Tag: destination

An Insiders View on Bologna, Italy

By Mattia Cipriano

Aerial cityscape view from the tower on Bologna old town center with Maggiore square in Italy

What makes Bologna a good travel destination?

Bologna is a fantastic travel destination for infinite reasons. It has an enviable position on the map because it’s very central and it’s a good point to travel to and from other places in Italy. Its historical heritage is immense (just think that the University of Bologna is the most ancient in the world!) and it’s clearly visible in its city centre where the ancient part, dotted with medieval towers, Renaissance buildings and marvellous statues and monuments such as Gianbologna’s Neptune, is matched with the porticoes which give elegance to its streets. Food is spectacular because the region of Bologna, namely Emilia Romagna, has great culinary tradition and boasts finest products (DOP Balsamic Vinegar, Parmigiano cheese, cold cuts, etc.) and recipes famous all over the world such as Tortellini pasta or Bolognese Ragù. Last but not least, the area between Bologna and Modena is known as The Italian Motor Valley where all the greatest Italian supercar brands (Lamborghini, Ferrari, Maserati, Ducati, etc.) were born.

Tell us something that every traveller should know when travelling to Bologna?

Sometimes the best way of exploring Bologna is to follow your senses. If smell something great while walking, just follow your nose, if you see a red brick building standing out in the middle of modern palaces, go check it out and so on. Bologna is a city of discoveries, you never know what’s behind the next corner.

Any essentials that one needs to carry when they travelling to Bologna?

Comfortable walking shoes and very good appetite are the only things you should carry with you!

Which are the most surreal places to visit when in Bologna?

Probably the top of its towers from which you can get the most spectacular view and also the ancient University is a really surreal and beautiful place to discover

Can you tell us a little about the life of the locals in Bologna?

The locals are very sociable people. The ones you might expect to find in a typical trattoria and share a story and bottle of wine with.

What are the local delicacies/drinks which one must try and wherein Bologna?

Handmade Tortellini (egg pasta stuffed with meat).
Ragù Alla Bolognese (meat and tomato sauce for pasta)
Tigelle (fried panini stuffed with cheese and cold cuts) which are perfect for small breaks
Original Lasagne (layers of flat pasta alternated with ragù and besciamella and oven cooked).
Lambrusco wine (typical from this area, Lambrusco is the top-selling wine in Italy)

Where can one get vegetarian food in Bologna?

The Emilian cuisine is not typically vegetarian, but since Bologna has become an international city, almost all the restaurants have vegetarian alternatives including even revisited recipes such as “Vegetarian Lasagne”. Handmade pasta and a great variety of typical cheese are definitely a more than valid alternative to the traditional meat-based cuisine.

What is a must try dish when in Bologna?

Above all, probably the original Lasagne is something you shouldn’t miss.

Can you please list the top 3 Indian restaurants in Bologna?

Taj Mahal, Ristorante India and Agra (the best Indian takeaway in Bologna)

What are the things which one must buy when in Bologna?

Since Bologna is world renowned for its food, a lot of typical food shops are prepared for shipping so food is probably the main thing. Apart from that, typical gifts are the ones related to supercars so we suggest you go for a trip to one of the Supercar factories and museums where you will be able to find gadgets which are perfect gifts for your family and friends.

Which are the most romantic places to visit in Bologna?

Either the small window in Via Piella facing on the Moline Canal or a panoramic spot such as one of the towers or San Michele in Bosco.

What are the local festivals which one must visit when in Bologna?

Whenever you go to Bologna there’s always a festival or fair. Most of them are related to seasonal food and those are definitely recommended!

The things guidebooks will not tell anyone about Bologna?

Below the crowded streets of Bologna, there’s a net of canals which are unfortunately closed to the public but, speaking with the right guide, you can build an interesting walking tour including unexpected views over Venice-like canals

According to you what is the best thing about Bologna?

Amazing food in the elegant and magnificent framework of the city centre.

Insiders View on Lapland

By Annekreet Heinloo

One little known fact that everyone should know about when travelling to Lapland…

The Lapland region actually consists of northern parts of Finland. Sweden and Norway, as well as northwest of Russia. It covers 17% of Europe and corresponds in area to France, Germany, Spain and Portugal put together.

What is a must buy when in Lapland?

Lapland offers a great variety of local handicraft. You can buy items made of reindeer antlers or carved from the local wood. You can also find small shops offering beautiful silver jewellery.

My personal favourite is the special symbol called ‘komsiopallo’ – a decorated cradle ball (often used as a necklace pendant), which indigenous people of Lapland gave to their babies to protect them from bad spirits and bring good fortune.

One take-away after a visit to Lapland?

There are no end to the adventures we can have, if only we seek them with our eyes open.

What is your advice to first time travellers?

Do not be offended if local people look too serious and reserved, as it is the way people are in the North. Give them some time, they will warm up and can actually be extremely friendly and helpful. Nordic people have warm hearts, but they are very shy to show it out.

One thing to definitely pack when travelling to Lapland?

When traveling in summer months during the Midnight Sun period (May – August), it would help to bring a sleeping mask with you. Many people are disturbed by daylight during the night and have difficulties in falling asleep. During winter, you must not forget a good pair of gloves and a warm hat!

Which are the must do activities in Lapland?

There are three must-do activities in Lapland: snowmobiling, reindeer ride and husky ride. Representing different ways of transportation in the Nordic areas, all the three are fantastic experiences and great fun.

Where should anyone, travelling to Lapland, definitely get their picture taken?

At the Arctic Circle, one of the main circles of latitude, located in the Santa Claus Village nearby Rovaniemi. You can take a funny photo standing on the line or jumping over it!

Which is the best place to get a panoramic photo of Lapland?

There are various beautiful viewpoints all around Lapland, depending of your travel destination. If you are in Saariselkä region, don’t miss the hill top restaurant Huippu – you will find amazing views. In Levi, head to Tuikku.

Best place to enjoy sunset/sunrise in Lapland?

The most interesting experience is to miss the sunset and sunrise!
As Lapland is situated North of Arctic Circle, the sun is above the horizon for 24 continuous hours at least once per year (and therefore visible at midnight) and below the horizon for 24 continuous hours at least once per year. On the Arctic Circle such events occur, in principle, exactly once per year, at the June and December solstices, respectively.

Most romantic place to take a special someone to.

The most romantic place would be in the wild under thousands of stars and in complete darkness. There are many fireplaces with small shelters built in the nature, on the lake shores and hill tops, where anyone can enjoy the beauty of Lapland. Take warm blankets to keep the two of you cosy and there is nothing more romantic than staring at the stars in the wild solitude.

Best place to have local food?

Everybody knows that Mothers are the best cooks in the world!
Find a small family run hotel or guest house and you will not regret it. Only there you can taste the best simple local delicacies!

Favourite local dish and drink that you would recommend.

Poron käristys – reindeer stew with mashed potatoes and cranberry jam.
For a drink, try out Finnish digestive called ‘Salmiakki kossu’ – a dark characteristic liquid of vodka and liquorice.

One place only the locals would know…

Where are the best fishing places!
Finnish men are crazy about fishing and they know the best spots for it. Every laplander has a secret place in the nature, where he goes to take some time off. It can be walking in the woods, fishing in the river, swimming in the lake – places that you cannot really find on a map.

The best pub and best place to catch up n a drink..

Rovaniemi is the capital of Finnish Lapland where you can find a variety of very good pubs to catch a drink. If you want to experience local life – you should stop at one of these tiny village centres, where gas station, grocery store, post office, and pub – all are located at the same house.

A local festival you feel more travellers should come and see..

Every spring there are reindeer sprint races that take place in the bigger cities. It is a strange sport, but fun to see. Rovaniemi Reindeer Sprint is the oldest and biggest one of the races, only best of the reindeer are invited to compete here. The race takes place at the end of March.

The things guide books won’t tell anyone about Lapland?

Lapland people often swim naked. But don’t worry, you most probably will not see it, because it happens in the wilderness, where no swimming suite is required and there is no one around. It is considered an expression of wild living and freedom.

Is there any particular month you would recommend travel to Lapland and what would that reason be?

Most people prefer to travel to Lapland during winter (December – March), but one of the most beautiful time to visit is actually September, when everything green turns into yellow, red and purple before fading to grey and falling in winter sleep. This special time is called “Ruska” and is the most loved time in Lapland.

In one sentence, Lapland is..

Everything is possible, because Lapland is magic.

Our associate in Lapland, Annekreet is an avid traveller and has been in the industry since 2004. Originally from Estonia, she knows a lot more about what people like about Lapland than the locals do. 

Watch her as she takes a dip in her private Jacuzzi in this video.

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