Discover Bologna, Parma, Modena: a spectacular Feast of Art & Taste | May 8-16 2025

Its crops and cows nourished by the fine, dense alluvial soil of the Po Valley, the Emilia region is celebrated as the high temple of Italian gastronomy. The region is renowned for its traditional, simple, and yet deeply flavorful dishes, many of which have become staples worldwide. Emilia is also home to Massimo Bottura, one of Italy’s most renowned and influential chefs, whose Modena restaurant, Osteria Francescana, a “laboratory of ideas”, has sparked a rethink of modern Italian cuisine.

Emilia’s prosperity dates back to the days of the Etruscans, who recognised its strategic importance and agricultural potential long before the rise of Rome. The region’s key cities of Bologna, Parma, and Modena are cultural powerhouses, each with its own rich history and architectural splendour. Bologna is home to the world’s oldest university and the birthplace of ragu alla Bolognese while Parma is renowned for its Parmigiano Reggiano, Prosciutto di Parma and as the hometown of legendary tenor Luciano Pavarotti. Modena is the home of some of the world’s most iconic marques including Ferrari and Maserati, blending history with style and sophistication.

We’ll spend four nights at Rua Frati 28 located in the heart of Modena. This boutique hotel combines modern comforts with the authenticity of the region, situated just a short stroll from the city’s key attractions, including the iconic Modena Cathedral and Piazza Grande. Our next three nights will be spent at the Castello di Viano, a 15th-century hilltop castle offering breathtaking views of the rolling countryside. This rustic retreat is renowned for its serene atmosphere and stunning surroundings, making it the perfect escape into nature. The estate’s food, produced locally and according to the strict principles of biological farming, is a highlight, offering a taste of the region’s flavors in a brilliant setting.

Prepare to be dazzled as we visit the Enzo Ferrari Museum in Modena, a pilgrimage site for car enthusiasts and a testament to the legacy of one of Italy’s most iconic automotive brands. Modena is not only home to Ferrari, but also the birthplace of Maserati and Lamborghini, making it a red-hot hub for automotive passion and innovation. The Enzo Ferrari Museum celebrates the genius of Enzo Ferrari, offering visitors a stunning collection of cars, memorabilia and interactive exhibits that showcase the brand’s evolution from a racing team to a global symbol of luxury and performance. As well as the home of the world’s most beautiful and exotic cars, Modena’s tradition of engineering excellence make it an unmissable destination for those drawn to the world of supercars.

Landmarks such as Parma’s Pilotta Palace, Modena’s Duomo, Bologna’s Piazza Maggiore and the Anatomical Theatre testify to the extraordinary wealth that flowed through these cities during the Middle Ages and Renaissance. That wealth was intellectual as well as economic. Bologna, has been a leading center of learning for more than a millennia, its university attracting scholars from across Europe. Parma and Modena were cultural hubs whose noble families commissioned works of art and architecture that have left lasting legacies. This combination of artistic, scientific, and political energy helped elevate Emilia-Romagna to the heights of cultural influence, and the remnants of this golden age capture the imagination of today’s visitors.

Emilia captivates the senses with its rich blend of artistic heritage, culinary wonders and stunning landscapes. The region’s frescoed palaces and forts, its churches, wineries, vineyards, artisanal cheeses and dark cellars where the alchemy of Balsamic vinegar takes place give it a rounded character that makes it unique even by the high standards that apply in Italy. Emilia is a feast for mind, body and soul.