Home to Italy’s Food Valley and Motor Valley, Emilia-Romagna attracts gourmands and gearheads from across the globe. Come hungry to this northern region to fully appreciate food tours showing how Parmigiano-Reggiano, prosciutto di Parma, and balsamic vinegar are made. Then, take a sharp turn into the world of Ferrari and Maserati cars. Emilia-Romagna offers more than just endless feasting and high-octane thrills: Its handsome cities are home to world-class art and architecture, glorious opera traditions, and some of Italy's most welcoming people.
The porticoed cities in Emilia-Romagna make exploring easy in all seasons, though expect cold and damp winter days in Bologna, Parma, Modena, and Ravenna. The region comes to life in spring when its famous outdoor dining and imbibing scene picks up after winter. Sidewalk restaurants and cafés buzz with patrons, and open-air music and cultural festivals take over the squares.
The main inland and coastal cities in Emilia-Romagna are well connected by the regional train network, and you can travel between the top destinations quickly and cheaply. The cities are all fairly compact and easy to get around on foot, though the region is known for its excellent local bus services. To explore the countryside and smaller villages that are not along the train lines, you’ll need to rent a car.
Emilia-Romagna is home to Osteria Francescana, celebrity chef Massimo Bottura’s flagship gourmet outpost. The waiting list for a table stretches for months, but there are alternatives run by Bottura that often have availability with a shorter lead time. Try the bistro-style Franceschetta58 in Modena, Osteria Francescana at Maria Luigia in the Modenese countryside, or the storied Cavallino, located opposite the Ferrari factory in Maranello—it once served as the unofficial canteen for everyone from factory workers to Enzo Ferrari.
