Located in northern Italy, the Emilia-Romagna region is one of the country’s most prosperous and culturally rich areas. Shaped by ancient Roman roots, Renaissance architecture, and a strong food and craft tradition, it offers an exceptional variety of destinations within easy reach of its main cities.

From Bologna, Modena, and Parma, visitors can enjoy a wide range of rewarding day trips—made even easier by an efficient public transport network and short travel times. Whether your interests lie in art, history, shopping, nature, or gastronomy, Emilia-Romagna provides excellent options for exploring beyond the city.

Traveling from Parma

Cinque Terre – “The Five Lands”

Set along the Italian Riviera, the Cinque Terre consists of five historic coastal villages: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. Centuries-old terraced vineyards cling to dramatic cliffs, creating one of Italy’s most iconic landscapes. The atmosphere, seafood cuisine, and scenic walking trails connecting the villages make Cinque Terre a perennial favorite.

Milan

Milan is Italy’s financial and fashion capital and the country’s second-largest city. Alongside its modern energy, it hosts extraordinary cultural landmarks such as the UNESCO-listed Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, home to Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper, as well as world-class shopping and museums.

Fidenza Village – Outlet Shopping

Located just outside Parma, Fidenza Village is a premium outlet destination featuring over 100 designer boutiques. Visitors enjoy a refined shopping environment with year-round discounts on Italian and international brands, all set within elegant open-air surroundings.

Cremona

Situated on the banks of the Po River, Cremona is renowned for its religious architecture and musical heritage. The Cathedral of Cremona showcases outstanding Romanesque-Gothic art, while the city’s connection to violin-making—linked to masters such as Stradivari—continues to define its cultural identity.

Traveling from Bologna and Modena

Bologna and Modena sit at the heart of Emilia-Romagna and serve as excellent bases for cultural exploration. Before venturing further afield, visitors often enjoy discovering the city itself—historic markets, porticoes, museums, and food traditions are well covered in our guide to things to do in Bologna.

Florence

Widely regarded as the birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence offers an unparalleled concentration of art and architecture. Highlights include the Uffizi Gallery, Ponte Vecchio, and Florence Cathedral, all set along the Arno River. Even as a day trip, Florence delivers a deeply rewarding cultural experience.

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Verona

Verona is celebrated for its remarkably preserved Roman and medieval architecture. The Verona Arena, dating back to the 1st century AD, and the Basilica of San Zeno Maggiore are among its most important monuments. The city’s historical integrity has earned it UNESCO World Heritage status.

Barberino Designer Outlet

Designed in a Tuscan Renaissance style, Barberino Designer Outlet offers significant discounts on luxury and lifestyle brands. With reductions often ranging from 30% to 70%, it combines shopping with a pleasant open-air setting near Florence.

Venice

Built across 118 islands within the Venetian Lagoon, Venice remains one of the world’s most distinctive cities. Even as a single-day visit, its canals, historic palaces, art collections, and culinary traditions provide an unforgettable experience.

Mantua

Mantua played an important role in the development of opera and Renaissance culture. Home to artists such as Leon Battista Alberti and Andrea Mantegna, it also hosts the annual Festivaletteratura, one of Italy’s most respected literary events.

Padua

The historic city of Padua is known for its arcaded streets, grand piazzas, and one of Europe’s oldest universities. Founded over 800 years ago, the University of Padua once counted Galileo Galilei among its lecturers.

Ferrara

Encircled by more than 9 km of Renaissance walls, Ferrara is a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its urban planning and architectural harmony. Landmarks such as Castello Estense reflect the city’s importance during the rule of the Este family.

Ravenna

Ravenna is internationally renowned for its early Christian mosaics. Eight monuments—including the Basilica of San Vitale and the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia—are UNESCO-listed and represent some of the finest examples of Byzantine art in Europe.

Lake Garda

Italy’s largest lake, Lake Garda combines natural beauty with historic towns and thermal spas. Sirmione, with its Scaliger Castle and Roman ruins, is among the most popular destinations for visitors seeking relaxation, scenery, and cultural interest.