In October 2020 I visited Trieste. I only chose this destination as the flights were at the right price and not overly expensive in comparison to Italy's more popular destinations. By the beginning of October 2020, the Coronavirus pandemic was on the rise across Europe and travel was becoming both limited and restrictive simultaneously. Trieste was always on my to visit list because of the town's Roman heritage and history.  

As is my usual way and my preferred choice, I stayed in an Airbnb accommodation for my short three-day visit which was located near the Scala Giganti. What struck me about Trieste on arriving was the variety of architectural designs and influences which integrated together. The venetian feel along the Grand Canal and the array of boats moored in the marinas added to the appeal of the town. The café culture was present on most streets, independent boutique shops, and numerous pizzerias certainly made the town feel Italian rather than Mediterranean.  

On my first morning, I found a delightful café with an outside seating area adjacent to the Grand Canal. Coffee and croissants in the morning sunshine has to be the best start to any day. My first day was always going to be spent exploring Trieste's Roman heritage. I began with the amphitheater, which after 2000 years was still well preserved, unlike the old forum and basilica. Only the outline of these remained, with a few columns and fragments of wall visible, under the shadow of the castle which dominated the top of San Guisto Hill.  

The castle was impressive and the first Italian castle that I had been to. The structure was quite different compared to the large English castles, which were very different but structurally and architecturally. The same can be said for the Catholic Cathedral of San Guisto, which had a unique ambience and character quite unlike the catholic cathedrals in England.  

Due to the coronavirus many of the museums were closed and with face mask wearing compulsory inside I wanted to do as many outside activities as possible. This was a good move on my part especially as I had no planned agenda, but soon found plenty to see. I did visit one museum, which was the Museo Revoltella, part art gallery and part house, lavishly furnished and presented. It’s not too often that I discover a ‘real gem’ of a museum, but this one surely is one of those must visit museums if you are in Trieste. 

I spent three days in Trieste and could have spent a week there quite easily as there is just so much to see and do. I'm already planning and looking forward to my next visit there.

In June 2022 I visited Bologna and what a beautiful city it is. Getting there from London Stansted was very easy and affordable thanks to Ryanair although the Ryanair experience is an interesting one. However they do fly to numerous popular destinations and flying with them is very reliable, and don’t seem to be affested by market forces which puts pressure on other airlines. Once arrived, I made my way to the train for the city centre. The train is the Marconi Express,  named after Guglielmo Giovanni Maria Marconi who was born in Bologna.  The cost wasn't cheap at €17 (£14.50) for a return journey. However, the return part I used five days later, which was good. 

The city is just gorgeous. On my way up to the main tourist areas,  I walked past the Porta Galliana, and the ruins of the old castle climbing the scenic steps into the Montagnola Park. At the time, the main gardens and fountains were undergoing some reservations so they didn't look their best, but within a year, I'm sure they will rival any city centre gardens with the fountains full of water and flowers in full bloom. I did find a café which was nice to stop off at and get a cold drink. It was a hot day, being the end of June.  

On the other side of the gardens was the Piazza del Otto Augusto and the monument to the Bolognaise victory over the Austrian Army on 8th August 1848. Hence the name of the Piazza. Then up into town and to visit the back streets and a delightful restaurant for a late lunch. 

Over the next three days, I explored the city visiting the Basilica San Petronio and the Piazza Maggiore, along with several of the city centre Catholic churches. Their interiors were quite magnificent and very lavish compared to English parish churches. I sampled the food at several cafés and restaurants, dining alfresco, especially those along the Via Degli Orefici. The market area which runs parallel down the side streets was lovely, the aroma emanating from the various shops and eateries filled the air. 

I suppose the highlight for me was climbing up the Asinelli Tower. The 498 steps were certainly a challenge and with the outside temperature in the high thirties Celsius, the inside temperature was more definitely a few degrees warmer! I made it to the top in the end and the views over the city were just superb and well worth the climb and the €3 fee. At least the walk down was a lot easier.  

As Italian destinations go, I didn't find the restaurants overly expensive in comparison to other places I've visited. On my return to the airport, I had a look at the various destinations which trains from Bologna were departing for. Bologna is a good place to catch a train to other towns and cities further south and probably more cost effective as opposed to flying into these places direct from England. 

As is my usual way and my preferred choice, I stayed in an Airbnb accommodation for my short three-day visit which was located near the Scala Giganti. What struck me about Trieste on arriving was the variety of architectural designs and influences which integrated together. The venetian feel along the Grand Canal and the array of boats moored in the marinas added to the appeal of the town. The café culture was present on most streets, independent boutique shops, and numerous pizzerias certainly made the town feel Italian rather than Mediterranean.  

On my first morning, I found a delightful café with an outside seating area adjacent to the Grand Canal. Coffee and croissants in the morning sunshine has to be the best start to any day. My first day was always going to be spent exploring Trieste's Roman heritage. I began with the amphitheater, which after 2000 years was still well preserved, unlike the old forum and basilica. Only the outline of these remained, with a few columns and fragments of wall visible, under the shadow of the castle which dominated the top of San Guisto Hill.  

The castle was impressive and the first Italian castle that I had been to. The structure was quite different compared to the large English castles, which were very different but structurally and architecturally. The same can be said for the Catholic Cathedral of San Guisto, which had a unique ambience and character quite unlike the catholic cathedrals in England.  

Due to the coronavirus many of the museums were closed and with face mask wearing compulsory inside I wanted to do as many outside activities as possible. This was a good move on my part especially as I had no planned agenda, but soon found plenty to see. I did visit one museum, which was the Museo Revoltella, part art gallery and part house, lavishly furnished and presented. It’s not too often that I discover a ‘real gem’ of a museum, but this one surely is one of those must visit museums if you are in Trieste. 

I spent three days in Trieste and could have spent a week there quite easily as there is just so much to see and do. I'm already planning and looking forward to my next visit there.

Whilst I was in Bologna, I took a day trip to Rimini, which is just over an hour by train from Bologna located on the Adriatic coast. The town can trace its origins back to Roman times in 268 BC/BCE when the town was called Ariminum, which was the reason I wanted to visit Rimini, as I have a keen interest in the Roman world. The town has some incredible Roman features which are still being used today.  The Tiberius Bridge and the Augustus Arch are at one end of the Corso d’Augusto which was the old Roman Decamanus or North South Road, one of two main roads that crossed the ancient Roman town. 

One of the main attractions is the town's castle or Castell Sismondo which contains superb exhibition into the work of the film director Frederico Felinni who was born in Rimini. The entrance fee was €8 which also included entry into the Palazzo del Fulgor nearby. The other fascinating attraction was the Domus del Chirgo or Roman villa which cost  €7 to visit and again this price included entry into an Museo della Citta. Sadly on this visit, time wasn't on my side and plan to visit both on my next visit  along with the old amphitheatre as that was closed off due to renovation work. 

For me the whole ambiance of the town was so vibrant, with the café culture out in force. There were numerous piazzas, all with an array of boutique shops cafés and restaurants and all popular with locals and visitors alike. The restaurants although busy at popular at times were well within my budget and the food was some of the best I’ve had. The architecture of the buildings were very grand, just like the statues which stand in the piazzas. The Piazza Cavour near the castle was of particular interest, along with the fountain and old fish market.  

Rimini is also a popular seaside resort, located a short walk from the old town centre, attracting sun worshiping tourists.  This is also where the marinas can be found and various jetties for smaller boats. Rimini is definitely a place I want to return to in the near future,  not just to visit the beach but the other museums and the amphitheatre. 

Whilst visiting Bologna in June 2022, I also enjoyed a day trip to Modena by train,  a small town 30 minutes west of Bologna. The train fare wasn't expensive either at €4.30 for a return ticket. On my walk into the town from the railway station I walked through the Parco Giardino Ducale Estense, a delightful building known as the Palazzina dei Giardini which sat in the gardens. I was most pleased to have walked passed the statue of Luciano Pavarotti, Modena's famous former resident. 

My main reason for wanting to visit Modena was to see the cathedral, and what an architectural marvel it is. The building stand on one side of the Piazza Grande, glistening white in the brilliant sunshine. The interior was quite magnificent and just to sit quietly at the back and enjoy the atmosphere was quite special. The cathedral's tower was also open to the public and climbing the 300 steps wasn't too strenuous either. The views from the top were quite magnificent,  especially looking down into the Piazza Grande.  

I felt a different atmosphere walking around the town, compared to Bologna or Rimini and the look of the streets again were different with a mass of cables suspended across them which powered the trams. Despite this, the old architecture was quite splendid and the back streets were well worth exploring. I did stop off at one of the numerous cafés, which seem to be in abundance in every Italian town, enjoying a little beer and a few slices of pizza. 

The main central covered market or Mercato Storico Albinelli, was established in xxx 1930?xxx and sold a selection of fresh products from fruit and vegetables to fish and cheese. There was a delightful aroma of parmesan cheese emanating from the cheese stall. I do like covered markets, as they do offer the opportunity to sample local foods, bud sadly on this short day trip I just didn't have the time. I did end the day with some tasty Gelato, which was a little expensive,  but very tasty. There is much more to see and do in Modena but will save that for another visit.