Tips

• The best seasons to explore the Big Benches are spring and fall, thanks to the generally more favorable weather conditions and the beautiful colors of the landscape.
• The benches are located on hills and in secluded spots, yet close to some of the province’s most important villages and castles. With just a short detour, you can discover: the village of Grazzano Visconti, Gropparello Castle, the fairy-tale village of I Bersani, Vigolo Marchese, Castell’Arquato, and Vigoleno. 

Useful Information

• The route is suitable for those traveling by car, motorcycle, or RV and can be completed in one or more days.
• To find Big Bench passport retailers and locations where you can get your passport stamped, consult the list available on the official website. 

Along this three-stop tour, you’ll discover the most characteristic spas in the area, from the historical Terme di Castel San Pietro complex to the acclaimed Terme di Porretta centre and the beautiful Terme della Salvarola spa.

From the sulphur springs of the Apennine mountains to the wellness centres nestled in the hills of Modena, this route alternates time for pampering and spa treatments with opportunities to enjoy nature, for a boost that combines health and pleasure. 

It is also a great choice for couples wanting to wind down together, sharing an experience that blends wellness and reinvigoration.

This itinerary passes through some of Salsomaggiore's most evocative places: from the Palazzo dei Congressi to the large urban parks, to the Gavinell Botanical Garden, on the first hills surrounding the city.

A route suitable for everyone, ideal to experience on foot at a leisurely pace, alternating nature, art and glimpses of timeless charm.

Tip

From spring to autumn, each season offers different colors and atmospheres:

• Spring: the blooms of the flower beds and the awakening of the 100 botanical species in Mazzini Park.
  Summer: natural coolness offered by the centuries-old trees in the lively evenings near the Palazzo dei Congressi.
  Fall: the extraordinary foliage that inflames the parks with golden and red hues, making the statues even more dramatic and fascinating.

Useful info

The route is mostly in a flat area, with slight inclines, and does not require technical clothing.

This itinerary will guide you through the best spots to capture, whether you're a professional photographer, a social media enthusiast, or a simple traveler with a passion for the lens.

Camera in hand and off we go: let yourself be inspired by the many faces of Reggio Emilia and get ready to capture the city in every detail!

Tips

If you have more time, you can extend your photography tour by visiting:

• Piazza Prampolini, the historic heart of the city
• Reggio Emilia Cathedral (il Duomo)
• Parco del Popolo, perfect for nature photography

These stops allow you to expand your visit and discover other characteristic views of the historic center.

Useful info

• Getting around: the historic center of Reggio Emilia is easily explored on foot.
• Best time to visit: the ideal periods for photography are spring and autumn, when the light is softer and temperatures are mild.
• Special Events: during the Fotografia Europea festival, many locations along this itinerary host temporary exhibitions and installations.

You will feel as though you’re travelling through the past, discovering the glory of castles, fortresses, strongholds, palaces and manors, and letting your imagination run wild to a time when this part of Via Emilia was still very far from being driven on by motor vehicles.

Here are some tips to get your bearings!

What is certain is that Hemingway did actually cross this valley in 1945 as a journalist following a motorcade of Liberation troops and was struck by the beauty of the river, furrowing its way down the green slopes and flowing off into the distance towards the sea.

This itinerary will introduce you to one of the most surprising sceneries in Emilia-Romagna, nestled amongst the green Piacentine Apennines. 

This itinerary, in fact, will take you on a discovery of the magic that people from Piacenza, Parma and Reggio Emilia are able to craft with fresh pasta, as well as with butter, ricotta, and Parmesan cheese.

From East to West or from West to East, it doesn't matter. The provinces of Piacenza, Parma and Reggio Emilia sit in succession, so the starting point is not important. What really counts is plunging headfirst into a realm where traditional recipes are rooted in old widespread cuisine that still wins over hearts and stomachs hundreds of years later.

Emilia has been the silent protagonist of many films by Bernardo Bertolucci, one of the most visionary directors of Italian cinema. This itinerary is a true journey into the heart of his cinema, discovering the locations that served as the backdrop of his films, including cities of art, castles and river landscapes.

From the alleyways of Parma, immortalised in Prima della Rivoluzione, to the atmospheres of the Bassa Parmense of Novecento, to the villages and historical residences of the Val d'Arda and Bassa Reggiana, this itinerary is a tribute to one of the greatest narrators in images of our era.

The itinerary develops over 3 days, crossing the provinces of Parma, Piacenza and Reggio Emilia.

Along the route, do not miss the opportunity to taste the typical products of the area: from Salumi to Parmigiano Reggiano, from traditional first courses to local wines, each stop offers unique specialities that will enrich your experience.

Given the nature of the itinerary, which touches inland areas, it is advisable to travel by your own means of transport for greater flexibility and to optimise travel time. If you prefer to use public transport, keep in mind that some places may take longer to reach and you may need to plan a longer itinerary.

This two-day itinerary guides us through some of the most significant sets of his films, from I pugni in tasca (1965) to Sorelle mai (2010), from Rapito (2023) to Vacanze in Val Trebbia (1980), revealing the visual and symbolic power of the places chosen by the director: the Trebbia Valley, Bobbio, Piacenza and Roccabianca.

Amidst Romanesque architecture, legendary bridges, hilly landscapes and small provincial squares, the tour is also an opportunity to sample the rich gastronomy of Emilia: Piacenza's salumi, local wines, tortelli and Prosciutto di Parma will accompany the film experience with authentic flavours.

A perfect experience for couples and art and culture enthusiasts, combining cinema, history and beauty in a journey into the heart of the less touristy and more authentic Emilia.

Its welcoming beaches, breathtaking views and wide range of pet-friendly activities make this destination on the Adriatic coast a unique experience for you and your faithful companion.

The new waterfronts offer fantastic walks with sea views, away from traffic, while numerous bathing establishments welcome furry friends with dedicated services and specially equipped spaces. Finally, the hinterland, rich in natural beauty, trails and dog-friendly villages, is waiting to be explored.

We read this geographical definition in medieval documents, linked to noble families of knights, of Lombard origin, which formed the feudal system linked to the Canossa family, protagonist of Italian and European history in the Middle Ages.

We are between the provinces of Parma and Reggio Emilia, in the National Park of the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines , in places far from mass tourism, which conceal an atmosphere and landscapes to be discovered: fortified villages with stone tower-houses, unspoilt nature, meadows where sheep and cows graze.

There are many small villages to visit throughout the valley, with a long history, from which it is also possible to abandon the car and enjoy nature walking along one of the marked trails in the area.

There are also two regional hiking trails: the Ducati Trail on the Reggio side (divided in stages to be done hiking but also in mtb) and the Via dei Linari on the Parma side of the Enza valley. 

We follow here by car the villages located along on the Ducati Trail.

To get to know the richness of this heritage, an idea is to visit the Food Museums, a circuit of eight museums dedicated to the excellent food products of the Parma area.

The museums are ideal stops on a food and wine itinerary in that part of Emilia which has always been synonymous with culinary excellence and quality and offer a fascinating journey through the secrets of local cuisine.

The route can be easily traveled by car and/or camper and lends itself to various stops, such as parish churches and castles, art locations and natural parks.

Tips

• It is important to remember that the Food Museums are only open on Saturdays and Sundays, from March to the first weekend of December. 
• Due to the limited opening times of the museum, visiting only some stops is recommended. 

Useful info
If you are traveling by camper van, to better organize your itinerary, consult the list of camper areas in the Parma area.

Technical notes

• The distance is 76 km
• The difference in height of 471 mt.

The details of the itinerary is on the webiste of Tourer and for further information you can contact the FIAB Parma association.

The itinerary foresees spending the morning among the churches in the center, dedicating the intermediate hours to a bike ride along the walls and continuing in the afternoon on the embankments, concluding with a visit to Santa Maria di Campagna at the edge of the walls.

Tips

For those who wish to explore the city in greater depth, the proposed itinerary can be extended with the following themed routes:

• a day spent looking up to admire the most evocative domes and frescoes in the city, also known as the “city of 100 churches”. You can also extend your stay in Piacenza and its surroundings by visiting the domes in Emilia.
• search for places commemorating the Great War among monuments commissioned from renowned artists and architects of the time. 

Palazzo Farnese collections boast 

• the well known Etruscan Liver, a model of a sheep liver made of bronze, connected to the use by haruspices to foresee the future.
• In the City Art Gallery the masterpiece is the Tondo made by Botticelli, a representation of the Virgin worshiping Baby Jesus, in the presence of the young John the Baptist.

At Galleria d’Arte Moderna Ricci Oddi not to be missed are: 

• Ecce Puer by Medardo Rosso, an instant of life fixed in wax
• Portait of a lady by Gustav Klimt, stolen during the Nineties and returned to the city in December 2019. This work belongs to the latest period of Klimt’s life, but it was painted on a previous portrait known as Backfisch, painted in the 1910s.

Collegio Alberoni, in the most intimate rooms of the Cardinal’s apartment, hosts 

• Ecce Homo by Antonello da Messina, an artwork from 1473-75 which shows all the mastery and maturity of the artist.
• Madonna della fontana e Bicchiere con fiori entro una nicchia, (Madonna of the Fountain and Glass with Flowers in a Niche), diptych by Flemish artist Jan Provost.

Discover the beauty of Romagna in a camper: from the Adriatic coast to the Apennine valleys, a journey through nature, culture and tradition.

Camping is not only a passion, but a real, living culture. For anyone who loves holidays free from constraints and limits, this means of transport guarantees absolute freedom, allowing you to build a holiday made for you, mile by mile.

The options for camper travel are countless and this includes Romagna, where the numerous rest areas that the territory offers and the various possibilities to park up and sleep surrounded by nature make it possible to enjoy the experience to its fullest.

For the visually impaired, the central railway station is connected to the town centre with tactile paths, surfaces with reliefs especially created to be felt by foot.

In Reggio Emilia it is possible to present the Disability Card for access to public or private goods and services for the disabled. The Card is a passport-sized document, similar to an identity card, and replaces paper certificates and reports.

This motorcycle route follows in the footsteps of Matilda of Canossa, a central figure of the European Middle Ages, crossing hills and valleys rich in castles and historic villages.

Between scenic curves, climbs and flowing sections, the route combines the pleasure of riding with the discovery of the territory, far from crowded places.

Technical info

Suitable for experienced motorcyclists: route on paved roads with winding and scenic sections.

Tips

• Spring and autumn are the best times to enjoy ideal colors and temperatures.
• Possibility to combine the route with local gastronomic experiences, such as tastings of typical products.
• The stay can be extended tocontinue discovering the area.

This itinerary of two days takes place in the Ozola Valley, in the Tuscan-Emilian Apennine National Park not far from the border with Liguria and Tuscany.

The route between Ligonchio and the apennine ridge, starts from 1000m of altitude,  alternates excursions into the woods, stops in the refuges and open views, offering a relaxing and rejuvenating experience, perfect for escaping from the summer heat.

Without forgetting the tasty breaks based on recipes and with traditional Km 0 ingredients ;-) 

Useful info

Hiking paths suitable for different levels, with the possibility of choosing between short walks and more difficult excursions.

Tips

• Bringing layered clothing: even in summer temperatures can be coll at high altitude. 
• Other itineraries, to stay longer in this area 

This two-day itinerary traverses the mid-Apennines among scenic villages and outdoor trails, offering experiences suitable for four-legged friends.

Between walks, nature stops and iconic sites such as the Pietra di Bismantova, the trip allows for a relaxed and shared experience of the area, not to mention great local food!

To know

• Routes suitable for everyone with a choice of short or more challenging itineraries.
• It is good to inquire before leaving because in some places animals are welcome but on a leash.

Tips

• Ideal in spring, summer and early fall.
• If you extend your stay, you can also consider walking a section of the Via Matildica del Volto Santo, anancient pilgrimage route.

The history of the town of Reggio Emilia is strictly linked to the history of the Este family: a complex and often conflictual relationship, which ended in 1797 with the birth of the First Tricolour Flag, symbol of emancipation from the despotic ducal dominion. 

In order to discover the places of Este in the Reggio Emilia area we invite you to follow the stages of this tour: starting from the ancient citadel, symbol of the ducal power, we will get to know the characters linked to the town of Reggio Emilia and, following the historical events linked to the ancient branch of the Este family, we will visit ancient parks and paths that will lead us out into the countryside.

Useful Info

The itinerary can be traveled on foot or by bicycle, to appreciate the gradual transition from the city to nature

The tour includes some stops to taste local food and wine specialties and visit the many locations along the route.

The path, which winds through breathtaking landscapes (Bismantua Rock, Carpineti Castle, Monte Cusna and Monte Prado, San Pellegrino Hospice), gives visitors the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of Italian nature.

Overall, it is a "low" and "medium" mountain route, approximately 125 km long, with an overall altitude difference of around 5,000 metres which can be fully covered in 8 walking days.

The tour crosses all the vegetation types of the Reggio Emilia Apennines, starting from the town of Reggio Emilia to the town of San Pellegrino in Alpe, the highest in the entire Apennine range.

However, not all stages have the same level of difficulty. It is necessary, in fact, to make a distinction between the first six - low and medium difficulty - compared to the last two, in the ridge strip, which in winter are only accessible by expert hikers.

The best seasons to cover this tour are spring and autumn, when nature offers evocative shows thanks to its warm and enveloping colours.

This tour will focus on the first stage which leads from the town centre of Reggio Emilia to Ventoso di Scandiano.

Useful Info

• Bicycle and pedestrian route
• Excellent combination of indoor and outdoor activities, also ideal for families and art and nature enthusiasts
• Equip yourself with binoculars for wildlife observation
• Bring water and a hat for sunny days, as the trail passes through open, hilly spaces

Whether you are a history enthusiast, a nature lover or a photographer looking for the best shots, this 24-hour itinerary offers you a chance to dive into the beauty of the coastal landscape, discovering hidden corners and spectacular scenic spots that provide moments of authentic beauty and spectacular views that you will always remember.

This day tour leads to the discovery of the wall art of the Rimini Riviera in 3 different towns.

It starts from a seaside town, Bellaria, continues south to arrive at the Hamlet of San Giuliano, largely devoted to the genius of Fellini, and then ends up in the hills, in Saludecio, a hamlet fully registered in the Italian Association of Painted Villages.

This charming town, located in the heart of Emilia-Romagna, is renowned for its hospitality and the warmth of its inhabitants, and the same is true for your furry friends, too.

Reggio Emilia is very welcoming for animal lovers: among art, museums, walks in the countryside and relaxation, the town offers several pet-friendly activities and services.

It is still possible to admire the traces of this past in places, symbols and artworks in the Reggio Emilia province. From the partisan paths in the Apennines to the street-art works, following this route we will make you relive the salient facts of Italian history.

In addition to the three best-known products, protected by the PDO brand, such as Reggio Emilia Traditional Balsamic Vinegar, Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and Lambrusco wine, is a long list of foods that give us authentic flavours, high quality products and delicious dishes.

In the Reggio Emilia Lowland, for example, the rice (Arborio and Carnaroli) produced in the area between the towns of Rolo, Novellara and the areas near the Po river are to be mentioned; the Reggio Emilia Watermelon from Novellara with a high sugar content, and the Borettana Onion, a De.Co product from Boretto.

In the Apennine area, the chestnuts of the centuries-old woods around the town of Carpineti, the porcini mushrooms and the prized white truffles of the Viano district are particularly renowned.

Therefore, having a food trip in the Reggio Emilia province is an unforgettable experience in the heart of Emilia-Romagna, through authentic flavours and ancient traditions.

With the arrival of the Este family, this territory was embellished with numerous tower-houses and then with historic villas such as Villa Sidoli-Rossi, Villa Arnò and Villa Tarabini. The latter houses the municipal Acetaia (vinegar factory) in the attic. Albinea has a rich cultural offering all year long and numerous itineraries, and is a privileged location for those seeking respite from the nearby town of Reggio Emilia in the summer. 

The three cycling routes that we suggest can be downloaded from the free app "Sentieri Appennino".

If these three routes are of interest to you, you can learn more about the Matildic Lands with the dedicated itinerary. 

A city, Ferrara, that has a very tight bond with its past and with its traditions, which can be seen, for instance, in its 20 Historic Shops in town, which, with their furnishings and architectural elements are a living testament to this city's history, culture and local traditions.

This itinerary winds through the streets of Ferrara on the discovery of some of the historic shops, which, with their scents, colours and flavours make this town centre, which is on the Unesco World Heritage List, even more special.

The “small capitals” were so lively and splendid that the town of Reggio Emilia itself attracted the wonderful artists who had already distinguished themselves in these brilliant courts. This is the example of Antonio Allegri, who was called to Reggio Emilia from nearby Correggio to paint the Sacra Notte (Holy Night) intended for the San Prospero Church; from the construction sites of the Scandiano fortress came Nicolò dell'Abate and from Novellara Lelio Orsi, one of the most significant personalities of Italian Mannerism.

With Ferrara lost in 1599, the duchy of the Este was reduced to only Modena and Reggio, and the small lordships fell one by one, victims of the territorial revenge of the Estensi: first Gualtieri (1634), then Correggio (1635), Scandiano (1643) and only much later, in the following century, Novellara. Although their autonomy has long since ended, still today these ancient lordships maintain the mark of their past splendor. 

If you want to change course, if you appreciate good food and the hospitality of the people of the Po Valley, we recommend you to leave the main road and explore the routes of the Reggio Emilia province.

But Reggio Emilia is the town of the Reggio Emilia Approach and will not disappoint! 

Here is a simple tour to spend three days in Reggio Emilia with the whole family.

A unique territory, with an environmental and landscape wealth that few urban centres have. 

A landscape that offers naturalistic views, cycle paths and true gastronomic experiences: are you ready to discover these places of the Reggio Emilia area?

Before starting please download the App Terre di Po in bici (Po Lands by bicycle, iOS version and Android version): you will find the detailed route and the map that may also be referred to offline! For bicycle rent services you can ask to the local Tourist Office.

The tour covers:

• the topic of thermal waters
• history, including the manor house whose origins date back to the Middle Ages
• the spiritual life of the area, featuring the Romanesque church.

Following this path you enter places that still today will take you back to the origins of the land inhabited by "Salsi": 

• the millennial Scipione Castle
• the San Nicomede Parish Church
• the Farnesian Saltworks and the Pumping Station in which, in 1900, the bromine-iodine saltwater was extracted.

Finally you reach the Rio Gardello path and the museum: experiences that immerse you in nature and in the geological and paleontological richness of a unique landscape.

It’s the triumph of the curved, elegant and plant- and floral-inspired line.

Liberty-decò aesthetic taste in Salsomaggiore Terme left its mark not only on the thermal buildings but also on the most prestigious hotels, private houses and many other buildings built in the city until the ’30s. 

The entire city with its signs, railings, gates, balconies, canopies, billboards, and decorative elements of buildings, took inspiration from the plant kingdom, transforming itself into a marvelous “man-made park”, in perfect harmony with the architecture of the town’s parks and gardens and the decorative elements of the flowerbeds.

Tips

• A stroll through the center of Salsomaggiore takes you along nature trails that you can explore in greater depth by following the itinerary “A Day in the Green in Salsomaggiore.”
• For those who love pampering, we recommend spending a few relaxing hours at the Palazzo Berzieri spa to immerse yourself in its beauty and take some time for yourself.

However, only the locals and the habitué of the town are aware of more particular itineraries, such as the Giro della Lucciola, which already from the name, borrowed from that of a historic restaurant now closed, suggests a certain familiarity with the territory.

Must-sees along the way

• Piazza Berzieri, right in front of the legendary spa complex;
• Campo Sportivo Francani, where the slope begins to rise, the plain becomes an uphill climb, and the route leaves the city behind to immerse itself in the hills;
• Marzano, where you reach the top of the hill and enjoy a splendid view that also takes in Contignaco Castle and the Aldighieri Fortress;
• The circular route returns to the town center, passing by the post office building to rejoin the Berzieri road.

Tip

The route is suitable for everyone, provided you wear appropriate sports clothing. The best seasons to explore the route are spring and autumn, when the leaves paint the landscape in warm colors.

This path is 35 km long on the paved street and it runs through the most suggestive places of this territory.

Tip

The road route is accessible year-round, but nature offers its most picturesque landscapes and atmospheric scenes from spring through late fall.

A relaxing walk of about 2 hours (11km), without demanding climbs and descents, which offers a surprise ending. Following the cycle path that starts from the Salsomaggiore station, enters the flat universe of the fields adjacent to the Ghiara watercourse up to the town of Ponte Ghiara.

Tips
Enchanted by the colours of this idyllic setting, you might decide not to head straight back along the railway line, but instead to continue through the little cottages and completely change your plans;

• by venturing into the Stirone Park, where you can spend the rest of the day as suggested in the itinerary “A day in the Stirone and Piacenziano Park”.
• Or by heading to Fidenza. From here, after following a sunny path, you can also choose to return to Salsomaggiore by train.

To know

The park was established in late 2011 through the merger of the Stirone Regional River Park and the Piacenziano Geological Nature Reserve.

The entire park is of extraordinary paleontological importance, thanks to the significant presence of fossil remains from the Tertiary and Quaternary periods, brought to light by erosive processes, which have made it renowned in the international scientific community.

Tip

The best times to plan a visit are spring and fall, avoiding rainy days.

Technical Info

No technical clothing is required, but comfortable and appropriate attire is recommended.

The landscape is dotted with secluded beautiful spots, picturesque villages and wide open spaces set in a verdant green valley: the perfect destination for nature lovers, history enthusiasts and fans of the outdoor lifestyle.

And what better way to enjoy all that the Marecchia has to offer, than a trip in a camper van? Let’s take a closer look at the sights you can find in this enchanting place.

Amid breathtaking landscapes, medieval villages and folk traditions, the ‘Valmarecchia’ will amaze you.

If you are looking to spend 2 days immersed in the passion for speed, heroic anecdotes and creative genius, this is the ideal itinerary for you!
It begins with the discovery of the dream cars that have left an indelible mark on Emilia-Romagna and on the history of engines as a whole.