Emilia-Romagna
Italy's undisputed food capital, where every meal is a masterpiece and every city tells a story.
About Emilia-Romagna
If Italy is a country that lives to eat, then Emilia-Romagna is its beating heart. This is where Parmigiano-Reggiano, Prosciutto di Parma, balsamic vinegar, and fresh egg pasta were born. But this region is far more than a menu. Bologna's medieval towers and porticoes are UNESCO-listed, Ravenna's Byzantine mosaics will stop you in your tracks, and Modena houses both the world's best restaurant and the Ferrari museum. From the Apennine foothills to the Adriatic coast, Emilia-Romagna is a journey through Italy's richest cultural landscape.
Best Time to Visit
April to June or September to October. The Po Valley can be foggy in winter and hot in summer. Autumn is truffle season and the food festivals are at their peak.
Local Tips
- Do the Food Valley trail.
A local can arrange factory visits to Parmigiano-Reggiano dairies, prosciutto cellars, and traditional balsamic vinegar acetaie that have been aging vinegar for generations. This is a pilgrimage, not a tour.
- Get lost under Bologna's porticoes.
Bologna has 40km of porticoes, now UNESCO-listed. A local knows the hidden courtyard gardens, the best tortellini in brodo spots, and the climb up to San Luca basilica via the world's longest portico.
- See the mosaics that rival anything in Rome.
Ravenna's Byzantine mosaics are 1,500 years old and blindingly beautiful. A local will time your visit to catch the light flooding through the windows of the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia.
Highlights
(the local lens)
Meet the Local Experts
Your on-the-ground insiders. The ones who know the enduring favourites, the quiet corners and what’s worth your time.
Edoardo
Amalfi, Sorrento +11
Born and raised in Italy's Marche region, I have explored the country from north to south during travels and study periods away from home. I have lived part of my life in amazing cities such as Venice and Bologna, and have visited Rome a lot since I have family and friends there. I am an experienced trip planner for destinations all over Italy, from the breezy Cinqueterre in Liguria down to the sun kissed Amalfi coast. If you want someone to help you with all-encompassing guidance and make the best out of your trip to Italy, I will be most happy to help you!
Francesca
Bologna, Ravenna +6
Hi! I'm Francesca and I live in a small town in the province of Ravenna. I've taken Cultural Heritage and Visual Arts faculties at University in Bologna. Then after more than one year living in Canada I came back to take a Travel Designer course then a month ago I just got the certification to become a Tour Leader.
Elisabeth
Bologna, Naples +2
Hi, I’m Elisabeth. I live in Italy and I’ve always been deeply connected to the rhythms of everyday life here—slow walks through historic streets, good food shared without rush, and small details that most travellers might miss. I love exploring places both like a local and like a curious outsider: from hidden cafés and traditional bakeries to quiet corners where you can really feel the atmosphere of a city. I’ve spent a lot of time discovering how to enjoy Italian life in a balanced, authentic way—whether that means finding the right spot for a relaxed meal, a scenic walk, or simply a peaceful moment away from the crowds. I’m especially drawn to culture, storytelling, and traditions, particularly from southern Italy, so I naturally bring a more emotional and immersive perspective to travel. If you’re looking to experience a place beyond the typical tourist path, I’ll help you see it with different eyes.
Costanza
Trento, Merano +7
Hi! My name is Costanza😊, I'm 25 years old and I'm travel addicted. I love to help others enjoy their travels. I studied Behavioural Economics in Trento and I decided to remain living here since this pretty city joins the mountains Dolomites beauty with a very high quality life. My roots are in Ancona where I grew up, in particoular in Sirolo a small town in Riviera del Conero, famous for beaches and good sea food. I have lived in Bologna for three years, where I did my bachelor degree. I know this city very well, I am an expert of Lasagne and Tortellini. I’ve been in more than 35 countries since 2017 but during these years I also visited my own country a lot, because I think that before going around is important to know well our home.