre, thanks to a meticulous restoration and conservation strategy that began at the end of the 1970s.
Thus, for example, all the Via’s – street – names are on plaques at the sides of the buildings. This is very common in many of the cities in Italia.
The Towers of Bologna are a collection of medieval towers in Bologna, Italy. The two most salient ones, Le due Torri di Bologna known as the Two Towers, are the monuments of the city. Pictured above is one of the two towers a couple of blocks from where we stayed.
Parma
We visited Parma and Firenze (Florence) from our central base in Bologna. One of my favourite meals on the entire trip was in Parma. Parma is famed for Parmesan cheese and Parma ham. But, boy, did they deliver high-quality food with simple and local ingredients.
Our meal of veal and melted Parmesan cheese dissolved in your mouth. Teeth were elective to savour this dish. The meal was decadent but straightforward—innocent ingredients masterfully composed to dance on your lingua.
Firenze
From Bologna we were able to visit Firenze. Firenze to the locals is also recognised as Florence to the tourist. Firenze is the capital of Italy’s Tuscany region. It is residence to many masterpieces of Renaissance art and architecture.
We did another food tour in Firenze, and it didn’t disappoint. Before the food tour, we visited Piazza De Pitti for a swift rest before several hours of wandering on the food tour.
Piazza De Pitti in Firenze 
Firenze Food Tour Sample 
Statue in Firenze
The palace on the Piazza De Pitti, begun for Luca Pitti in 1457 , apparently designed by Filippo Brunelleschi , was located in a then secondary area of ​​the city, on the slopes of the Boboli hill, which placed it on a slightly raised floor.
Genova
Genoa (Genova) is a port town and the capital of northwest Italy’s Liguria region. It’s acknowledged for its pivotal role in maritime trade over multiple centuries.
We were only here for one night but took advantage of the time and walked the tight streets to find a wonderful resturant for dinner.
Genova Street 
Genova Street At Night 
Genova Tight Squeeze
Our next stop? Lake Como in Northern Italy’s Lombardy region is a resort area known for its climactic scenery, set against the foothills of the Alps.