Most people consider Rome, Venice and Florence for Italian city breaks, but sleepy Bologna, the capital of the Emilia-Romagna region, makes for a perfect getaway for lovers of la dolce vita.
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Palazzo di Varignana is the ideal starting point to explore the most authentic side of Emilia-Romagna — from historic villages and food and wine excellence to unspoiled nature and cultural itineraries.
To make each discovery even more special, guests can rely on EVER Destination Concierge, an exclusive service dedicated to creating tailor-made experiences: private tours, guided visits, meetings with local artisans, reserved tastings, and activities designed to experience the region in a truly refined and personal way.
A unique opportunity to turn your stay into a meaningful journey built around your interests and desires.
The land around you is made of nature, history and people. Here is how to enjoy it at its best, leaving it as beautiful as you found it.
The nature around us. Discover the estate, over 900 hectares of olive groves, vineyards and hills, on foot or by bike or e-bike, available to guests, along the routes you can find on Komoot and Outdooractive. A few kilometres away lies the Parco Regionale dei Gessi Bolognesi e Calanchi dell’Abbadessa, a protected area within the European Natura 2000 network and part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Evaporitic Karst and Caves of Northern Apennines”. Stay on marked trails, do not pick plants or collect rocks, and observe wildlife from a distance.
Beyond the crowds. Bologna is just as beautiful outside peak hours: visit the city centre early in the morning or on weekdays, and book museums and tours in advance. Let yourself be surprised by the villages and hills around us, such as Dozza, Castel San Pietro Terme and Imola.
Respect the locals. The Porticoes of Bologna are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and they are also home to the people who live in the city: in the evening and at night, keep your voice down in the streets of the centre and do not sit on the steps of private entrances.
In sacred and historic places. In churches such as the Basilica of San Petronio, cover your shoulders and knees, remove your hat and do not enter with luggage, food or drinks. Avoid phone calls and respect the silence and the times of religious services.
Countryside and hills. Olive groves, vineyards and fields are the work of those who farm them: stay on the paths and do not pick olives, grapes or fruit.
Leave no litter. Use bins and separate waste collection, carry a reusable water bottle and, when you are out in nature, take your waste back with you.
Support the local economy. Choose local shops, markets, restaurants and producers, and authentic local products. Our EVER Destination Concierge will be happy to recommend the most authentic ones.
Travel, discover, respect: these are the principles of the UN Tourism Global Code of Ethics for Tourism.
