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Leg heading south
Around five hours' driving, followed by a relaxed evening in Verona.
Long leg — plan in some breaks.
This is where your journey south begins.
Verona is an ideal stopover after the long drive over the Brenner Pass. In the evening, it's worth strolling across the Piazza delle Erbe and to the Arena, with a glass of Valpolicella to set the mood for the cuisine of the north.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
Parmesan and the old town
Cheese dairy visit in the morning, relaxed afternoon in the old town.
In the mornings, Emilia's cheese dairies begin processing the morning milk. A guided tour with tasting shows how raw milk becomes the great wheel of Parmigiano Reggiano. Tours usually start early, when the curd is being scooped.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
The octagonal baptistery made of pink Verona marble is one of the finest in Italy and marks a transition between Romanesque and Gothic styles. Inside, you'll find reliefs by Benedetto Antelami and a vividly coloured domed ceiling.
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A centrally located holiday flat in Parma as your base for two nights. From here, you can walk to the Duomo, the Battistero and the delicatessens around Strada Farini.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
Ham, castle and hills
Short drives, plenty of time for tasting and the castle.
Around Langhirano, Prosciutto di Parma matures in airy halls set in the hilly countryside. A guided tour explains salting, curing and the importance of the fresh mountain air, followed by a tasting of paper-thin slices.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
The mighty 15th-century castle sits high above the vineyards and is especially atmospheric in autumn. Inside, the Camera d'Oro impresses with its frescoes; from the walls, the view stretches far across the Parma countryside.
Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale
Balsamic vinegar in Spilamberto in the morning, Modena's old town in the afternoon.
Spilamberto is considered the home of Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Modena. At the Consorteria and in private acetaie, you'll learn how the must matures over decades in ever-smaller barrels. The tasting reveals the difference between young balsamics and those aged over 25 years.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
The Romanesque cathedral with its Ghirlandina tower is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and defines the Piazza Grande. Right next door is the Mercato Albinelli, ideal for a first taste of Modena's fine food scene.
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A holiday flat near the Piazza Grande as your base for Modena and the trip to Maranello. From here, the market, the cathedral and the best trattorias are all within walking distance.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
Engines and indulgence
Ferrari in the morning, market and a long meal in the afternoon.
The official Ferrari museum in Maranello displays legendary racing cars, Formula 1 machines and the history of the brand. Even if you're not a motorsport fan, you'll feel the fascination of Italian engineering here.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
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Modena's historic covered market is full of stalls selling cheese, cured meats, pasta and seasonal fruit. At harvest time, you'll find fresh grapes, pumpkin and truffles here for a late lunch at the small food stalls.
La Grassa - the Fat One
Short drive, then explore Bologna entirely on foot.
The heart of Bologna, with the Palazzo d'Accursio, the Neptune fountain and the unfinished façade of San Petronio. From here run the famous portici, the covered colonnades that form part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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In the Quadrilatero market district, delicatessens, cheese shops and small osterias line up side by side. At aperitivo time, Via Pescherie Vecchie fills up with plates of mortadella and glasses of Pignoletto.
A centrally located holiday flat as your base for Bologna and the day trip to Ravenna. From here, you can walk to the towers, the university and the best trattorias.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
Byzantine gold
Day trip to Ravenna, back in Bologna by evening.
San Vitale houses some of the finest Byzantine mosaics in the world, including the famous depictions of Emperor Justinian and Theodora. The gold shimmers even on grey autumn days.
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The small mausoleum surprises with a deep-blue starry sky made of mosaic tiles. It sits right next to San Vitale and is included in the combined ticket for the mosaic sites.
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Homeward journey over the Alps
The longest driving day of the trip; start early and plan at least two breaks.
Long leg — plan in some breaks.
Return to your starting point. This brings your culinary tour through Emilia-Romagna to a close.
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