Train Florence → Bologna

Where the renaissance cradles david Florence – “Firenze” in Italian - is a city with such a vast history that you’d expect it to be Texas-sized in area when it fact, it’s comfortably compact. The city’s most famous attractions are all within easy walking distance from the centrally located main train station, Santa Maria del Novella, named for the gothic church right across the piazza. Hungry from your journey? You’re just steps away from fresh Tuscan food. From the piazza, turn left and walk 2 or 3 blocks to check out the Mercato Centrale. Delicate, handmade pastas, handpicked fruits and vegetables and more will have you wishing your hotel room had a kitchen. Learn more about Florence

Ancient, modern, and timeless Few cities are the contradiction that Bologna, Italy is. While it is a magnificent visual jumble of red brick, tiled roofs and cobblestone streets, it’s also a high-tech center filled with university students and a youthful culture that make up one-fifth of the city’s population. Not only is it home to modern universities, but also the oldest university in the western world: the University of Bologna, founded in 1088. Not only is it home to one of the longest porticos in the world, built to shelter those who walked to church, but to one of the most spectacular and largest indoor spaces once you get there, the Basilica of San Petronio. And of course, like all of Italy’s major cities, Bologna is a rail transportation hub that has an energetic and youthful vibe that beautifully coexists with its stunning gothic and renaissance architecture. Learn more about Bologna