Bologna
I was based out in the countryside, but the city is compact enough that it was walkable to get into the city and see the sights (including what to me coming from a young country is some pretty amazing architecture). There are good frequent buses out to the surrounding villages if too tired or if the weather was too inclement. I got lucky with the weather - the rain on arrival cleared within an hour and it was nice and sunny and warm the remaining time I was there.
I explored the city and parts of the countryside near where I was staying on foot, and also had a longish day trip to San Marino (fast train to Rimini then bus up the hill). By the end of my visit here I was looking forward to some less energetic travel days.
Not long after my visit the area (well more to the north of Bologna) was hit by a powerful earthquake
A reminder of the common geology that Italy shares with New Zealand.