Asinelli Tower (Torre degli Asinelli), Bologna

This is the 'other" place to visit after Rome on the way to N Italy's Florence and Venice. And it is the place to do so "en piede" - on foot. To begin with, Food is an art here second only to your immersion in a unique and dramatic architectural attention designed for your post-lunch or evening stroll to the piazza. In fact, Lunch, I suspect, was invented here or at least, perfected - "Un pranzo Bolognese", a Bolonesian lunch, at Pappagallo's or Trattoria Cocolino is the experience of a lifetime - the finest food in all Italy. How do I make such an outrageous statement? From experience. Yet, I beg you, do not take my word. Ask any Italian in any other city. The proud Italians always boast of their city's foods, and righty-ly so, as you cannot get a poor meal in this country unless you are reside in a catechomb or are in a McDonald's. But when you say to them the best food is in Bologna, do not run for shelter. They will hang their heads in sad assent. Their reaction always leaves me speechless. Whoever heard of an Italian without an opinion or an arm flailing counter-attack when the subject is who's food is best? There is a beautiful and romantic surprise just outside your restaurant after a nearly guaranteed unforgettable dining experience. Take a walk. Stroll thru the old city for miles - or coffee, unmolested by rain or summer sunshine. The sidewalks are living art and beautifully covered by miles of gothic porticos arching overhead. Each is unique in design, architectural details and scale overhead morphing from building to building. The city rewards the stroller with the caress of hovering hand, protecting and ennobling you as you It is truly amazing that you can walk to the top of the small hill (Montecello) that overlooks the beautiful city protected all the way to the top!