Italy Tour | Emilia Romagna and The Marches

This experiential journey leads you through the real Italy, from the culinary heart of Emilia-Romagna to the untouched charm of Le Marche. In Bologna, Parma and Modena, taste the authentic flavors of Parma ham, aged balsamic vinegar and Parmigiano Reggiano. Then continue toward the quiet hills of Le Marche, between the Apennines and the Adriatic Sea. Drive past gentle slopes, silent monasteries and villages where time seems to stand still. On sunlit squares free of tourists, enjoy local dishes and experience genuine Italian hospitality. Highlights include the Renaissance gem of Urbino with its Palazzo Ducale, as well as lesser-known treasures such as Ferrara, Jesi, Corinaldo and the Conero Coast.

Day 1: Arrival in Bologna

Upon landing in Bologna, pick up your rental car and head south towards the region of Reggio Emilia. You’ll spend three nights in a charming boutique hotel of exceptional quality, surrounded by vineyards and producers of traditional balsamic vinegar and wine, the perfect start to your culinary journey.

Day 2: Modena and Maranello

Today you’ll explore Modena, home of Aceto Balsamico di Modena and birthplace of Ferrari and Maserati. Stroll through the historic centre with its cathedral, Torre Ghirlandina and Piazza Grande, all listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Then continue to Maranello, where the Ferrari Museum is a must-visit for car enthusiasts. Located near the legendary factory, it offers a fascinating look into the brand’s history, with a stunning collection of sports cars, Formula 1 vehicles and engines, and even a virtual F1 simulator.

Day 3: Parma

Your journey continues to Parma, a city synonymous with Italian delicacies. Visit a prosciuttificio to see how Parma ham is traditionally cured, and a caseificio to discover the craft of Parmigiano Reggiano, complete with tastings. Later, wander through the charming centre with its elegant squares, cathedral and baptistery, clock tower and the fully wooden Teatro Farnese, a Renaissance masterpiece.

Day 4: Reggio Emilia and drive to Bologna

On your way to the next hotel, stop in Reggio Emilia, a peaceful town untouched by mass tourism. Admire Piazza Prampolini, its graceful churches and the Tricolore Museum, dedicated to the Italian flag, which was officially adopted here in 1797. After your visit, continue to your hotel east of Bologna, where you’ll stay in either a cosy country hotel or a comfortable resort, depending on your preference.

Day 5: Bologna

Today’s highlight is Bologna, the lively capital of Emilia-Romagna, known for its three nicknames: La Grassa (the Fat) for its rich cuisine, La Dotta (the Learned) for Europe’s oldest university, and La Rossa (the Red) for its terracotta rooftops. Walk beneath the endless arcades (portici), admire the iconic Due Torri and enjoy the atmosphere of Piazza Maggiore. Between visits, savour local classics like tagliatelle al ragù and mortadella, the flavours that made Bologna famous.

Day 6: Ferrara

Often overlooked, Ferrara is one of Italy’s best-kept secrets. Known as the cycling capital of Italy, it’s best explored on two wheels. Ride along quiet streets, the medieval city walls and through a landscape straight out of the Renaissance. At the city’s heart stands the imposing Castello Estense, residence of the powerful Este family, who turned Ferrara into a thriving cultural hub in the 15th century, a place where history and serenity blend beautifully.

Day 7: From Emilia-Romagna to Le Marche

Continue your journey towards Le Marche, with a stop in Ravenna, once the capital of the Western Roman Empire. The city is world-renowned for its dazzling Byzantine mosaics, eight of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Visit the Basilica di San Vitale, the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia and the tomb of poet Dante Alighieri.

Then drive on to Le Marche, nestled between the Adriatic Sea and the Apennines. Stay four nights in an elegant neoclassical castle just ten kilometres from the coast.

Day 8: Urbino and Corinaldo

Discover Urbino, a Renaissance gem full of charm and history. The grand Palazzo Ducale, built in the 15th century for Duke Federico da Montefeltro, houses the exquisite studiolo and the Galleria Nazionale delle Marche, featuring works by Piero della Francesca, Titian and Raphael. Visit Raphael’s birthplace and the city’s cathedral before returning via Corinaldo, one of Italy’s most beautiful villages.

Behind its intact 15th-century walls lies La Piaggia, a steep alley of more than a hundred steps leading to the legendary Pozzo della Polenta, said to have once turned into a well full of polenta.

Day 9: The Conero Riviera and Loreto

Today the coast calls. Head to the Conero Riviera, where white cliffs plunge into the turquoise Adriatic. The seaside towns of Sirolo and Numana are perfect for a stroll or a seaside lunch. On the way, visit Loreto, a major pilgrimage site with its ornate Basilica of the Holy House, and continue to Recanati, known for its handmade accordions and as the birthplace of poet Giacomo Leopardi.

Day 10: The Frasassi Caves and Jesi

Venture inland to explore the impressive Frasassi Caves, among the largest cave systems in Europe. The Grotta Grande del Vento, as vast as a cathedral, is truly awe-inspiring.

On your return, stop in Jesi, a walled town rich in history and culture. Visit the elegant Palazzo della Signoria by architect Francesco di Giorgio Martini, the Rococo-style art gallery and the 18th-century Pergolesi Theatre, adorned with gold, frescoes and red velvet.

Day 11: Return home

After breakfast, drive back to Bologna (about 185 km) for your flight home. As you take off, you’ll look back fondly on a journey filled with art, flavours and authenticity, two Italian regions that reveal the country’s most surprising side.