Travel to Emilia-Romagna, Italy – Episode 900

Hear about travel to the Italian region of Emilia-Romagna as the Amateur Traveler talks to Keith Jenkins from VelvetEscape.com who keeps returning to this unvisited gem.

Why should you go to Emilia-Romagna?

Keith says, “I think most people will know about the Products that come from there, the food, even the cars, maybe some of the cities, but they would just not associate that with the name Emilia Romagna. And we all know Parma, Bologna but there’s so much more to explore. And a large part of the region is actually pretty, off the beaten track, because you have all these little, small, medieval towns. On the plains, also at the hill towns, which are absolutely beautiful. And there’s so much to explore. They’ve got huge forests and lakes and national parks.”

Based on Keith Jenkins’ detailed description, here’s a recommended itinerary for a trip to Emilia-Romagna:

Day 1: Arrival in Parma

• Morning: Arrive in Parma. Check into your hotel.
• Afternoon: Explore Parma’s city center. Visit the Cathedral and the Baptistery.
• Evening: Dine at a local restaurant to enjoy Parma’s famous prosciutto.

Day 2: Parma to Modena

• Morning: Drive or take a train to Modena.
• Afternoon: Take a guided tour of a Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese factory and visit a producer of Balsamico di Modena (Modena balsamic vinegar).
• Evening: Visit the city center, including the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Modena Cathedral.

Day 3: Modena

• Morning: Visit the Enzo Ferrari Museum.
• Afternoon: Tour the Ferrari factory in Maranello and take a test drive on a racetrack.
• Evening: Enjoy a meal at a local trattoria, trying traditional balsamic vinegar.

Day 4: Bologna

• Morning: Drive or take a train to Bologna.
• Afternoon: Explore Piazza Maggiore, the Two Towers (Asinelli and Garisenda), and the Basilica of San Petronio.
• Evening: Enjoy dinner in the Quadrilatero district.

Day 5: Bologna

• Morning: Take a food tour or visit Le Sfogline for a pasta-making class.
• Afternoon: Visit the Ducati Museum.
• Evening: Try gelato from Cremeria Funivia or Cremeria Santo Stefano.

Day 6: Ravenna

• Morning: Drive or take a train to Ravenna.
• Afternoon: Visit some of the 8 UNESCO World Heritage monuments in the city centre such as the Basilica of San Vitale and the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia. Visit the Mercato Coperto for a delicious lunch.
• Evening: Dine at the Ca de Ven restaurant and explore the city center.

Day 7: Ravenna and Surroundings

• Morning: Visit the Neonian Baptistry and the Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo.
• Afternoon: Take a trip to Comacchio, the “Little Venice,” and explore its canals and bridges.
• Evening: Enjoy a traditional canal-side dinner in Comacchio before returning to Ravenna.

Day 8: Adriatic coast

• Morning: Relax on the beach at Milano Marittima or Cervia.
• Afternoon: Enjoy a seafood lunch in Cervia with its famous mussels. Visit the Cervia salt pans before proceeding to the historic fishing port of Cesenatico. Walk along the port which was designed by Leonardo da Vinci.
• Evening: Enjoy a harbourside dinner in Cesenatico before continuing to Rimini.

Day 9: Rimini

• Morning: Explore the Roman heritage sites like the Arch of Augustus and the Ponte di Tiberio.
• Afternoon: Walk around Borgo San Giuliano, a charming neighborhood famous for its colorful houses and murals dedicated to Fellini.
• Evening: Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant

Day 10: San Marino Day Trip

• Morning: Take a bus to San Marino.
• Afternoon: Explore San Marino’s historic center and the fortress.
• Evening: Return to Rimini for dinner.

Day 11: Brisighella

• Morning: Drive to Faenza, the town of ceramics.
• Afternoon: Continue to Brisighella, explore the town and hike up the hill for scenic views.
• Evening: Spend the night in Brisighella or return to Bologna/Parma

Day 12: Departure

• Morning: Depart from Bologna or Parma.

Additional Tips

• Reservations: Make dining and tour reservations in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.
• Car Rental: Consider renting a car to explore hill towns and countryside areas not easily accessible by train.
• Local Experiences: Engage with locals and take part in regional festivals or markets for an authentic experience.

Enjoy your trip to Emilia-Romagna!

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Show Notes

Velvet Escape
Emilia-Romagna
Via Aemilia
Ravenna
Comacchio
Rimini
Parma
Modena
Ferrari Factory Panoramic Tour
Museo Casa Enzo Ferrari
Bologna
Two Towers, Bologna
Santo Stefano, Bologna
Piazza Maggiore
The old market in the Quadrilatero
Bologna Food tours
Le Sfogline
Ducati Museum
Bologna’s Gelato Gems: 5 Places to Taste the Best
Recommended things to do in Bologna in the Emilia Romagna region
San Marino
Ponte di Tiberio (Rimini)
Federico Fellini
Borgo San Giuliano
Cesenatico
Basilica of San Vitale
Milano Marittima, Italy
Cervia
Bobbio
Torrechiara Castle
Brisighella
Forte di San Leo
Sant’Agata Feltria
Parco regionale del Delta del Po
Caravan Restaurant (Ravenna)
Things to do in Brisighella, Italy
Driving the Via Emilia

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