I was there in 2011 for a Bologna/Milano/Venezia roadtrip, I still remember getting a speeding ticket in central bologna upon my return from the rental car company and we were in a diesel compact car. I had a great time, food was amazing as always. Those roads scream motorcycle to me, best enjoyed with an italian bike of some sort if possible. I was saddened when the area was hit by the 2012 quake in northern italy.