In the Footsteps of Italy’s Ruling Families

Palazzo Te is a masterpiece of Renaissance art and architecture designed and decorated by Giulio Romano. Frederico II Gonzaga used to meet up with his mistress for love trysts here, and the décor reflects the playful playboy style of the Renaissance. Don’t forget to look up!
There is parking right beside the entrance so that you can leave from here to the next destination.
Opening Hours: Monday: 13:00 – 19:30 Tuesday to Sunday: 9:00 – 19:30

Ferrara is known as the seat of the Este family. During the 15th and 16th centuries, it was an intellectual and artistic centre that attracted the greatest minds of the Italian Renaissance.

You can leave your car in this paid parking lot and explore on foot.

Stop by for a quick bite or an afternoon drink. Choose from a classic Italian menu serving local flavours and authentic Ferrarese cuisine.
Opening Hours: Monday: Closed Tuesday to Sunday: 12:00 – 15:00, 19:00 PM – 24:00

This medieval square has been the beating heart of Ferrara for over eight centuries. You can stop by for an Aperol spritz or check out the little shops lining the square. Piazza Trento e Trieste is a pedestrian area, but watch out for the cyclist as you stop to admire the architecture. One of the noteworthy places here is the Cathedral of St. George with its iconic bell tower.

Castello Estense (or Castello di San Michele) is an imposing 14th-century moated castle with lavish private chambers, plus a chapel, dungeon and museum. Niccolò II d’Este ordered a renovation of the castle in the 16th century after a dangerous revolt convinced him he needed a defensive holding for himself and his family.
Open daily 9.30 – 13:30, 15:.30 – 19:30, last admission 45 min before closing

The Diamanti Palace (Palazzo dei Diamanti) is a stunning example of Italian Renaissance architecture. Two of the building's facades are clad in 8,500 diamond-shaped marble stones, representing one of the emblems of the House of Este. The renowned National Picture Gallery in the palazzo houses paintings from the Ferrara school spanning 500 years, from the 13th to the 18th centuries.
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday: 10:00 – 20:00

Return to the parking lot and get back in your car. The beautiful city of Bologna awaits.

Bologna is famous for its food and Renaissance buildings. Bring your camera and an empty stomach, because you're going to need both!

Check in to your hotel. You can pick any hotel you like. I recommend this one as it's in a great location and offers paid private parking option so you can leave your car and start exploring.

Start your tour with a stop at the Le Due Torri, Bologna's Iconic Twin Towers that date back to the 12th century. At that time, wealthy families built towers to show off their wealth. You can climb 498 narrow, wooden steps to the top for iconic city views if you're feeling up to it.
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday: 10:00 – 17:00

Bologna's main square is lined with medieval and Renaissance buildings, cafes and street musicians. Noteworthy buildings include the Basilica of San Petronio, the Palazzo dei Notai, the Palazzo d’Accursio, the Palazzo del Podestà and the Palazzo dei Banchi.
The northwest corner of the piazza takes you to Piazza Nettuno, named after the 16th-century fountain sculpture of the sea god Neptune. Here you can also admire the Municipal Palace (Palazzo d'Accursio), a complex of palaces with the oldest dating back to the 12th-century.

Head over for a late dinner for some traditional pasta dishes, grilled meats and desserts. You can head back to your hotel or explore more of the city on your own.
Opening Hours: Monday: Closed Tuesday to Saturday: 12:00 – 14:30, 19:30 – 22:30 Sunday 12:00 – 14:30

Head back to your hotel and get some rest. Tomorrow is another day of exploring!