Bologna

Bologna has its own leaning towers in the Piazza di Porta Ravegnana. At one time, there were nearly two hundred towers in the city. Climb up the Torre degli Asinelli, a 12th century tower listing in the westerly direction.

Bologna is a spot to learn about those mysterious Etruscans that preceded the Romans. The Etruscans were the sea power in the Mediterranean from the 7th-5th century BC and controlled northern Italy. The Etruscans buried their wealth in the tombs, and you can see some of it at the Archaeological Museum (Museo Civico Archeologico). Also, on the lowest floor of the museum, don't miss the Egyptian collection.

Museo Ducati – Want to see where they make those "Superbike" Ducati motorcycles? Tour the factory where they assemble each motorcycle by hand, from the bare engines and parts to finished motorcycles. At the testing facility, bikes are ridden on the dynamometer (standing test track). The museum covers the history of Ducati, from post -WWII to today's World Superbike Champions. (Tour of the factory is in English.)

The Jewish Museum (Museo Ebraico di Bologna, via Valdonica 1/5) traces the history of Jews living around Bologna since the Middle Ages.