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.
Beatrice
Venice, Treviso +4
Hey! I'm Beatrice. I come from Treviso, a little gem just outside Venice. I love trekking in the Dolomites, swimming in mountain lakes, and exploring new places. I work as a travel co-ordinator and I love exploring. Food is definitely my Achilles’ heel, I just can’t resist it! Especially Tiramisù (that was invented in my beautiful city: Treviso). I’m deeply in love with my region, Veneto, and I’m always happy to share it with others (because there’s so much more than just Venice). That said, even in Venice I know some hidden gems that are absolutely worth discovering 😉 Whether it’s uncovering hidden natural spots, planning outdoor adventures, or diving into local traditions, I love creating genuine, memorable experiences that go beyond the usual tourist paths.
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.
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, nice to meet you! My name is Francesca, I'm 28 years old and I live in a small town in the province of Ravenna. I speak English and French. 🎨 I'm an art expert because of my two degrees in Cultural Heritage and Visual Arts at the University of Bologna, where I've lived during my studies. This is the main city I chose to speak about in this platform because I've lived it with a student life's eyes (so pubs, restaurants, places to have fun, listen to some music, dance...) but also because I love art through that part of me too (museums, art galleries, history, traditions, culture...). ✈️ After University I've decided to take a break and I've moved to Canada where I've lived for more than one year, then I came back to become a Travel Designer thanks to a course in Milan. 🧳 This year I've also got the certification to be a Tour Leader with the goal to go with families, groups of friends or couples during their travels to show them more than they expect!