The Emilia-Romagna region of Italy is an absolute delight with its picturesque mediaeval cities, world-class cuisine and dreamy Adriatic beaches. It is one of my favourite parts of the country, so I am so excited to share my 7-day itinerary with you. 

How this itinerary is planned

We’re going to use Bologna as a base because the city is perfectly situated between the different towns and cities on this itinerary. By staying in Bologna, you can easily do the suggested day trips without carrying all your luggage around and checking in and out of accommodation.

Bologna is so much more than just a pit stop; it’s a historic university city, as well as being the culinary Mecca for fans of Italian food. So many of Italy’s best dishes and most beloved ingredients originated here and the city is full to the brim with restaurants, cafes, bakeries and delicatessens. You definitely have to bring your appetite with you on this trip! 

The food theme continues into nearby Modena, the birthplace of balsamic vinegar and a fantastic place to do a tour and tasting. However this itinerary isn’t JUST about food. We will visit Ravenna, home to the most stunning mosaics I have ever seen. The city is such a gem that eight of its churches and monuments have been granted UNESCO World Heritage status. We will also visit Padua, an often overlooked city in the neighbouring Veneto region, with deep historic roots.

I will make suggestions about what to see and do in each location but won’t give you a rigid checklist to follow. Depending on when you’re there, there might be some special local or seasonal events that you shouldn’t miss. I will also suggest some other places to visit in the Emilia-Romagna region if you are lucky enough to stay for more than 7 days. 

This itinerary is based on travelling by train as all the stops are well-connected this way. If you want to rent a car, it’ll give you more flexibility and the possibility to explore further. However you can see and do everything on this itinerary without renting a car. I have travelled all over Italy by train and it is very straight-forward and affordable. You can buy train tickets at the station, but it is easier to buy in advance on Omio. You can search for the specific route and time you want, pay via the website and download electronic tickets to your smartphone. 

How to get around Emilia-Romagna

The cities on this itinerary have very compact city centres, so you may not need to use local buses. If you do, you can pay on board (cash only) or buy tickets in advance from a tabaccheria (street kiosk). There are tons of these kiosks in every Italian city, tickets cost €1.50-1.70 per journey, and you can bulk buy tickets. Make sure to validate your ticket when on the bus; there’s a small machine to stamp the ticket.

It might be possible to pay on the bus via contactless bank card payment but sometimes the machines aren’t working (buy a ticket from the driver if that’s the case). If you’re going to use local buses frequently, ask at the tabaccheria and/or tourist office about daily and weekly tickets, which are a good way to save money.

Day 1: Fall in Love with Bologna’s Historic Heart

Once you’ve checked into your accommodation, it’s time to explore Bologna’s historic centre. The best way to get to know a city is on foot and you will be pleased to discover how walkable Bologna is, especially around Piazza Maggiore, the heart of the city.This piazza is home to Fontana del Nettuno, a large fountain depicting the handsome, imposing figure of Neptune. The fountain is just metres from Basilica di San Petronio, the largest church in Bologna with its impressive interior and the world’s longest interior meridian line. Nearby is Palazzo d’Accursio, Bologna’s Town Hall, which has a fresco-filled chapel & fine art museum. 

Feeling peckish? Wander the streets of the Quadrilatero, the medieval market where you can browse through shops and delicatessens selling all sorts of Bolognese and regional specialties. A great lunch choice is Salumeria Simoni Laboratorio, which offers scrumptious sandwiches, charcuterie boards and locally-produced wine. For more food recommendations, check out my blog post Where to Eat Like a Local in Bologna.

After lunch it’s time to use some energy to do some climbing. In the 12th and 13th century, Bologna was a city of tall towers, like a mediaeval New York City. Sadly only around twenty or so remain today. The most famous of these are theDue Torri, and you can climb one of them – Torre degli Asinelli – for panoramic views of the city. Book your tickets online in advance to reserve a timeslot and skip the queue.

There are almost 500 steps between you and the spectacular views and unfortunately no elevator, but there are multiple places to stop and take a break on the ascent and descent. It’s very good value for money (Admission price €5, concessions available).

Afterwards, stroll around the atmospheric, narrow, and winding streets of the former Jewish ghetto, before settling down with the locals at one of the many enotecas and bars found in the city centre to end your first day in Bologna. Two places I wholeheartedly recommend are I Conoscenti for amazing cocktails and Medulla Vini for glorious local wines.

For my full guide to sightseeing in Bologna, click here

Day 2: Bologna’s Porticos, Panoramas & Peaceful Piazzas

In the morning, grab an artisanal coffee at Caffè Terzi Bologna before visiting the Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca. This beloved symbol of Bologna sits roughly 300m atop Colle della Guardia hill. You can get a taxi or take the San Luca Express mini-train to reach the top, but the best way to get to the sanctuary is to walk along the Portico of San Luca, the world’s longest covered walkway at almost 4 km.

You can either walk this whole length or take a bus to Arco del Meloncello, where the 2 km uphill section starts. Once at the top of the hill, explore the sanctuary and enjoy the breathtaking views of Bologna and the surrounding Emilia-Romagna countryside. When you’re ready, return to the centre by foot or take one of the transport options.

Once you’re back in the city centre and have had lunch, it’s time to explore the picturesque Santo Stefano neighbourhood, filled with charming alleys and small piazzas. Here you can find Basilica di Santo Stefano (also known as Sette Chiese). It was once a large complex of seven, conjoined churches. Only four remain but they are well worth a visit for the beautiful frescos, mosaic tiling and peaceful atmosphere.

After you’ve explored the basilica, walk down via Santo Stefano and grab a gelato at Cremeria la Vecchia Stalla for the 10 minute walk to Giardini Margherita, one of Bologna’s most beautiful parks. There’s plenty to do here, from the picnic area, playground, jogging and cycle paths and a lake, where visitors can feed ducks, watch turtles and rent paddle boats. When the sun begins to set, head back into the heart of the city for another scrumptious dinner.

Day 3: Modena – Cheese, Cars & Balsamic Vinegar

On day 3, get up early and take the short train journey to Modena. When you get to Modena, immediately jump into a taxi and ask the driver to take you 15 minutes outside of the city to 4 Madonne Caseificio dell’Emilia – an award winning dairy farm and producer of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese. Here you can do a tour and learn everything you need to know about the production of this local delicacy. Tours need to be booked ahead, are available in English or Italian, and last around an hour (check tour times beforehand). At the end of the tour, there is a tasting to sample some of the farm’s products.

Alternative: If strong cheese isn’t really your thing, you could visit the Enzo Ferrari Museum near Modena train station. Here you can see exhibits on the legendary car manufacturer and some of the company’s iconic cars.

Now it’s time to explore the charming city of Modena. First make your way to Piazza Grande, the central focal point of Modena. Here you can find the city’s most recognizable landmark – the Ghirlandina Tower. If you are feeling fit you can climb 200 steps up the bell tower (€3 entrance fee) to be rewarded with panoramic views over the city. The bell tower is attached to Duomo di Modena (Modena Cathedral), a stunning example of Romanesque architecture.

Take some time to admire the beautiful sculptures on its façade. Inside you can find wonderful mosaics, crypts, altars and fresco paintings. Other sights in the square are Palazzo Comunale (Modena’s town hall) which contains statues, paintings, frescoes, including a fantastic statue of Perseus holding the head of Medusa (the one with a head of snakes!).

After lunch from one of the many food stalls in nearby Mercato Storico Albinelli, head to Giuseppe Giusti Boutique Modène to try some balsamic vinegar, the specialty that has made Modena world famous. I was blown away by how complex the flavours were and how it varied depending on the ageing process. Giusti also has an acetaia (vinegar cellar) outside of Modena, which has been in operation since 1605! You can do a tour, learn about their production process and sample more of their exquisite balsamic vinegar. 

For some more afternoon sightseeing, visit Palazzo dei Musei, which houses several museums, including Museo Civico di Modena, Museo del Duomo and the Estense Gallery. You could visit Palazzo Ducale (a former palace built in 1634, which is now a military academy) and Santa Maria della Pomposa (the oldest church in town, dating back to 1135). Afterwards, simply enjoy wandering around getting lost in the beautiful, narrow, quiet cobbled streets until it’s time to head back to Bologna for dinner. Or, if you are lucky enough to get a reservation, have dinner at Modena’s Osteria Francescana, voted the best restaurant in the world more than once! 

How to Get to Modena from Bologna

Take the train REG or RV train from Bologna Centrale. The journey takes about 30 minutes and costs around €4.30 each way. You can also take the IC train, which shaves about 10 minutes off the journey but is notably more expensive, so it’s not really worth it.

For my full guide to sightseeing in Modena, click here

Day 4: Ravenna – Jaw-Dropping Mosaics & Roman History

Ravenna is one of the most magical places I have ever been. It is a very old, historical city; it was once the capital of the Western Roman Empire and later became the capital of the Kingdom of Italy. Ravenna’s churches and monuments are filled with floor-to-ceiling Byzantine mosaics which are so intricate, imaginative and freaking beautiful that they brought tears to my eyes! 

There’s a lot to see in Ravenna but the sights are very close to each other and everything can be easily reached on foot. Some of the highlights include Basilica di San Vitale, (an octagon-shaped church full of truly extraordinary Byzantine mosaics), Mausoleo di Galla Placidia (a church named after the sister of Roman Emperor Honorius, with beautiful mosaics ceilings) and Tomba di Dante (The final resting place of the renowned Italian poet, writer and philosopher Dante Alighieri). You should also visit Basilica di Sant’Apollinare Nuovo, a stunning church with a gilded ceiling, stone columns, graceful arches and – you guessed it – beautiful mosaics! 

Sightseeing is hungry work, so treat yourself to a delicious lunch while you explore Ravenna. I really enjoyed my seafood lunch at Fish Market – Pescheria Gastronomia & Bottega con Cucina, which specialises in grilled and fried fish. For something a bit quicker, but no less delicious, grab a piadina (filled flatbread from Emilia-Romanga) at La Piadina del Melarancio.

For my full guide to Ravenna, click here

How to Get to Ravenna from Bologna

Trains run hourly between Bologna Centrale and Ravenna. The journey takes between 1hr 10-1hr 30 depending on the train you take. Ticket price €8 one-way.

Day 5: Museums and Masterpieces in Bologna & a Possible Beach Escape

On day 5, delve a little further into Bologna’s fascinating history and culture by visiting some of the city’s most popular museums and art galleries. Head to Museo della Storia di Bologna in Palazzo Pepoli, which tells the story of Bologna from the Etruscan period to the modern day with artefacts, images, clever interactive media, and virtual reality headsets that immerse you in the city’s past. What’s more, there is even an entire space of the museum dedicated to mortadella! (Admission price €13). 

For art lovers, there is also a cluster of galleries in the north-east part, where the majority of university buildings are. Here you can find the Pinacoteca Nazionale di Bologna (the National Art Gallery), with a large collection from the 13th to the 18th centuries (Admission price €9.00, concessions available). They sometimes offer free entrance days so check to see if those dates overlap with your visit. Just two minutes down the road from the National Art Gallery is Museo di Palazzo Poggi. If you’re interested in medicine, history or science, and enjoy looking at maps and model ships, this museum would be a good choice (Admission price €5) 

Alternatively, you could head out to the ancient coastal city of Rimini. This is one of Italy’s most famous beach resorts and can be reached by train from Bologna Centrale in less than 1 hr 30 (tickets prices vary, but range between €10-30 each way). As well as some 15 km of sandy beach to relax on, bars and seafood restaurants galore, there are also numerous historical landmarks to visit including ancient Roman ruins.

Day 6: Padua – Italy’s Underrated Historic Treasure

On day 6 head to Bologna Centrale to take a morning train to Padua (Italian name Padova). Although Padua is actually in Italy’s Veneto region, it can easily be reached from Bologna in less than two hours. Often overshadowed by its famous, nearby neighbour Venice, Padua is one of Italy’s oldest, most historic cities; it is actually more than 400 years older than Rome! The University of Padua is also one of the oldest universities in the world, with some very famous former scholars and alumni including Galileo Galilei and Nicolaus Copernicus.

Padua is a very easy city to navigate as you basically walk in a straight line south from the train station, stopping off at places of interest. The first place you visit should be Giardini dell’Arena near the station. This pleasant riverside park is home to Cappella degli Scrovegni, a mediaeval chapel known for its stunning frescoes by Giotto, as well as the remains of an ancient Roman Amphitheatre that dates back to 30 B.C.

Padua is also full of numerous buzzing piazzas to explore, such as Piazza della Erbe and the adjacent Piazza della Frutta. Here you can chill out and sip on a Spritz under the porticos, people watch, or enjoy some food at one of the many market stalls. I am still dreaming of my mixed seafood lunch at La Folperia.

Between these two squares is one of the most interesting buildings in Padua – il Palazzo della Ragione – a mediaeval town hall, palace of justice and marketplace. As well as having a unique roof which resembles an overturned ship, the upper floor of this palazzo also contains il Salone, an enormous hall full with floor-to-ceiling frescos. The ground floor of Palazzo della Ragione used to be a market for clothes, spices and jewellery, but now you can find food stalls, cafes and bars. 

The most famous piazza in Padua is Prato della Valle, the largest piazza in Italy and one of the largest throughout Europe. This public square is enormous and has a central island surrounded by 78 statues of historical figures, artists, scientists, and philosophers. Make sure you grab a gelato at nearby Gelateria Portogallo before strolling around if you know what’s good for you. Nearby Prato della Valle is Orto Botanico di Padova, one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world full of beautiful, diverse plant collections (Admission price €10).

Other highlights in the city include the Padua Cathedral and the impressive Basilica di Sant’Antonio, dedicated to Saint Antonio of Padova, the Patron Saint of lost items. You can find the Saint’s tomb and shrine inside, which attracts pilgrims from around the world. Whether you choose to visit the many attractions Padua has to offer, or simply wander around this beautiful city and its narrow streets, you are sure to have a wonderful time. When you’re ready to head back to Bologna, take a tram (€1.70) or taxi back to Padua train station.

For my full guide to sightseeing in Padua, click here

How to Get to Padua from Bologna

There are two train options from Bologna; the slow train which takes 1hr 40 and costs €11 one-way. The fast train takes 1hr and costs €30 one-way

Day 7: Bologna Food Tours & Farewell Drinks

After a full-on week in beautiful Emilia-Romagna, it’s time to take it easy on your last day. If there are any museums or sights you missed, you could use this day to visit them. However, I would take the opportunity to experience the gastronomic wonders of this city. There are many organised food tours like this three-hour food tour and this street food walking tour led by local guides who take you around the city and its markets. Or you could simply do your own self guided food tour, popping into markets, delis, restaurants, bakeries, or anywhere else that takes your fancy!

When you need to rest your feet (and possibly your stomach!), take a pew at one of the other hugely impressive and beautiful churches in Bologna, such as Cattedrale Metropolitana di San Pietro and Church of Santa Maria della Vita. Whether you’re religious or not, there is no denying the beauty and grandeur of Italian churches.

End the day by chilling out with the locals in Piazza Maggiore with a bottle of wine, watching the world go by, and planning your next trip to Emilia-Romanga.

Have Extra Time? The Best Day Trips from Bologna

If you are lucky enough to have more than a week in Emilia Romagna, you could rent a car and drive to the charming villages and vineyards in the region. Alternatively, you could visit the following:

• Florence: Arguably Italy’s most charming city, Florence is only 37-49 minutes from Bologna (€9-33 one way). Its cathedral is one of my absolute favourites and you can’t miss the world-famous Uffizi Gallery.
• Parma: Famous for its Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and prosciutto, this city is a food lover’s paradise. Between food tours and tastings, make time to visit the cathedral, the Palazzo della Pilotta, and the Teatro Regio. (50 mins-1hr 10 from Bologna by train, €8-22 each way)
• Ferrara: Home to the imposing 14-century Castello Estense, along with the oldest wine bar in the world, Al Brindisi which opened in 1435. (30-60 minutes from Bologna by train, €5.20 each way)
• Rimini: A popular destination on the Adriatic coast with beautiful beaches and lively nightlife. (50 mins-1hr 45 from Bologna by train, €10-30 each way)
• Verona: This historic city, steeped in Shakespearean romance, is 50-1hr 30 minutes from Bologna (€10-29 each way). Don’t miss the iconic Juliet’s balcony!
• Piacenza: An interesting city off the beaten track, with a beautiful cathedral and a magnificent piazza. (1hr 30-2hrs from Bologna by train, €12-19 each way)
• Venice: A city that needs no introduction, famous for its enchanting canals and historic architecture, Venice is between 1hr 30-2hrs 10 minutes from Bologna (€14-39 each way).
• San Marino: A separate, independent microstate nestled in Italy, San Marino is one of the world’s oldest republics. It’s perched on a mountaintop and offers fantastic panoramic views. (Easier to drive there but you can take a train to Padua, then a bus to San Marino).

Staying Connected in Italy: SIM Cards & E-SIM Options

For smooth internet access around Bologna, I highly recommend trying an Airalo E-SIM. They are simple to install, totally stress-free, and come with flexible data plans (7, 15, or 30 days). Plus, they work in over 200 countries, so you can use them wherever your travels take you.

I hope this itinerary has made you excited to visit Emilia-Romagna. It is a region rich in history, culture, art, and culinary delights, so I’m sure you’ll have an amazing time! This itinerary is just a suggested plan; you can adjust it based on your interests and the time available. If you have any questions or other recommendations, please leave them in the comments below.

Ciao for now

Izzie, the Curious Sparrow