This important region is strategically situated in the northeastern corner of Italy. It ranges from the west of Italy to the Adriatic coast which marks its eastern boundary with long lines of umbrellas filling splendid beaches. The ancient Vai Emilia traverses the region cutting through cities such as Rimini, Bologna, Modena, and Parma. Its a region rich in history and the lands along the banks of the River Po offer some of Italy's most fertile agricultural land. Its also home to some of the best cuisine that Italy has to offer, with many cities having local specialities such as pumpkin filled pasta in Ferrara. A region that offers something for everyone.
5 things not to miss :
1 Food - So many different options but the most famous products of the region include, Parma Ham and Parmigiano cheese, Balsamic vinegar in Modena and totellini in Bologna.
2 Go to the seaside - If you are in Italy in summer and fancy a break from the sometimes oppressive heat of the cities then you there is no better place for a bit of fun than the Adriatic coast. The biggest resort in Italy is Rimini, but the whole coast is littered with other places such as Milano Marittimo, Riccione and Cattolica.
3 Visit an art city - There are a number of little cities in the region that are full of history and art but dont attract the numbers of tourists that other places do. Ferrara is highly recommeded as perhaps a stop over between Venice and Florence. The city is centred on a splendid pink stone cathedral and an imposing castle with moat that was once the home of the ruling D'Este family.
4 See the mosaics in Ravenna. Once the most important town in the Roman western empire, Ravenna is a surprisingly small place for what was once so powerful a city. Its famed the world over for its magnificent collection of mosaics which are to be found in various locations spread throughout the city but all within walking distance. If you feel inspired you can even enroll in a course to learn how to make mosaics and then take your art work home to impress your friends.
5 Ferrari - Perhaps the most recognisable of all Italian brands, Ferrari has been synonomous with Italian chic for decades. Just outside Modena is Maranello, official home of Ferrari where there is a museum showing the development of the marque as well as housing many of the prizes won and several cars.
