We’re talking about Marco Simoncelli, whose memory still brings a smile to all his fans. If you have a visceral love of motorcycles, then a day on Romagna’s roads with a roaring engine and a whiff of petrol in the wake of an iconic 58 is right up your alley!

In fact, two researchers have discovered that the scenic spots that inspired these illustrious Renaissance figures for the background of some of their paintings are hidden right in the hills of Montefeltro. This itinerary is an adventure following the footsteps of art and history.

The journey to the two "Renaissance Overlooks" can be traveled by car or motorcycle, depending on which is your preferred means of transportation.

Today, the Malatesta and Montefeltro itinerary passes through the lands disputed between Sigismondo Pandolfo Malatesta, lord of Rimini, and Federico da Montefeltro, Duke of Urbino, during the Middle Ages and Renaissance.

The fortresses and fortified hamlets that you will come across in this area reveal the turbulent past of these two noble families destined to a life-long rivalry in which all the most powerful families of the peninsula took a side. 

Nowadays, the beneficial and antioxidant properties are the subject of continuous studies and in-depth analysis, but its effect on good humour and conviviality is indisputable.

Could this be the secret behind the renowned Romagna hospitality?
This is an itinerary that takes you to three places where welcome and wine come together! 

This two-day itinerary winds through cities and the countryside, taking you past factories, museums, squares, and villages that tell stories of labor, culture, and civic engagement.

The 20th century in Reggio Emilia was an intense one: major industrial transformations, the emergence of workers’ and peasants’ movements, the partisan Resistance during World War II, and a strong cultural and political identity that left a deep imprint on the region.
Many of the sites visited have now become cultural spaces, museums, and memorial centers: former factories are now hubs for innovation and research, farmhouses tell the story of the struggle for freedom, and the small villages of the plain preserve atmospheres that have inspired cinema, literature, and art.

Over the course of these 48 hours, you’ll explore some of the most iconic sites: from the Officine Reggiane—a symbol of industrial and labor history—to the Cervi Museum in the countryside of Gattatico, and on to the villages of the Bassa Reggiana, which have served as the backdrop for famous films and stories of popular culture.

This journey is not only historical but also emotional: a journey that helps you better understand the identity of this region and its contribution to 20th-century Italian history.

Useful Info

• The itinerary spans Reggio Emilia and the surrounding towns in the province, so traveling by car is recommended.
• Many museums are closed on Mondays: it’s always a good idea to check the hours before your visit.
• The best times to visit are spring and fall, when the weather is ideal for exploring even the small towns of the Reggio Emilia plain.

If you have more time, you can continue your journey by visiting:

• Reggio Emilia – Sala del Tricolore, where the Italian flag was born
• Museo del Tricolore, dedicated to the history of the Unification of Italy
• Chiostri di San Pietro, now a cultural center and venue for exhibitions and events

These sites offer a deeper insight into the region’s civic and cultural history.

To know

Spring and early autumn are perfect for enjoying the parks, cycling, and experiencing the city outdoors, amidst pleasant temperatures and bright colours. 
In summer, on the other hand, you can alternate museum visits - a great way to cool off - with afternoons spent in the shade of trees and parks.

This itinerary is designed for young explorers eager to discover the city through creativity, play, nature and imagination.
But it is not the only adventure available!
Check out “Reggio Emilia for Families” as well, and choose the itinerary that best suits your family!

Possible suggestions

Do your little adventurers have energy to burn?
Or would you like to customize the itinerary by choosing only a few stops?
Here are a few extra stops to add to your travel journal:

• The Otello Sarzi Puppet House - step into the magical world of puppet theatre and discover traditional characters, marionettes, and stories.
• The secrets of Parmigiano Reggiano - visit a real dairy to discover how milk is transformed into our region’s most famous “yellow gold.”
• A walk in the Vezzano pine grove - immerse yourself in the scent of pine trees and enjoy a relaxing break in nature.
• A day at an educational farm - become a “farmer for a day,” meet the animals and discover life in the Reggio Emilia countryside.

What awaits fans of two and four wheels is a dip in the cult of engines that enlivens the territory between Parma, Piacenza and Reggio Emilia.

A real full-throttle journey that starts from the prestigious car collections to get to know the historic cars and that concentration of technology and design that are modern racing cars.

To find out more about restaurants, producers, accommodations, and other services, please visit the food and wine network at the website of Emilia Tourism Destination.

Technical notes

This route is ideal for bike-discovering enthusiasts, experienced cycle tourists or those seeking slow yet physically active tourism amidst hills and vineyards.

Tips for nature lovers

• Three days in nature in the woods of Romagna
• Out and about with Fido in the Casentino Forest Park 

You will cross centuries of history without spending a euro, immersing yourself in a journey that will let you discover Renaissance, Baroque, contemporary and even archaeological masterpieces.

Accessible, free and ready to be experienced by all: beauty in Emilia is priceless, offering a unique experience to those who visit these lands. Ready to embark on a journey of art and culture... at zero cost?

This itinerary is also particularly suitable for those travelling by train: the three main cities are in fact connected by the Milan-Bologna railway line and most of the attractions are located in the historic centres, which can be easily reached from the railway stations with short walks or by using urban public transport.

The itinerary includes all the free sights of the three cities, but to complete it in the 72 hours indicated you will need to make choices according to your preferences. Alternatively, you can extend your stay or plan a second trip to fully enjoy all the wonders Emilia has to offer for free.

Discover the stages of this extraordinary journey through contemporary art in Emilia, in the territory of Parma, Piacenza and Reggio Emilia.

Known throughout the world for excellences such as Parmigiano Reggiano, Prosciutto di Parma and the wines of the its hills, the city is the beating heart of the Food Valley.

This itinerary – to be covered on foot or by bicycle – leads to the discovery of the places where food has left its traces in the stone, in museums, markets and even in churches.

You will discover ancient markets under the arcades, medieval bas-reliefs depicting the processing of meat, precious dishes on the ducal tables, and historical reconstructions that bring the elegance of the Po Valley table back to life.

A short but intense route, ideal for couples or curious travelers, which combines the taste of discovery with the pleasure of good food. At each stop, a taste of history and flavor accompanies you in the heart of the world. 

Extra tip

To learn more about the deep link between Parma and its gastronomic tradition, we recommend that you spend a few days discovering the Food Museums, the circuit of thematic museums distributed in the surrounding area. Ideal for adults and children, they represent a fun and educational experience among typical products, history and culture of taste.

The itinerary is also perfect for those traveling by camper, or for those who love to explore by bike.

The historic center of Ferrara was listed by UNESCO in 1995 as a "superb example of a Renaissance city that has retained its historic center intact, expressing urban planning principles that had a profound influence on the development of town planning in subsequent centuries." Four years later, this recognition was extended to the Po Delta, "an exceptional planned cultural landscape that has retained its original form remarkably well", and the Delizie, as "the residences of the Dukes of Este in the Po Delta exceptionally illustrate the impact of Renaissance culture on the natural landscape."

The Este Residences, also known as the Delizie, numbered over 50 across the city and rural areas of Ferrara. They formed a network of decentralized government sites with a strategic role in land reclamation but also served as places for relaxation and hunting in the vast Ferrara countryside. Today, many of the "Delights" have been destroyed, others are no longer accessible, but those that remain intact continue to amaze visitors with their magnificence, whether isolated in the countryside or within urban centers.

Let's explore some of them!

Curiosity
The site ‘Ferrara, City of the Renaissance and its Po Delta’ covers an area of 46,712 hectares, whilst the buffer zone extends over a total of 117,649 hectares! To find out more, visit the new website, which features stunning videos, in-depth articles and plenty of useful information.

This is because between the second century BC and the imperial era, the cities of Mutina (Modena) and Bononia (Bologna) became two of the most important Roman colonies in northern Italy. 

Together with the famous Via Aemilia, these cities have maintained an extraordinary archaeological heritage down through the centuries, still visible today in the form of mosaics, necropolises, ancient streets, museums and re-enactments.

This 72-hour itinerary allows you to explore the most evocative testimonies of the Roman era in Emilia-Romagna, from one end of the ancient Via Aemilia to the other: starting from Modena with its archaeological parks, museums and necropolis, and ending in Bologna, where the maximum decumanus, the Salaborsa subterranean spaces and the Civic Museum tell the story of Roman power.

The itinerary is suitable for everyone, is easily accessible by car or train, and offers cultural stop-offs and city views in the most vibrant cities in the region.

If you are passionate about history, archaeology or simply want to see the oldest side of Emilia, this trip to Mutina and Bononia is the perfect starting point.

The itinerary is designed to last 72 hours, but it is advisable to consider a possible one-day extension, depending on your pace and interests.

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.

But cloisters are also for those who want to walk with their eyes and feet in architectural jewels, that have hosted authentic dialectical and meditative marathons over the centuries.

After the Malatesta decline, however, the city faced a peculiar yet very brief period of great political importance: Cesena became the capital of the Dukedom of Romagna, under the rule of Cesare Borgia, Duke of Valentinois, son of Alexander the sixth, Pope of Rome.

In 1502, upon the request of Cesare Borgia, Leonardo Da Vinci came to the Romagna region – and therefore to the city of Cesena – as an Architect and General Engineer: the genius from Tuscany was commissioned with drawing updated maps of the cities and towns, and to modernize the ancient fortifications in light of the latest military innovations of those days.

So, in addition to describing everyday and farmers’ items, Leonardo devoted himself to defensive reliefs. He completely drew with remarkable accuracy the city and Fortress walls, designing improvements of southern Fortress walls, the so called “French style walls”.

Nowadays, walking along the city walls is very interesting: they are still well preserved today and correspond to Leonardo’s drawing. The distinctive scorpion-shaped wall perimeter, dating back to the Malatestan age, is like a time travel, amidst medieval towers and gates.

Three ancient city gates still remain today:

• Porta Montanara, near the Fortress, provided an access to the inner walls citadel
• Porta Santi (also called Rome Gate), which corresponds to the “scorpion’s tail”
• Porta Fiume (River or Bridge Gate) was the main access to the city back in the old days. 

Another gate, Porta Cervese (named after the sea town of Cervia, which in fact is in that direction), was replaced by the “Cavour” Barrier in the nineteenth century. There is no trace left of Porta Figarola and Porta Trova.

During the period of papal rule, the streets and buildings were almost deserted and inhabited almost exclusively by “blue cats”: this is how writers and artists described Ferrara a few centuries ago, fuelling the myth of the city of silence.

Useful info
The two art centres of the Po Valley, Ferrara and Cento, are 33 km apart. The journey by car usually takes around 40 minutes, whilst by bus (line 550) it takes around 50 minutes to cover the route.

Tip
If you have more time and are fascinated by literature, you can explore the ‘Ferrara by Ludovico Ariosto’ itinerary in greater depth.

Many are the places dedicated to him, the ones he visited, in which he lived, and the ones that inspired him.

Over time, the city returned to the Supreme Poet that prestige of his presence and work, turning him into the source of inspiration and paying him homage, adding modern traces to his passage.

This one-day itinerary allows you to discover a contemporary Dante, showing all the artistic and cultural fervour this personality still inspires.

His relationship with the city was marked by his meeting with Teresa Gamba Guiccioli, a young noblewoman who became his muse and lover, despite her marriage to the much older Count Alessandro Guiccioli.

Following Teresa, Byron settled in Ravenna in 1819 and lived amid impetuous passions and political fervour, coming close to the Carbonari uprisings supported by Teresa's brother and father. Here, the poet immersed himself in the city's Byzantine beauty, its legendary pine forests and the work of Dante, which he studied with fervour to the point of making a literary alter ego of his own.

It is clear that the city spoke the same language – art, poetry and revolution. 

From the sumptuous halls of Palazzo Guiccioli, now home to the Byron Museum, to the silent paths in the pine forests of Classe and San Vitale, this itinerary will make you follow the footsteps of the great English romantic poet in places that still preserve his spirit, among history, literature and nature. Ready to hit the road?

Entire areas and neighbourhoods show a pronounced student vocation, including the headquarters of the various schools, dormitories, libraries and clubs that shelter the nightlife of the tens of thousands of students who attend the capital of Emilia every year and the Alma Mater's lectures and examinations.

But what remains of this centuries-old university’s history and where are the landmarks that tell its story?

Here are 5 unmissable places to visit in Bologna to fully experience the spirit of the university past and present.

But which ones are open to the public for visits? Here is an itinerary to find out!

Below you will find an itinerary which will let you explore the city centre, visit museums and relax in the city's green spaces alongside your dog.

We’ll set off from Rimini and take the SP258 road known as the Marecchiese and travel through this long valley, which hosts the Marecchia River, whose source is in Tuscany on Mount Zucca, in the Luna Alps, and which flows into the sea in Rimini. 

The landscape is harmonious and attractive with its many contrasts. Green hills and farmlands alternate with unexpected spurs of chalky rock upon which the Malatesta and Montefeltro Lords built their towers and fortresses to control their lands: places from which, today, you can enjoy some extraordinary views of the sea and of the mountains.
The first leg of our route lasts about an hour.

This is more than just a literary itinerary through the land of Romagna, where the exceptional cultural heritage, the history, traditions and landscapes are also places of remembrance.

Each house museum speaks of a piece of the history of this land through the person who lived there or to whom it is dedicated. 

In this itinerary, we recommend you visit a poetic diffused museum, that begins in Riccione and leads to Santarcangelo and Sant’Agata Feltria, before heading to Sogliano al Rubicone and Cervia, through the “common thread” of the fountains connected to him.

The Marecchia Valley is a small piece of land that inspired Tonino and gave life to his literary and poetic universe. He spent the last years of his life in Pennabilli, a small town of 3,000 inhabitants surrounded by woods and hills. 

Today's university area offers plenty of ideas for a scientific and environmental itinerary among the sites of the University of Bologna's Museum System.

Useful info

• See the detailed accessibility information sheets for university museums on the official websites 
• For more information and accessible itineraries in Bologna download the app BOforAll.

There are therefore numerous traces of the Supreme Poet visible throughout the city, in its museums, and in the Aurelio Saffi Civic Library.

Forlì’s Dante itinerary is part of a broader network of routes dedicated to Dante in Emilia-Romagna, featuring places, memories, and traces that tell the story of the deep bond between the poet and this region:

• Dante and the mosaics of Ravenna  
• 24 hours in Ravenna through Dante’s places  
• Contemporary Dante  

This itinerary leads you to discover his works scattered throughout Forlì, Forlimpopoli, and Castrocaro Terme.

For lovers of history and culture, we also recommend the following itineraries in the area:

• Forlì: City of the 20th Century 
• In the Footsteps of Caterina Sforza: An Itinerary to Discover Forlì under the Sforza Family 
• In the Footsteps of Dante in Forlì 

The tour winds its way along the route from Viale della Stazione/Viale della Libertà to Piazzale della Libertà and the central Piazza Saffi.

Tips

If you have more time, you can continue exploring the city with itineraries dedicated to medieval and Renaissance Forlì, paying tribute to the great figures who shaped its history:

• The Lands of Palmezzano
• In the Footsteps of Dante in Forlì
• Forlì, City of Saints and Patron Saints

For those who wish to combine a love of architecture with the need to relax, we also recommend this itinerary: Thermal Baths and Rationalism

Today, for those who venture into the discovery of the Castles of the Duchy of Parma and Piacenza, with detours towards Reggio Emilia manor houses, the solution that allows you to preserve that same sense of freedom, without sacrificing the comfort achieved over the centuries, is called a camper.

Among the great names who have lived in and loved the city, Gioachino Rossini shines bright. This genius of Italian music and melodrama was actually from the Marche region, but forged lifelong ties with Emilia-Romagna and especially Bologna.

This 24-hour urban itinerary is designed for anyone who wants to explore the places where Rossini lived, studied and created. It allows them to retrace the steps of the composer in the city that was both a cradle and stage for him.

The itinerary goes from the Archiginnasio, where he lived with Isabella Colbran, to the G.B. Martini Conservatory, where he took his first steps in music, passing through the theatres, academies and museums that preserve his legacy. The route is suitable for everyone, is easily completed on foot and extols the charm of Bologna’s historic centre.

This journey combining music, history and discovery is designed for Rossini enthusiasts and for those who want to get to know the most harmonious face of Bologna.

Tips

• Since there are so many representative places of the city’s musical creativity, why not continue your journey by including the "Music of Bologna" itinerary ? 
• Also, if you are interested in famous people who have made history in music, go to Modena, where this travel itinerary abounds with exciting new features.

However, it is not only the city that has given birth to or fostered the protagonists of the silver screen: great personalities of the cinema have also drawn inspiration for their masterpieces from the outstanding territory of Bologna.

This itinerary will guide you through the various places linked to film-making in the province of Bologna.

Ravenna offers many possibilities to visitors accompanied by their pets – mainly dogs – that can be hosted in many accommodation facilities, enter museums and points of interest, enjoy the beach with their owners and find areas specifically dedicated to them. 

Ravenna is happy to present a two-day (at least!) totally pet-friendly itinerary.

During the Renaissance, the decoration techniques were refined, reaching their peak during the 16th century, with the Faenza "Whites", with the ceramic works featuring a thick, white brilliant glaze.

Faenza is the City of Ceramics. Museums, exhibitions, experiences, workshops, art residencies, and major events enliven Faenza's cultural program.

To know

Faïence means majolica and thanks to its ancient artistic handicraft ceramic tradition, Faenza has become a UNESCO Creative City. 

Events

Every two years Faenza hosts a renowned international ceramics event, with a rich programme of exhibitions and events.

Argillà Italia - International Ceramics festival and market-fair

Useful Info

• It is always necessary to make arrangements in advance for your visit, as indicated in the related links, since these sites are not staffed daily
• The itinerary is accessible to people with disabilities, with the exception of the Pieve di San Martino in Strada.
• The driving route is available on a map.

For those interested in slow, contemplative tourism, we recommend the following itineraries:

• Forlì: City of Saints and Patron Saints
• Among Parish Churches and Monasteries in Romagna

The itinerary includes visits to fortresses, churches, and museums, as well as a wellness stop at the thermal baths, traveling from Castrocaro and Terra del Sole through Meldola and Bertinoro.

Useful Info
A map of the driving route is available

This is a day trip, but river enthusiasts can easily spread it out over several days to enjoy all the best moments our region has to offer.

Useful Info

A map with driving directionsis available.

Extra travel tips

• From Valley to Valley: A Journey Through the Green Heart of Romagna
• Dante, the Sea, and Nature
• Exploring the Forlì hinterland: a campervan journey through art, nature, and culinary delights

Santa Sofia is truly the perfect retreat for those seeking beauty, tranquility, and wonder!

Useful Info

A map with driving directions is available.

With picturesque landscapes, winding roads and a rich cultural history, the hinterland of Romagna offers a complete experience for two-wheelers, where every kilometre is a joy to the eyes.

The itinerary includes a few stops to sample local food and wine specialities and visit the many places along the route, curve by curve.

Useful Info

Here you’ll find a map with all the driving directions.

Tip

If you have several days to spare, you can also immerse yourself in the culture—as well as the natural surroundings—by following the “A Santa Sofia: Culture and Nature” route.

Traveling through Emilia means immersing oneself in the lives and vicissitudes of these women, who were able to contribute significantly to the formation of the social and cultural fabric of the territories between Parma, Piacenza and Reggio Emilia.

Among the imposing and majestic walls of the Matildic Castles, one encounters the shadow of Matilde of Canossa, a figure of strength and wisdom; among the elegant boulevards and historical palaces of Parma, the figure of Maria Luigia of Austria, a sovereign of great culture and refinement; in the heart of Piacenza, at Palazzo Farnese, one encounters the elegance of Margherita of Austria.

Emilia, the land where the notes of Giuseppe Verdi, Arturo Toscanini, Paganini and other illustrious musicians hover, boasts numerous theatres, some of which can be visited and others open to the public for performances and concerts. 

How many lives and how many stories have been represented on the stage of a theatre: from the Teatro Regio in Parma to the Teatrino del Castello in Vigoleno (PC), to the ancient Teatro Ruggero Ruggeri in Guastalla (RE) and many others.

In three days you can visit many but not all of them, so... start planning a second trip ;-)

This land, steeped in tradition and enveloped in timeless charm, reveals itself through an unparalleled itinerary. Amid the imposing walls of Romanesque churches and the secrets of hidden monasteries, you venture along paths once trodden by pilgrims of old. Following this route, you reach abbeys and sanctuaries nestled among the gentle curves of the hills—places where time seems to expand, leaving room only for contemplation.

A journey suitable for everyone, requiring no specific technical skills and presenting no particular difficulties, offering an immersive experience. Every step is an opportunity to immerse yourself in a unique atmosphere, enveloped by the spirituality and timeless beauty of Romagna.

Forlì’s strategic geographical location makes it an ideal starting point for exploring the Romagna region: Starting from Forlì, it’s easy to reach the rejuvenating thermal baths of Castrocaro, immerse yourself in medieval villages, or venture into the hills dotted with vineyards and olive groves to discover authentic flavors and breathtaking views.

You’ll have the opportunity to explore historic sites, visit museums, enjoy the beauty of nature, and savor the delicious local cuisine.
We’re right on the Wine and Flavors Route: every village has its own local specialty and traditional dish to savor.

An unmissable experience for lovers of road trips!

Useful Info

Here’s the map

Tip

If you have a few extra days, we also recommend these itineraries:

• Forlimpopoli and Bertinoro: A Journey Through Art and Flavor
• Romagna on the Road

From Mantova to Lucca, passing through Reggio Emilia, the route is a slow walk through the history of Matilde di Canossa, the authentic female protagonist of the Middle Ages.

In its Emilian section, the historic route (partly cycleable) passes from the Unesco MAB Po Grande to the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines Unesco MAB reserve, passing Parmigiano Reggiano cheese farms and ancient vinegar cellars, where you can discover the production of Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Reggio Emilia PDO, big protagonist of the Reggio Emilia table together with the celebrated 'erbazzone'.

Curiosity

Via degli Abati is also knows for the sport event "The Abbots' Way", one of the most important ultra-marathons in nature (with only about 10% asphalt)