“Off-the-beaten-track” destinations continue to be popular as travellers aim to beat the crowds with 58 per cent of UK travellers prioritising lesser-known travel destinations – and the picturesque region of Emilia Romagna, neighbour to the tourist hotspot of Tuscany, is a must visit ‘hidden gem’ for history buffs, cultural aficionados and foodies alike.
Luxury Italian travel experts Citalia have recently added the destination to their already expansive portfolio, with booking available throughout 2025. So, why should travellers be looking to Emilia Romagna for their next Italian excursion? Citalia tell us a little more.
The region is the “heart of Italian food”
Often overlooked in favour of its neighbour, Tuscany, Emilia-Romagna is one not to be missed on a foodie’s itinerary. Extending from the Apennine mountains to the Po river in the north, this verdant region is where a lot of Italy’s most well-known produce comes from, including balsamic vinegar from Modena, prosciutto, parmesan cheese and, of course, Bolognese. It’s considered by many to be the heart of Italian food, and it’s commonplace to witness the making of fresh pasta and the tasting of locally made burrata when wandering the historic streets.
Home to Bologna – A must visit for architecture fans
The capital of Emilia Romagna, Bologna, is one of Italy’s most elegant and exciting cities, filled with medieval architecture and is even home to the world’s oldest university. Among the weaving porticoes and medieval towers, you will experience spirited markets and bustling arcades, all in a city that continues to feel vibrant and welcoming long into the evening.
Bologna also holds international acclaim for its food, architecture and automobile design. Whether you are looking to taste the local tortelli al tartufo nero underneath the shadows of the famous Due Torri or for relaxing evenings spent strolling through the Colli district to watch the sun set over the skyline, you will find much to enjoy in this remarkable city.
Experience Italy by rail and take a multi-centre holiday to nearby destinations
From Bologna you can take Italy by rail to nearby towns such as Parma, Modena and Ravena. Nestled in the heart of Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region, Parma is a destination that effortlessly blends rich history, vibrant culture and culinary excellence. Known for its stunning Romanesque buildings, the city is home to the magnificent Parma Cathedral and the intricately designed Baptistery, both of which stand as testaments to Parma’s medieval splendour.
Modena is a breathtaking gem of a city, known for its history culinary delights and contemporary charm. Not only is the city the birthplace of balsamic vinegar, and the home of Ferrari and Lamborghini sports cars, but it is brimming with culture and music – including the Municipal theatre which is the beating heart of operatic tradition. Ravenna on the other hand is known for its Byzantine mosaics and boasts an impressive eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The idyllic countryside is a haven for wine lovers
The picturesque countryside of the Emilia-Romagna region, framed by the gentle slopes of the Apennine Mountains, is a vibrant patchwork of vineyards, olive groves, and ancient villages stretched out across a green landscape. It’s a feast for the senses, offering the perfect blend of natural beauty, culinary excellence, and compelling history, and provides the perfect setting for embracing the outdoors. Whether you’re cycling through scenic paths, hiking between historic villages, or simply enjoying the tranquil views whilst tucking into the region’s iconic produce, you’ll find many activities to embrace the beautiful landscape.
You’ll experience some of Italy’s most glittering coasts
The glittering Emilia-Romagna coast has been Italy’s go-to seaside destination since the 1960s and 1970s. Stretched out along the Adriatic sea, it’s a favourite among beach lovers and attracts Italians as well as European sun-seekers to its sandy shores.
Its best-known resort is Rimini, a big and bold seaside town with nine miles of beaches and a famous entertainment scene. While it has a reputation for vibrant nightlife, there’s another side to Rimini. Its old town is chock-full of Renaissance charm, with plenty of pretty piazzas and clutch of Roman remains well worth seeing – look out for the 1st-century Tiberius Bridge, built during the reign of Augustus.
Smaller Milano Marittima sits a little further up along the coast, offering a mix of cosmopolitan shopping and dining and lots of crowd-pleasing family entertainment. The beaches here are brilliant, with silky golden sands and laid-back bagni (beach clubs) where you can set up for the day.
Heather Green, head of product at Citalia, said: “We are delighted to extend our portfolio to the captivating region of Emilia Romagna – this beautiful region is a haven for foodies, cultural aficionados, and sun catchers alike and we look forward to crafting an authentic Emilia Romagna experience for travellers across the UK.
“We’ve been helping our customers discover the best of Italy for 95 years now, and we look forward to sharing our passion for this beautiful country going into the 96th year. For those looking to book in 2025, our Italy experts are on hand every step of the way to help you create a memorable Christmas in Italy, all you’ve got to do is call!”
