Our Top Picks for Your Visit to Emilia-Romagna

Looking for a region that is still relatively undiscovered, yet has all that Italy is loved for? Head to Emilia-Romagna, where you will find medieval towns, skilled artistry, incredible food traditions, natural landscapes and first-class hotels.

SEE –Ravenna’s Dazzling Mosaics

When you think of the Roman Empire, the first city that comes to mind is probably Rome, but did you know that Ravenna was, for a short period of time, the capital of the Western Roman Empire? That’s when the small port town on the Adriatic was transformed into a magnificent imperial residence and adorned with dazzling mosaics, which today are part of UNESCO’s World Heritage list for their exceptional preservation of late Roman and Byzantine art. Take a day trip to Ravenna and discover the city’s rich artistic and historic heritage with one of our trusted guides.

The mosaics of Ravenna

TASTE – Traditional Balsamic Vinegar

As Giuseppe Pedroni says, visiting a balsamic vinegar cellar is like entering the home of the Modenese people. Such is the strong bond the Modenesi have for the prized ‘aceto balsamico tradizionale’, which is only produced in the Italian provinces of Modena and Reggio Emilia. You can experience the magic and challenges of this centuries-old tradition when you visit Acetaia Pedroni, which Giuseppe, sixth generation of the Pedroni family, now proudly runs. Make sure to stay for lunch at the adjacent family trattoria, where you can savor local dishes enhanced with the use of balsamic vinegar.

Giuseppe Pedroni, sixth generation of the Pedroni family, makers of the prized traditional balsamic vinegar

WALK – The Portico di San Luca in Bologna

Splurge on tortellini and tagliatelle in Emilia-Romagna’s regional capital of Bologna, then walk it all off along the Portico di San Luca. This quintessential Bolognese walk takes you from the city center to the Baroque Sanctuary of Madonna di San Luca on top of the hill. Along the way, you’ll enjoy gorgeous views of the city’s red roofs and towers, as well as of the magnificent hills, with plenty of trails to explore for hiking enthusiasts. Just ask us to arrange!

The Portico and Sanctuary of San Luca in Bologna

STAY – Grand Hotel Majestic Gia’ Baglioni

Perfectly situated in the heart of the historic center, a short walk from the lively Piazza Maggiore, Grand Hotel Majestic gia’ Baglioni, the only 5-star hotel in town, greets you with impeccable service and luxurious rooms. More than a hotel, this is a place that preserves a centuries-old history intertwined with the history of Bologna itself. As you walk down to breakfast, you can see the remains of an ancient Roman road, testament to the city’s Roman past; the hotel’s restaurant is adorned with Renaissance frescoes by the Carracci brothers, the city’s most famous painters; and the lovely Marinetti café hosted early exponents of the Futurist movement. We can help you select the most suitable room for you!