Pine forests, lagoons, rivers, dunes, flooded forests, wetlands, birdwatching itineraries, fishing huts, protected areas rich in fauna and unique stories.

Here are some charming itineraries from which you can start your discovery.

Note: all the areas included in these itineraries are part of the Emilia-Romagna Po Delta Park.

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.

From the Castle of Canossa to the Castle of Rossena, from Vigoleno, passing through Torrechiara and Sala Baganza, the great ladies of distant times become ideal guides for an original itinerary of arms and love.

Just choose where to start, then the move will always be the right one: the cities of Parma, Piacenza and Reggio Emilia take children and young people by the hand to discover exciting adventures.

Here is an itinerary to have an unforgettable experience, among abbeys, parishes and cathedrals that have a long story to tell.

Here there are several protected areas such as the system of the Regional Parks of Central Emilia and the National Park of the Tuscan Emilian Apennines.

Get ready for an unforgettable adventure among mountains, medieval villages and gastronomic delicacies.

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 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 to continue discovering the 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, an ancient pilgrimage route.

This two day itinerary 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 lodges 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 cool at high altitudes. 
• Other itineraries, to stay longer in this area 

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 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.

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. 

This passion is something that goes beyond the simple pairing Parma-Giuseppe Verdi, because it is visible in the variety of events and buildings dedicated to music: the Auditorium Paganini, the House of Music, the Birthplace and Museum Arturo Toscanini, the House of Sound and last but not least the Regio theatre, a structure that Marie Louise of Austria wanted and opened in 1829, remaining one of the most renowned theatres in the world.

It works by going in front of one of the statues included in the tour and featured on the map, where you can get a telephone call by the character portrayed, and the statues will tell you their story in about 2-3 minutes. 

You can choose to listen to the telephone call in three different ways

• you can dial the number
• scan the QR code located on the panel near the statue 
• or download the app. 
  
  English is also available.

Useful info

A journey into time, an itinerary among 16 statues in the squares of Parma, the map is available on the website of the Talking teens.

The contemporary artists are Oscar Accorsi, Mirta Carroli, Danilo Cassano, Graziano Pompili, Giovanni Sala, Candida Ferrari, Lorella Salvagni, Alberto Vettori and Alberto Timossi.

Technical info

The itinerary is about 7 km long and it is accessible walking or by bike.

You can meet the beauty of the “petite capital”, learn about its history and taste its good food: among squares, parks, museums and churches, all without obstacles.

This itinerary includes the main places of the city thanks to the indications of Parma@ccessibile

Technical notes

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

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

A digital guide is available for cyclists, the Food Valley Bike App, for the details of the itinerary divided in two parts: the Pasta Route and the Salami route.

Technical notes

• Ring itinerary 74 km long.
• Total height difference of about 339m. 

For further information you can contact the FIAB Parma association.

One of the best ways to get to know this area better is certainly by riding a motorcycle, starting from the picturesque town of Borgo Val di Taro, the capital of the porcini mushroom PGI.

This area is a land to be explored "at a slow pace", immersed in the colors of nature and the scents of the menus of local restaurants, to discover a corner of the Apennines that offers the best of itself in autumn.

The route winds through churches, museums and frescoes, touching the symbolic places of the ducal city: from the Church of San Giovanni Evangelista to the Duomo, from the Camera di San Paolo to the National Gallery, up to the Basilica della Steccata but there is also an unmissable stop in Fontanellato, where the Rocca Sanvitale preserves precious works of art.

Each stage is a journey into the splendor of Italian art between the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. The paintings blend with the architecture, creating an immersive and exciting experience.

A perfect itinerary for those who love art, history and the timeless elegance of one of the most refined cities on the Peninsula.

Useful info

The itinerary can be done on foot or by bike for the part in the city, while to reach Fontanellato (the last stop with the Sanvitale Stronghold with frescos by Parmigianino) it is necessary to go by car or by TEP public bus.

To know 

The route in the center can be done on foot, or even by bicycle. 
Among the places in the city, you can only visit the interior of the Palazzo delle Poste - Post Office Palace according to the opening hours of the post office.  

From the Middle Ages to today, the city has always been linked to the world of literature, thanks to authors such as Salimbene de Adam, Petrarca, Renzo Pezzani, Luigi Malerba and Giovannino Guareschi.

“In the heart of Parma there is a stage”: this is what Alberto Bevilacqua loved to repeat about his hometown, an inexhaustible source for his literary and cinematographic production. In fact, many books by this multifaceted artist (author of novels, poet, director) are set in Parma.

To know

A literary itinerary suitable for everyone, which takes place partly in the city center and partly in the province, in the fascinating "small world" of the Parma  plains area.

The creations in Parma by the government of Marie Louise were many, but the main architectural work is the Ducal Theater begun in 1821 and completed in 1829. And then, she transformed the Ducal Garden into a public park, and began, between 1838 and 1840, the restoration work of the Ducal Palace.

Useful info

• The itinerary we propose is suitable for everyone and can be followed all year long.
• It takes place mainly in the historic center of the city, but also includes places just outside the city such as Colorno and the Carrega Park, for a relaxing walk. While Colorno is reachable also by bus or train, Carrega park is reachable only by car.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 rental services you can ask to the local Tourist Office.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Curiosities

• Piazza della Libertà has served as the film set for many movies, including Il presidente del Borgo Rosso futball club, L’Agnese va a Morire, La neve nel bicchiere, Il Passator Cortese and Agata e la tempesta, to name but a few.
• A "cinematic" corner in the Ecomuseo delle erbe palustri is dedicated to the actor Ivano Marescotti, a native of Villanova di Bagnacavallo.

Recommended time of year
Weekends from April to October

Tip
If you’re a history and nature enthusiast, your exploration of Bassa Romagna can continue with these itineraries dedicated to:
  • Fortresses and towers in Bassa Romagna 
  • Pievi (Parish churches) in Bassa Romagna 
  • Walking in nature in Bassa Romagna 
  • Landscape memory in Bassa Romagna
  • Ravenna in Byron's footsteps