Piazza Maggiore in Bologna

Before you start reading, close your eyes for 30 seconds and think about Bolognese sauce, balsamic vinegar, prosciutto and Parmigiano Reggiano cheese. By the time you open your eyes, the symphony of scents has probably overwhelmed you. The sweet smells of the sauce and balsamic vinegar are enough to lead you to the kitchen, while the melt-in-your-mouth prosciutto and the unique texture of cheese will delight your taste buds.  

There’s a decent chance you’re now hungry. That’s good because you’ll need a big appetite when visiting Emilia-Romagna. The incredible ingredients and master chefs have transformed this region into a land of flavors for you to discover and savor.  

Authentic Italy without the Crowds

Each city in Emilia-Romagna is tastier than the next. It’s known as Italy’s “Food Valley” because so much of what is grown and made there is protected under PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) and PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) certifications. The certifications act as a seal to preserve the product's quality and authenticity.

Traveling to Italy is like traveling to my home in New York City. It’s hard to call anywhere a “hidden gem.” But unless you’re a foodie, you’d consider Bologna and the greater Emilia-Romagna region a little off the beaten path.  

Exploring Emilia-Romagna

Emilia-Romagna is in north-central Italy between the Adriatic Sea and the Apennine Mountains. The region, renowned for its food and cuisine, is also home to medieval cities, a rich history and inspiring landscapes.  

Beautiful Bologna

Bologna, affectionately known as La Grassa (the Fat One) for its filling dishes, is the region's capital. It’s an extraordinary city for numerous reasons besides gastronomic delights. Visiting Bologna can leave you feeling like you’re in a maze of porticoes. They line 40 miles of street in Bologna. The city started building them early in the 12th century to create more urban space for the growing University of Bologna.

The historic center of Bologna is one of the best preserved in Europe. The Two Towers (Asinelli and Garisenda) were built between 1109 and 1119; they’re as much a city symbol as the university and porticoes. While Asinelli (318 feet tall) and Garisenda (154 feet tall) may not compare to today’s skyscrapers, they must’ve been modern marvels to people in the 12th century.  

Enjoy Emilia-Romagna

There is so much more to Emilia-Romagna than Bologna and cuisine. Touring the Castles of Parma and Piacenza is an experience that will create a lifetime of memories. In the past, famous families such as the Farnese, Gonzaga and Visconti controlled some of them. 

The seaside and entertainment are the stars in Romagna. When you’re not diving into the blue waters of the Adriatic Sea, you’ll want to explore the extraordinary galleries in Ravenna and Rimini.

Emilia-Romagna is renowned for car and motorcycle manufacturers such as Ferrari, Lamborghini, Ducati and Maserati. As you might imagine, it’s also home to some of the world's top racetracks, including the Misano Adriatico in Rimini. The track is about two and a half miles long and can hold more than 100,000 fans. Every year, people from around the world pack the track for the Moto GP and Superbike World Championship. 

The region also cuts through the Apennine Mountains, making it an excellent choice for skiers. The luxury resorts at the peak of Monte Cimone offer personal service and the finest amenities. You’ll find fresh powder on the region’s highest peak when you leave the resorts. 

As you explore Emilia-Romagna, you’ll discover the flavors of the region. In Bologna, your culinary expert will lead you through the Quadrilatero and historic markets to sample mortadella, ciccioli and salsiccia passata. Finish your tasting tour with the city’s extraordinary street food.  

Head to Modena to visit a Parmigiano Reggiano cheese factory and experience the process of cheesemaking – from milking the cows to the finished wheels, which can be aged for decades. Then, take a short drive across town to see how authentic balsamic vinegar is made and aged (sometimes for centuries!)

Of course, no journey through Italy’s Food Valley is complete without exploring Parma. This is where you’ll find authentic Prosciutto di Parma. You can also take a pasta-making class or watch a demonstration before trying your hand at making tortellini.

Immersive Travel with Expert Service

I’m a certified destination specialist in Italy. It means I have expert knowledge and have spent enough time in Italy to design immersive experiences filled with hidden gem locations to create authentic Italian itineraries. I love Emilia-Romagna and know you will too.  

Every aspect of Unique Luxury Travels is personalized and customized for you. Our expert service is always professional, warm and focused on your needs. Luxury travel is more than an option; it’s your right. 

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Call or text 917-225-1360 and my bespoke travel service will design your authentic experience through Emilia-Romagna.