Arrive hungry and ready to eat! Emilia Romagna is famed for its rich food and world-famous products. Meet the families who have been producing Parmigiano Reggiano and Balsamic Vinegar for generations. Taste homemade lasagna and stuffed tortelli swimming in broth, or learn how to make thick tagliatelli pasta, served dripping with ragù.

Bologna is famed for its Medieval city walls, towers and porticoes, as well as one of the oldest universities in the world. Still going strong, the university welcomes students from all over the world, making the ancient streets some of the most vibrant in Italy.

If you prefer small towns, head for Ravenna. Scattered around the town are World Heritage Sites containing beautiful Byzantine mosaics from a fascinating moment in history. Don’t forget to visit the final resting place of the Italian great poet, Dante.

From Ravenna, access the Po Delta Park with its quiet woods, lagoons and salt flats where you can often see flocks of pink flamingoes.

Another small town that many people overlook is Modena. At its heart sits an impressive Medieval cathedral and just outside is ‘Motor Valley’ where you can visit the museums and factories of Ferrari, Maserati and Pagani.

Emilia Romagna is popular with hikers. Many historical paths cross the region, including the Via Francigena. Whether you want to spend a day in nature, or challenge yourself walking for a week from Bologna to Florence on the Via degli Dei, you’ll find well-marked trails to suit all everyone.