Welcome Cocktail

Meeting point: Arena del Sole (Google MAPS link)

Monday, June 17th 2024, 06.30 pm

All participants are invited to the Welcome Reception in the beautiful and historic spaces of the University of Bologna Cloister. The cloister was built in the 16th century and features a stunning two-story arcade with elegant columns and arches. The upper story is adorned with beautiful frescoes painted by artists of the time, which add to the beauty and charm of the cloister. The space is used for various academic and cultural events, as well as a peaceful spot for students and visitors to relax and enjoy the surroundings. Its peaceful atmosphere and stunning architecture make it a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Bologna.

Price: included in all fees and for accompanying persons

• € 30 (VAT included) for additional guests

Morning Dance Lessons

Meeting point: Via Irnerio, 42 (Google MAPS link)

Tuesday, June 18th 2024, 07.30 am/Wednesday, June 19th 2024, 07.30 am

Get ready to enter the vibrant world of traditional dances from the Bologna area! We are pleased to announce that on the 18th and 19th of June at 7.30 am we’ll be holding traditional dance classes.

Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Bologna as our experienced instructors guide you through the graceful movements and rhythmic beats of traditional dances.

Originally scheduled to be held in the Orto Botanico, we’ll be happy to move to the Margherita Gardens if we get a good response.

No previous experience is necessary, just bring your enthusiasm and comfortable shoes. Let’s dance into the heart of Bologna’s traditions!

Price: included for the participant

The price includes:

• Dance Lessons

Margherita Garden Party

Meeting point: Le Serre dei Giardini (Google MAPS link)

Thursday, June 20th 2024, 08.00 pm

The Margherita Garden is a beautiful public park located in the heart of Bologna, Italy. It is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, offering a peaceful and serene escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. The garden is home to a variety of trees, plants, and flowers, which create a vibrant and colorful atmosphere year-round. Visitors can stroll through the garden’s winding paths, relax on one of the many benches, or admire the picturesque fountain at the center of the park. Overall, the Margarita Garden is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty and tranquility of Bologna.

We invite everyone to participate in folkloristic and traditional outfits. Comfortable shoes are recommended.

Price: included in all fees and for accompanying persons

• € 65 (VAT included) for additional guests

The price includes:

• Conference dinner
•  Entertainement

Optional Typical Dinner

Meeting point: Victoria Restaurant, via Righi 9c

Tuesday, June 18th 2024, 08.00 pm

Take a walk with an English-speaking tour leader from the University to a typical restaurant located a few minutes away. Bologna is known for its rich gastronomy and culinary traditions. The city is often referred to as “La Grassa” (the Fat One) due to its emphasis on hearty, flavourful dishes. One of the most famous dishes from Bologna is the classic ragù alla bolognese, which is a meat-based sauce traditionally served with tagliatelle pasta. Another popular dish is tortellini, which are small, stuffed pasta pockets typically filled with a mixture of meats and cheese. In addition to pasta dishes, Bologna is also known for its cured meats, such as prosciutto di Parma and mortadella. These meats are often served as antipasti (appetizers) or used as ingredients in pasta dishes.

Bologna is also famous for its cheeses, such as Parmigiano-Reggiano and Grana Padano, which are often grated over pasta dishes or served on their own as a snack. Finally, Bologna is known for its sweet treats, such as torta di riso (rice cake) and zuppa inglese (an Italian version of trifle). These desserts are often accompanied by a glass of sweet wine, such as vin santo. Overall, Bologna’s gastronomy is characterized by its rich flavours and emphasis on hearty, satisfying dishes made with high-quality ingredients and has adapted to cater to plant-based eaters. Vegan Bolognese cuisine typically relies on fresh vegetables, legumes and grains as the base of their dishes. For example, the classic Bolognese ragù can be made with a mix of lentils, carrots, celery, onions and tomato paste instead of meat. In addition, many delicious pasta dishes can be made vegan using vegetable-based sauces, such as a creamy tomato sauce made with cashews, or a pesto sauce made with basil, pine nuts and nutritional yeast. Overall, Bolognese cuisine has a rich history and offers a variety of options for vegan eaters who are looking to experience the flavours of this region.

Price: € 65 (VAT included)

The price includes:

• English speaking tour Leader
• Dinner in a typical restaurant with Bolognese cuisine

The visit will be held only with a minimum of 75 people.

Discovering the Historic Center of Bologna

Meeting point: Neptune fountain (Google MAPS link) 

Wednesday, June 19th 2024, 09.30 am

In this guided tour of Bologna, participants will discover some of the city’s most iconic landmarks and hidden gems. The tour will start at the stunning Neptune Fountain, which is located in Piazza del Nettuno, one of the city’s most beautiful squares. Here, our expert tour guide will introduce you to the history and significance of the fountain and the surrounding area.

From there, we’ll make our way to Piazza Maggiore, which is the heart of the city and home to some of its most important buildings and monuments. We’ll explore this historic square, which has been a hub of activity for centuries, and take in the magnificent architecture of the buildings that surround it. One of these buildings is the San Petronio Basilica, which we’ll visit next. This impressive church is one of the largest in the world and is known for its striking Gothic architecture and beautiful artwork. Our tour guide will take you on a journey through the history of the basilica, highlighting its most important features and fascinating stories.

After that, we’ll climb the Clock Tower, which is one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. From the top of the tower, you’ll be able to enjoy a breathtaking view of Bologna and its surroundings. Our tour guide will point out the most important landmarks and provide you with interesting facts and anecdotes about the city’s history and culture.

Next, we’ll visit the Archiginnasio, which used to be the main building of the University of Bologna and is now home to the Municipal Library. One of the highlights of this historic building is the Anatomical Theatre, which is a stunning example of Renaissance architecture and was used for anatomical dissections and medical lectures. Our tour guide will take you on a tour of the theatre and explain its significance to the history of medicine and science. Throughout the tour, you’ll be accompanied by our expert English-speaking guide, who will provide you with detailed and engaging commentary about the places you will visit. This tour is the perfect way to discover the best of Bologna and gain a deeper understanding of its history, culture, and traditions.

Price: included for accompanying persons

The visit includes:

• An English speaking guide
• A tour leader
• Ticket for the Clock tower
• Ticket for Archiginnasio

Bologna, the “Turreted City” and the Ancient City Market

Meeting point: Neptune fountain (Google MAPS link) 

Wednesday, June 19th 2024, 07.30 pm

On this tour, the visit will start at the stunning Neptune Fountain, which is located in the heart of the city and is a popular meeting spot for locals and tourists alike. From there, we’ll make our way to the Quadrilatero, a colourful and bustling market district that is steeped in history and is famous for its food stalls and artisanal shops. We’ll stroll through its narrow streets, taking in the sights, sounds, and smells of this vibrant neighbourhood. Next, we’ll head to Piazza Santo Stefano, which is one of the most picturesque squares in Bologna. Here, we’ll explore the Basilica of Santo Stefano, known also as “sette chiese” (seven churches), because it is the merger of multiple buildings erected in different eras.

After that, we’ll walk to Corte Isolani, a charming and historic courtyard that is tucked away from the main streets. Our tour leader will share fascinating stories and insights about the courtyard’s rich history and its connection to Bologna’s medieval past. We’ll then continue to Strada Maggiore, which is one of the city’s main thoroughfares.

From here, we’ll enjoy a stunning view of the Two Towers, Asinelli and Garisenda, which are the tallest of the twenty remaining towers in the “turreted city”. Our tour leader will provide you with interesting facts and anecdotes about these iconic towers and their place in Bologna’s history. Finally, we’ll end our tour with dinner in a typical restaurant, where you’ll get to taste some of the city’s famous dishes and enjoy the warm hospitality of the locals. Throughout the tour, our English-speaking tour leader will provide you with detailed and engaging commentary about the places we visit, making this an unforgettable experience that you’ll treasure for years to come.

Price: € 70 (VAT included)

The visit includes:

• An English speaking guide
• A tour leader
• Dinner in a typical restaurant with Bolognese cuisine

The visit will be held only with a minimum of 20 people.

Farewell Cocktail

Meeting point: Palazzo Isolani (Google MAPS link) 

Friday, June 21st 2024, 08.00 pm

An opportunity for all participants to celebrate conference accomplishments, enjoy the community and to say farewell on the wonderful Isolani Palace, a historic building located in the heart of Bologna. It was built in the 16th century for the noble Isolani family and is considered a prime example of Renaissance architecture. The palace features a beautiful courtyard with a double loggia, which is decorated with frescoes and sculptures. The interior of the palace is equally impressive, with ornate rooms adorned with frescoes, stuccoes, and paintings. The palace is currently used as a venue for cultural events and exhibitions, making it a popular destination for visitors interested in art and history. Overall, the Isolani Palace is a true gem of Bologna and a must-see for anyone interested in Renaissance architecture and art.

Price: € 55 (VAT included)

The price includes:

• Cocktail with finger food and beverages

Bologna Museum Tour

Meeting point: Zoology Museum (Google MAPS link) 

Monday, June 17th 2024, 09.30 am

An exclusive tour for approximately 20 people at the Zoological Collection of the University, Palazzo Poggi and the Museum of the Students of the University of Bologna. This tour offers a unique experience in the cultural heart of Bologna, allowing participants to immerse themselves in the rich history and academic innovation of the University. You will have the opportunity to showcase your commitment to culture, education, and local history. The Bolognese Senate purchased Palazzo Poggi in 1711 to host the Institute of Sciences and Arts. Palazzo Poggi currently hosts the ancient collections dedicated to geography and navigation, military architecture, physics, natural history, chemistry, human anatomy, and obstetrics, alongside the sixteenth-century Aldrovandian museum. This tour also includes the charming Museum of the Students of the University of Bologna, where the evolution of the university traditions of the oldest university in the world is exhibited, and the Zoological Collection, where you can stroll around and look at the creatures which have been living on our planet. Game trophies, two great dioramas of Italian environments, an Indian Rhinoceros and a Sunfish: everything in one place!

Price: € 8 (VAT included)

The price includes:

• Tickets
• Supporting volunteers

The visit will have a maximum of 20 people.