On a clear day, you can see as far as Verona and the Dolomites from the top of the Asinelli tower - even when it's overcast, the red rooftops can be viewed far below. And with plenty of restaurants to choose from in the cuisine capital, feast on reasonably priced bowls of Bolognese tortellini and jugs of Sangiovese.

Le Due Torri is Bologna's most famous landmark. Climb to the summit - the higher of the towers is almost 98 metres with 498 steps. On a clear day the view is stupendous.

Art lovers shouldn't miss Pinacoteca, via delle Belle Arti 56. The sight centre of Bologna, with a magnificent collection of artistic masterpieces reflecting the Bolognese School, from the Renaissance to the Counter-Reformation (closed Monday).

The beautiful city of Florence is only 100km away, where you can gaze in awe at Il Duomo, Uffizi Gallery and wander along Ponte Vecchio lined with jewellery shops.

And Parma is just over an hour from Bologna by train. Parma is the home town of Verdi and Toscanini. Rightly proud of its opera house, the city's Teatro Regio lives up to its reputation.