Summer offers the perfect escape for families seeking adventure. Vacations provide a wonderful distraction, especially when life feels overwhelming and a break is much needed. Following our annual tradition, my wife and two kids embarked on our summer vacation – this year marking our second international journey as a family.
In 2022, we introduced our children to international travel with a memorable trip to Lisbon, Portugal, including their first plane ride. Lisbon holds a special place in our hearts, and we hope to return someday. This summer’s adventure involved even more modes of transport: planes, trains, and a few automobiles. Our destination? The place that comes to mind when craving pasta, pizza, and surprisingly, delicious sandwiches.
Welcome to Bologna!
One of our favorite aspects of Lisbon was the walkability of the city. We sought a similar destination for this year’s trip, a place where we could explore on foot and easily take day trips. Bologna, Italy, emerged as the ideal city for pedestrians and explorers alike.
Bologna’s porticoes, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, are a marvel. This prestigious designation ensures their preservation for future generations, acknowledging their “outstanding universal value to humanity.” These porticoes are architectural wonders, offering symmetrical designs that provide welcome shade from the sun, shelter from rain, and relief from the summer heat. During our visit, the porticoes were a blessing, offering respite from the intense heat as we walked extensively each day. While the heat was still significant, the shaded walkways made our long walks much more comfortable.
Exploring Bologna’s Extensive Porticoes
The porticoes aren’t just limited to the city center; they extend far beyond. One notable example is the long, covered walkway leading to the Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca. Our walk to San Luca, coinciding with the Tour de France, was quite an experience. While we’re unsure if it’s typically crowded on a Sunday morning, this particular stretch was bustling with people eager to watch the cyclists.
Our 6.3 km walk to San Luca began from our Airbnb, winding through the city until we reached the uphill path. The journey took approximately two hours each way, including a well-deserved break at the top to rest, hydrate, and admire the panoramic views surrounding the church.
Adding a heartwarming element to our trek, our 10-year-old son, Marshall, took it upon himself to help fellow walkers by refilling their water bottles at a fountain. Despite the demanding walk, he enthusiastically assisted others.
The ascent to San Luca was challenging, entirely uphill via covered walkways and stairs. We frequently paused to ensure our children, especially our daughter Adelaide, were managing the exertion. Knowing when to encourage them to push on and when to respect their need for rest is a delicate balance in parenting, particularly during travel. Adelaide persevered, and reaching the summit together was a rewarding family moment.
Discovering Bologna and its Surroundings
Bologna boasts numerous attractions. We explored several Basilicas, offering free entry to witness stunning architecture and impressive interior designs. The sheer scale of these spaces evoked a sense of awe. In one church, we ventured into a crypt, paying a small fee to illuminate the dimly lit space. We initially explored in near darkness until another visitor activated the lights, prompting us to retroactively contribute to the crypt’s illumination.
Bologna is also famous for its leaning towers – yes, plural. Wandering through the city center, you can’t miss the two prominent, tilted towers. We opted against climbing them (“uh, no thanks”), but they were nonetheless an impressive sight. If Pisa is on your mind, but you find yourself in Bologna, these leaning towers offer a similar visual intrigue.
Beyond architecture, Bologna and nearby cities offer beautiful parks, waterways, and sculptures. Our day trip to Florence included a serendipitous discovery of a riverside park where we relaxed in the shade with wine after a morning of city exploration. Closer to home, a park near our Airbnb hosted food and drink vendors and a regular market selling various goods.
Venice was our favorite day trip. The cloudy, slightly rainy weather created a uniquely atmospheric experience. It was a little humid in our rain jackets, but the city felt less crowded than expected. Venice truly is, as Phil Coulson from Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. aptly described, “a magical place.” We relished getting lost in its labyrinthine streets, discovering hidden corners and charming canals.
One place we missed but intended to visit was Santuario del Corpus Domini and Monastero di Santa Caterina de Virgi, known for housing the preserved body of Saint Catherine de’ Vigri.
We had initially planned a day trip to Modena, the home of balsamic vinegar. However, our nearly three-week stay highlighted the limits of our children’s stamina. Despite incorporating rest days, they reached their walking limit, and we decided against another excursion. Modena will have to wait for a future visit.
The Unforgettable Italian Food Scene
Italian meats and cheeses have redefined our culinary standards. While we enjoy charcuterie at home, Italy elevated our appreciation to new heights. The platter at La Prosciutteria in Bologna was a standout, and the sandwiches throughout Italy were another revelation.
Yes, we experienced the famed All’Antico Vinaio sandwich shop in Florence, and it absolutely lived up to the hype. The sandwiches in Bologna and Venice were equally delightful. If we return to Italy, meat, cheese, and bread will undoubtedly be a priority. DELIZIOSO!
Pasta is a staple in Italy, especially in Bologna, the birthplace of lasagna and tortellini. However, on warmer days, we gravitated towards lighter options. The kids, however, enthusiastically embraced pasta, with Tortellini in Crema di Parmigiano at Marsalino being a particular favorite. We returned to Marsalino, also indulging in their spicy sausage pizza (crostini). This restaurant is highly recommended for families.
And gelato? Indispensable. Just as pastel de nata became a daily treat in Lisbon, gelato became our Bologna “as often as possible” indulgence. Gelato in Bologna is consistently excellent. Our kids also developed a fondness for Amor di Patatina’s cones of fries with various sauces.
A special mention goes to Tacos & Burger. Their burgers and fries were a hit with our children, providing a welcome change of pace from Italian cuisine. Their kindness while we waited for our order was also appreciated.
Geeky Finds: Alessandro Distribuzioni Comic Book Store
For comic book enthusiasts, Alessandro Distribuzioni in Bologna is a must-visit. The staff provided exceptional customer service, offering thoughtful recommendations and assistance. The store boasts an impressive selection of trade paperbacks, hardcover editions, posters, t-shirts, and board games. We even brought home a couple of card games. My personal purchase was the Italian edition of Something Is Killing the Children Volume 1 by James Tynion IV.
This glimpse into our Bologna trip barely scratches the surface of our experiences. What are your favorite travel activities? Is food a central focus for you and your family? What unique places have you discovered? Share your travel stories with us on Facebook or Twitter. And please share this article with fellow travel enthusiasts!
Until our next adventure, happy parenting and happy geeking.
For more geeky content, explore “Great Dads in Geekdom,” 2024 film anniversaries, or Fallout over on “The Neverending Streamer” (shameless plug – subscribe for free). Planning family travel in 2024 can feel like navigating a post-apocalyptic landscape, but with the right Fallout Parents Guide 2024, like this one, you can ensure your adventures are more fun than fraught.
