Bologna does at least have the porticoed streets that keep rain and snow off in winter, but that can also give shelter from a blazing sun. I've not been there in August, but have heard of bad experiences of it being too hot to enjoy and of places shutting for extended ferragosto holiday. Better times of year to go it it and many other Italian cities
Hence the suggestions of Trento, Cuneo, Novara, Aosta (and Bolzano if not already mentioned). They'll be a little cooler, but each has areas to explore nearby in car, or via public transport.
What to see in Trento? The historic cathedral with a crypt well worth the modest charge, some very good restaurants (but we're in Italy, so that's not overly special), fine weekly market once a week, that transforms a relaxed and spacious city into something briefly more intimate. A cable car ride up the mountain, starting a 5 minute walk from the station (for a very most charge). Sparkling wines that vie with Franciacorta for Italy's finest (I'd give Trento DOC the edge), plus some interesting whites, reds and (shhh!) Vino Santo that is truly exceptional, but very small production. Some fine squares for an aperitivo drink / snack before dinner (or in lieu of it if lunch was big). Food is a hybrid of Italian plus germanic influence. Some wonderful cured meats, but a great highlight are the 'Malga' cheeses made from cow's that summer in the mountains. Connected via fast trains to Verona and Bologna (which are good airport options to use to get here). There are options of trains from Zurich - IIRC at least 1 change involved though.
We chose Lago Molveno as the way to introduce a 2nd (and quite different) base, whilst keeping transfer time really low. There are buses & bus/train combo if you want to avoid having a car. Molveno like most of the villages here, has a ski lift to go up into the mountains for the views, light or more strenuous walking and to cool off. I don't like the modern new lift up to Pradel (enclosed, unlike the simple open waist high cage of the old one. However take the lift from Pradel upwards and it's much more open. There are a couple of cafes also serving food to avoid the feeling of being out in the middle of nowhere. Meanwhile the views even down in the village are wonderful - like a great view with all the boring filler removed. Lake. Picturesque village. Mountains. That's about it. The restaurants are ok - tasty but safely traditional, though a big shout out to the somewhat mad but hard-working and jovial/engaging butcher, who stocks just about any food you might need, as well as doing lunchtime bbqs outside. He's a great asset.
Other villages (without lake, but still pleasant) include Fai della Paganella, Andalo (which houses the brilliant food shop labottegadellebonta.com) and Cavedago. The air is lovely and fresh up there, and without going crazy on the walking, I was amazed when coming back home after our first visit, that I was cycling noticeably faster afterwards.
Other stuff to look out for includes local fruit in season and herbal grappe, some softened a little with sugar to make them more approachable.