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.
(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.
Isadora
Bologna, Modena +3
0.0(0 reviews)Born and raised in Bologna (with a few adventurous years spent in the United Kingdom and travelling all aorund the world), I know my region inside out, from the iconic landmarks you absolutely shouldn’t miss to the hidden corners most visitors walk straight past. I also know how tricky it can be to find the right balance: you want to see the highlights, of cours, but you also want to experience something real, personal, and memorable. That’s exactly where I come in. After several years working as an event producer in Bologna and abroad, I learned how to design experiences: atmosphere, storytelling, timing, emotion, those are the “secret ingredients” I would like to bring to your vacation. Combining your passions and mine to build something that fits you perfectly — like a tailor-made experience. Art, wine, food, history, contemporary culture… we can mix and match to create something that feels natural, inspiring, and very “you”. As a licensed local guide, I have access to all major landmarks — so you won’t miss the essentials. But we’ll also go beyond them, discovering the local scene in a way that feels authentic and, possibly, slightly unexpected.
Lucrezia
Bologna, Modena +4
0.0(0 reviews)Ciao! I’m Lucrezia, a 21-year-old working student from Northern Italy and with a big passion for travelling and discovering new cultures. While I've explored different parts of the world, my heart always brings me back to Italy - its landscape, traditions and food. I have a deep love for nature, the outdoors, and sports, but I also enjoy good food and the small pleasures of everyday life. From scenic hikes and peaceful walks, to local cafés and hidden gems, I love sharing authentic experiences that make you feel truly connected to a place. Travelling with awareness and respect for the places you visit is something I deeply value, and I’d love to be your local reference to experience Italy in that same mindful and genuine way.
Rosa
Florence, Pisa +13
5.0(1 review)Hi, I’m Rosa - your local Italy travel planner based in Florence. I'm 26 and I live in Florence, in the heart of Tuscany. Italy is not just where I live, it's what I love sharing with others. Over the years, I've explored many cities like Bologna, Milan, Venice, Rome Naples, Sicily, Sardinia, Puglia and many more. Each region has its own flow, flavors and traditions, and understanding these differeces is what makes a trip truly special. I help travelers experience Italy beyond the typical tourist path. From selecting the perfect area to stay, to reccomending authentic restaurants, wineries and hidden villages. I desing trips that feel personal and deeply Italian. If you want to experience Italy with local insight and thoughtful planning, I’ll help you create a journey you’ll never forget.