Bologna’s progressive (and cash rich) local government and lively university have put the city at the forefront of culture, art and music in Italy. The Bolognafestival (051 649 3397, www.bolognafestival.it) offers top-quality classical music in venues across the city, with events running from March until the end of October. Bologna’s business world has

its busiest time during the Motor Show (051 645 1011, www.motorshow.it, early Dec), when finding accommodation in town is next to impossible. This is, after all, the region of Ferrari, Lamborghini and Maserati.