Emilia-Romagna Tour | Tours of Italy

Route

Ferrara, Po Delta and Pomposa, Reggio Emilia, Modena and Maranello, Parma, Bologna, Fiumana, Ravenna and Cesena.

Pace

Varied but relaxed. City in the morning, producer in the afternoon, good food in the evening.

Highlights

Cycling on the city walls of Ferrara, tasting eel in Comacchio, balsamic vinegar in Modena, Ferrari in Maranello, Parma ham in Parma, tortellini in Bologna and the colourful mosaics of Ravenna.

Accommodation

A hotel in the centre of Ferrara, a small-scale address in Reggio Emilia and a wine estate in Fiumana where you can look out over the vines.

Profile

For those who experience Italy primarily with their taste buds. For those who are just as enthusiastic about a maturing cheese as they are about a V12 engine.

Day 1: Departure to Bologna

When you arrive at Bologna airport, pick up your hire car and start your journey of approximately 52 kilometres to Ferrara, where you will stay in the charming historic centre of this surprising town where almost everyone gets around by bicycle.

Day 2: Ferrara

Explore this charming city, with its imposing Castello Estense, the castle of the Dukes of Ferrara, its beautiful squares, medieval streets and stately palazzi. Cycling along the green city walls is an absolute must.

Day 3: the Po Delta and the Abbey of Pomposa

You will explore the “Valli di Comacchio”, a beautiful lagoon area. Be sure to try eel in the town of the same name, with its bridges and canals. You will also visit the 6th-century Abbey of Pomposa, one of the most important in northern Italy, with its beautiful frescoes.

Day 4: Reggio Emilia

Today you will depart for Reggio Emilia, where you will spend the night in a small luxury hotel, famous for its balsamic vinegar production.

Day 5: Modena and Maranello

On day 5, you will soak up the atmosphere in pleasant Modena, city of “aceto balsamico” and birthplace of the late Luciano Pavarotti, with its beautiful Romanesque cathedral. Here you can visit the “Collezione Maramotti”, Max Mara's contemporary art collection. You will also visit Maranello with its “Galleria Ferrari”.

Day 6: Parma

In this city of music, famous for its Parma ham, it is wonderful to stroll past the beautiful Duomo with its baptistery, the bustling Piazza Garibaldi and the Teatro Farnese, built entirely of wood.

Day 7: Bologna - Fiumana

Today you will visit Bologna, home to the oldest university in Europe and a particularly beautiful historic centre. Then you will continue to Fiumana, where you will stay at a wine estate with breathtaking views of the vineyards.

Day 8: Ravenna

In this pleasant city, a walk takes you past ancient and colourful Byzantine mosaics, protected by UNESCO.

Day 9: Cesena and Forlì

In Cesena, with its Malatesta castle and library, and in Forlì, with its weekly market, you will enjoy the atmosphere, beautiful shops and delicious food, far from mass tourism. Stop off at the hilltop village of Bertinoro with its beautiful panoramic views.

Day 10: Return home

You will return to Bologna Airport, about 90 kilometres away, and take the plane back while reminiscing about this incredible tour.

Frequently asked questions about this tour of Emilia Romagna

Do I need a hire car for this tour of Emilia Romagna?

Yes. The charm of Emilia-Romagna lies in the small producers and villages outside the cities. With a hire car, you can easily drive from Parma to Modena, Ravenna and the Po Delta.

When is the best time for a tour of Emilia Romagna?

May, June and September are perfect. Pleasant temperatures, less crowds and ideal for exploring cities and visiting producers.

What makes Emilia Romagna different from Tuscany or Umbria?

Because here you eat like Italians eat. Less vineyard romance, more authentic flavours. Parmesan cheese from the producer, balsamic vinegar from the barrel and Ferrari in Maranello. You won't find that in Tuscany.