Paris to Rome with Bettany Hughes: Venice, Bologna and the Bay of Poets (S1EP2 Channel 5 Friday 7 October 2022)

Venice, Bologna and the Bay of Poets: In her quest to find the good things in life, Bettany visits the lavish Lake Como, cruises down the Seine in Paris, and encounters the breathtaking beauty of Venice’s canals. This is a delicious, treat-filled journey that celebrates everything that makes life worthwhile. Bettany Hughes is currently on a grand tour of Europe as she pursues the good life.

Bettany’s first stop after arriving in Italy is Venice, the cosmopolitan “Queen of the Adriatic.” Bettany explains why this city has served as such a source of inspiration for tourists, artists, and writers for centuries as she explores must-see locations like St. Mark’s Square and the Doge’s Palace. Bettany learns about living the Venetian dream and finds out where the locals go for the best canal-side aperitivo after meeting the granddaughter of socialite and art collector Peggy Guggenheim and travelling along the Grand Canal on a gondola.

Bettany makes a stop in Bologna, the breadbasket of Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region, on his way west. In order to find out if the city, which is now adored by foodies, lives up to the hype, Bettany picks up a wedge of the finest Parmigiano Reggiano and makes a stop for a glass of wine. Following in the footsteps of her literary heroes, Bettany gets back on the road and travels to the Italian coast.

The Gulf of La Spezia, now known as the “Bay of Poets” in their honour, was the residence of the Romantic poets Lord Byron, Percy Bysshe Shelley, and wife and novelist Mary Shelley. Bettany discusses her admiration for Byron as a poet and a romantic hero.

After all, to visit the Shelleys, he once dove into the bay and swam 8.5 kilometres. Bettany is greeted by locals and enjoys pesto, which this region has elevated to the status of a culinary art form, with the same warmth that attracted the Romantics.

Airdate: Friday 7 October 2022 at 21:00 on Channel 5

Season 1 Episode 2

The presenter travels through France and Italy to discover how travel, the arts and culture, and the finest foods can enrich and inspire our lives.