Escape to Bologna, a hidden gem that embodies the essence of Italy's rich history, breathtaking beauty, and mouth-watering cuisine. This captivating city often flies under the radar, but on this mesmerizing walking tour, award-winning author Frank Bures will unveil its authentic charm, sharing captivating stories and insights gathered during his time as an exchange student in the 1990s. Our journey begins at the majestic Neptune Fountain, followed by a stroll through the picturesque Piazza Maggiore to the magnificent San Petronio Basilica, home to the world's largest sundial. We'll make our way to the iconic Two Towers, immortalized in Dante's Inferno, and wander beneath the stunning porticos, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2021. En route to the culinary heart of the city, the Quadrilatero, Frank will regale us with tales of the 1902 murder that shook the world and the 1980 train station bombing that resulted in tragic loss of life. As we wander, you'll have the chance to: • Delve into the nuances of Italian dialects, including Bolognese • Discover the Roxy Bar, featured in Vasco Rossi's song Vita Spericolata • Uncover the origins of the world's oldest university • Explore the enchanting "Seven Churches" of Santo Stefano • Learn how an ancient painting saved the city from destruction • Master the secrets of authentic Italian cuisine • Relive the excitement of Aerosmith's visit to the city • Marvel at the forgotten canals that once rivaled Venice • Understand why Niccolò dell'Arca's Lamentation for the Dead Christ sculpture was hailed as a "scream in stone" by poet Gabriele D'Annunzio Join Frank Bures on this delightful 60-minute stroll through Bologna's ancient and modern history, a city that, as art critic John Berger so aptly put it, is "an improbable city."