
Historic harbour at Cesenatico. Copyright Barbaradel
This summer we (my husband, 16 year-old daughter, 12 year-old son and I) are heading to Italy for our family trip – again. We’ve been to Italy for our family holidays more times than we’ve been to any other country. There are many reasons why we go there so often – I’ve written about them here if you’re interested – but in essence it’s because all four of us love it there.
Emilia-Romagna
Despite having travelled widely in Italy there’s one particularly appealing region which none of us have visited: Emilia-Romagna. Millions of tourists pass through Emilia-Romagna as they travel between Venice and Tuscany. But Emilia-Romagna itself is well-worth exploring – it has a rich heritage and is less expensive to visit than its famous neighbours.
I’ll be writing about our trip over the next few months as well as sharing our experiences on my social media channels. Until then, here are some of the things that we plan to do while we’re in Emilia-Romagna. Thank you to the Emilia-Romagna tourist board for their support in arranging this trip:
Parma
The Lonely Planet guide to Italy says of Parma: ‘Stopping here isn’t an option, it’s a duty.’ I’m very dutiful and so we’re spending the first night of our trip in the historic city. I predict that we’ll eat some delicious food there (parmesan cheese and parma ham will feature) and stroll around the cobbled streets sightseeing until the kids can’t take any more and we have to find some more food. Or wifi. Probably both.

Parma – Piazza Duomo. Image courtesy of Emilia Romagna tourism
Parmesan
We’re visiting a parmesan cheese factory to find out how this world-famous cheese is produced, the history behind it and, I hope, to taste some cheese.

Parmesan cheese. Image courtesy of Emiia-Romagna tourism
Bologna
We’re spending a few days in Bologna, a city famous for its rich food, its university (the oldest in the world, dating back to 1088) and its left-wing politics. It sounds like my kind of place and I’ll enjoy exploring the medieval city centre and trying some of its famous dishes. I’m looking forward to going to a university city without having to listen to a talk on entrance requirements or view the student accommodation. We’re going to have a cooking lesson in Bologna, which I think that the kids will particularly enjoy.

Bologna i miei portici. Copyright Francobraso
Ferrari Museum
We’re going to the Ferrari Museum at the Ferrari factory in Maranello, near Modena – and I think that this is the part of the trip that my husband is looking forward to the most. There are Ferrari exhibitions at the museum, you can tour the factory and see the test track.

Ferrari Museum, Maranello. Image courtesy of Emila-Romagna tourism
Agriturismo
We’ll spend some time at an agriturismo for lunch and a swim. Agriturismos are wonderful places which you can find all over Italy. They are farms which serve food which they have produced themselves. Some of them also offer accommodation – like this one where we stayed in Sicily last year.
Coast
We’ll be on the Adriatic coast in the historic town of Cesenatico for a week. Cesenatico has a four-mile long sandy beach and is renowned for its excellent fish restaurants. It also has a canal which was redesigned by Leonardo Da Vinci in 1502.

Beach at Cesnatico. Copyright G. Salvatori
Theme parks
There are various theme parks on and near the coast where we’re staying and so we’ll definitely be checking some of them out. There’s a water park, Atlantica, in Cesenatico so I’m sure we’ll be heading there to cool off. Mirabilandia is a theme park with rides and a water park which looks like fun too.
Recommended guide book
This is the guide book which seems the most helpful for Emilia-Romagna:
Over to you
If you’ve been to Emilia-Romagna do you have any tips for us about things to see and do there? If you haven’t been there, is it the sort of place that you’d like to visit? Is there anything that you’d like us to check out while we’re there?
Disclosure: This post is in association with Expedia. All opinions and words are my own.
What a great place this looks – I have never been to Italy – well except for flying into Naples to fly on to Sicily, I did see the Colosseum from the air which was pretty awesome!! Kaz x
Ickle Pickle recently posted…Fair Tuition with TutorFair
I have never been but we are hoping to book for next year. It looks so beautiful and I love Italian food x
mama syder recently posted…Camp Bestival 2015 Review
This looks amazing! I would love to visit and just soak up the culture, food and wine!
My parents have recently begun to travel properly and want to see more of Italy. I’ll definitely be sharing this post with them. I’ve only ever been to Milan for a city break, but would like to explore the country more.
Laura recently posted…The new Bratz dolls collection
We’re in Bologna now and it’s a fascinating place. I’d definitely recommend it as a place to visit.
It looks like a fab place for a holiday – I hope you have a fabulous time! I havent been to italy in 20 years, would love to go back!
Sonya Cisco recently posted…The Hardy Monument
Italy does seem to tick all the boxes when it comes to holidays, doesn’t it? I have never heard of agrotourismo farms before, sounds very much like our cup of tea!xx
oana79 recently posted…A second day in Istanbul
They’re great and some of them are even quite luxurious.
Oh how jealous am I now! I would love to go to Italy an this post makes me want to go even more 🙂
Helen Gandy recently posted…Cohorted Beauty Box July – Review
Oh wow, I hope you do have a wonderful trip, it sounds as though you will x
Rachel recently posted…Jurlique Rose Silk Finishing Powder
Thank you – I think will!
It looks like a stunning location to visit. I have never been to Italy but would love to visit. I long to go to Pompeii
Kara recently posted…Project 365 2015 – Week 29
Pompeii is an amazing place to visit – but so is most of Italy!
Gretta Schifano recently posted…Children’s books giveaway
wow beautiful pictures! The harbour looks picturesque with all the brightly coloured sails on the boats! I think my hubby would be spending lots of time at the Ferrari museum lol! x
Jess Howliston recently posted…OXO tots products **REVIEW**
My husband is very much looking forward to the Ferrari museum- and I think that I’ll find it interesting too.
Gretta Schifano recently posted…Children’s books giveaway
I relate to your words about going back to the same place for your family holiday, simply because you all love it! I would love to go to Italy, as have never been. Look forward to reading about your trip!
Michelle recently posted…Alone In A Crowd – Project 365 : 2015 – Day 199
Thank you, we’re really looking forward to it.
This looks lovely and I’d love to visit in the future.
Emma recently posted…Schools out!
I’ve seen photos of the Calatrava bridges from a friend who went to the area and they look amazing! like sculpture.
Shobha recently posted…Our Geothermal Bath Tour Around Iceland
I hadn’t heard about those – thank you for the tip, I’ll look out for them.
And hearing all about it too! Just been swimming, completely wiped me out :-0
Charly Dove recently posted…Tennis at San Lucianu Beach Resort
Thanks for commenting!
Oh I just love Italy! You have so many treats in store on your next visit too, it will be amazing. Look forward to seeing all the photos 🙂
Charly Dove recently posted…Tennis at San Lucianu Beach Resort
I’ve not visited that area, but as you say i have passed through travelling between Venice and Milan. We love Italy too and are going to Sorrento this year.
Erica Price recently posted…Adding Window Touches
Have a lovely time in Sorrento, we were there a couple of years ago and really enjoyed it.
Gretta Schifano recently posted…Children’s books giveaway
We have never been to Italy. It is somewhere we really need to visit soon! I can not wait to hear about your trip
Jen aka Muminthemadhouse recently posted…Get the Best Value School Uniform
I haven’t been, but it looks amazing! I would definitely be up for visiting the Parmesan factory,, I love the cheese so would be perfect for me.
Have a wonderful trip!
Erika recently posted…Slow Cooked Beef Salad
Thank you, I’m sure we will!