Probably not one of the first places you'd put on your list to visit when planning a trip to Italy, but one that definitely deserves to be in contention.

Home of Mortadella, Tortellini in Brodo and an incredible wine region, Bologna gives you a true authentic Italian experience without the tourists of Rome or Venice.

It's got great nightlife thanks to the international University that's located there, and despite some metropolitan influence it's still very much deep rooted to it's history and culture.

And I can't not talk about the half finished 'masterpiece' that is The Basilica of San Petronio! Despite being unfinished, it's still so epic and a major sight to tick off when you visit!