November 2019

Emilia Romagna – Bologna, Modena, and Parma, Italy

The ultimate foodie trip. Emilia Romagna is a powerhouse of DOP products – “Protected Designation of Origin” that certifies the products are locally grown/produced and maintain a certain level of quality that only the DOP designation can guarantee. To name a few hits, balsamic vinegar, culatello, prosciutto, Parmigiano Reggiano cheese all stem from this region. While Bologna is just a portion of the Emilia Romagna, it is a great hub to explore the many offerings of the region for day trips out to Modena and Parma.

What is there to do?

Oh goodness, you really just eat your way through Emilia Romagna! Book yourself on a few excursions to see how the sausage is made – all come with samples of course!

Learn the process of making famous Parmigiano Reggiano and Prosciutto di Parma in Parma
Experience the art of pasta making yourself in Bologna
Visit an award wining balsamic vinegar producer in Modena

We did not do this but for car lovers, visit “Motor Valley”. Did you know Emilia Romagna is the world’s highest concentration of luxury brands including Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati. There are plenty of opportunities not only to visit but to drive these vehicles as well.

Do not underestimate the journey of simply wandering through the streets in each of these towns – there is a magic that cannot be matched.

Where to eat?

Eat. Eat. Eat. All you will do it eat some of the most delicious food in the world. And you will eat if you venture on the experiences mentioned above but do not miss out of some incredible dining experiences.

Unless you have your heart set on the famous Osteria Francesca, book at Hosteria Giusti in Modena.
If you have time in Modena to visit Acetaia Pedroni for balsamic vinegar, do not miss the rustic dining experience at Osteria di Rubbiara
We had many favorites in Bologna but for a unique and creative twist on traditional dishes, visit Trattoria da Me
Oh, and gelato every day is a must

Here was our complete itinerary!

		Activity	Food
Travel Overnight	Night	Flight to Milan
Day 1	Morning	Train to Modena
	Afternoon	Train to Bologna	Hosteria Giusti Bloom Naturalmente Gelato
	Evening	Explore Bologna	Sfoglia Rina Cremeria Cavaur
Day 2	Morning	Train to Parma ParmaLook Food Tours – Parmigiano Reggiano and Prosciutto di Parma
	Afternoon		Trattoria al Trabunale Ciacco Lab
	Evening	Train to Bologna Chocolate Festival Christmas market	La Fastuchera Oltre
Day 3	Morning	Churches and Piazzas	Pappare
	Afternoon	Pasta Risotto Bologna – Pasta making class
	Evening	The Archiginnasio – Anatomy Theatre and Stabat Mater Lecture hall The Two Towers Alma Mater School	Creamera Cavaur Osteria del Sole Trattoria da Me
Day 4	Morning	Train to Modena
	Afternoon	Acetaia Pedroni	Osteria di Rubbiara
	Evening	Train to Milan
Day 5	Morning	Flight home