Welcome Cocktail

Meeting point: University cloister

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

Margherita Garden Party

Meeting point: TBD

Thursday, June 20th 2024, 08.30 pm

The Margarita 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 creates 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.

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: TBD

Tuesday, June 18th 2024, 07.30 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 flavors and emphasis on hearty, satisfying dishes made with high-quality ingredients and have 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, there are many delicious pasta dishes that can be made vegan by 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

Wednesday, June 19th 2024, 09.30 am

Welcome to our guided tour of Bologna, where you’ll discover some of the city’s most iconic landmarks and hidden gems. Our 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 we 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

Wednesday, June 19th 2024, 07.30 pm

Welcome to our guided tour of Bologna, where we’ll explore some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, all while accompanied by an English-speaking tour leader. Our tour will begin 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 neighborhood. Next, we’ll head to Piazza Santo Stefano, which is one of the most picturesque squares in Bologna. Here, we’ll explore the seven beautiful churches that surround the square, each with its own unique history and architectural style. 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

Address TBC

Friday, June 21th 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 include:

• Farewell cocktail

Pre congress – Parco dei Gessi Bolognesi e Calanchi dell’Abbadessa

Address TBD

Monday, June 17th 2024, 11:00 am

private transportation to the Parco dei Gessi Bolognesi e Calanchi dell’Abbadessa, guided tour, packed lunch and return

Price: € 65 (VAT included)

The visit includes:

• An English speaking tour leader
• A nature guide
• Private transportation
• Packed lunch

The visit will be held only with a minimum of 30 people.

Post congress – The enchanting valleys of Comacchio and the Po delta and the fabulous mosaics of Ravenna

Address TBD

Saturday, June 22th 2024, 09:30 am

private transportation to the Comacchio and Po Delta Park including a suggestive excursion in Comacchio Lagoons by boat, entrance to the Ancient Delta Museum, entrance to Remo Brindisi Museum House,entrance to the Ancient Pickling Factory, packed lunch, transfer by private bus to Ravenna, visit of Basilica of San Vitale and Mausoleum of Galla Placidia and return

Price: € 115 (VAT included)

The visit includes:

• An English speaking tour leader
• A nature guide
• Private transportation
• Ticket for Ravenna museum
• Ticket Comacchio Museum Pass
• Packed lunch

The visit will be held only with a minimum of 30 people.