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Emilia: the Food Valley: 4-Day Plan You Can Actually Drive

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The 4-day version for May: every day fits real transit, opening hours and daylight. Prefer more or fewer days? 2-day plan · 3-day plan · 4-day plan · best time to go.

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4
days
115 km
distance
6.4 h
driving
26
curated stops

💡 Good to know for this plan

Day 1 Bologna

5 curated stops
Transit
1h55
Finish
~17:25
Temperature
12.0°C–23.5°C
Rainy days
~9
Daylight
14.6h
09:00
Imola read more map ↗
Explore historic sites and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of this motor-racing town.
50 min · Bologna
11:05
Budrio read more map ↗
Tour a landscape of orchards and visit a 16th-century castle.
50 min · Bologna
12:55
Torre degli Asinelli read more map ↗
Look up at the towering height of this medieval skyscraper, leaning slightly.
50 min · Bologna
open: Daily 09:00-18:00
14:30
Basilica di San Petronio read more map ↗
Admire the vast Gothic architecture and intricate details of this iconic church.
50 min · Bologna
open: M-Sa 09:30-12:30, 14:30-17:30; Su 14:30-17:00
16:35
Marzabotto read more map ↗
Contemplate ancient Etruscan ruins and a poignant WWII massacre memorial.
50 min · Bologna
Overnight here
e.g. I Portici Hotel Bologna · Collegio Universitario S. Tommaso d'Aquino a Bologna
Find a stay → Tours & tickets for the evening →

Day 2 Around Bologna

6 curated stops
Transit
1h39
Finish
~17:20
Temperature
12.0°C–23.5°C
Rainy days
~9
Daylight
14.6h
09:00
Museo Lamborghini read more map ↗
Get up close to legendary luxury sports cars at this iconic museum.
50 min · Bologna
11:05
Palazzo d'Accursio read more map ↗
Visit Bologna's city hall, featuring opulent Renaissance art and a grand staircase.
50 min · Bologna · children under 14 – free
open: Tu-Su 10:00-18:00
12:05
Fontana di Nettuno read more map ↗
Marvel at this grand fountain, a symbol of Bologna, blending art and water.
50 min · Bologna
13:05
Museo Civico Archeologico read more map ↗
Encounter ancient artifacts and mummies in this historic palace turned museum.
50 min · Bologna · €7
open: M, W-F 09:00-18:00, Sa, Su and holidays 10:00-19:00
14:05
Palazzo Re Enzo read more map ↗
Discover medieval history in this impressive palace once housing a royal prisoner.
50 min · Bologna
15:30
Basilica di San Domenico read more map ↗
You will see grand architecture and intricate frescoes inside this historic church.
50 min · Bologna
open: Daily 07:30 to 13:00, 15:30-19:30
16:20
Ristorante Al Pappagallo alpappagallo.it map ↗
Savour a mix of traditional Bolognese and nouvelle cuisine in an exclusive setting.
60 min · Bologna · €60-90 for first and second courses, or tasting menu (price listed 2019)
open: Su–Th 11:00–23:00, F Sa 11:00–02:00
Overnight here
e.g. I Portici Hotel Bologna · Collegio Universitario S. Tommaso d'Aquino a Bologna
Find a stay → Tours & tickets for the evening →

Day 3 Modena & Maranello

6 curated stops
Transit
1h25
Finish
~16:45
Temperature
10.9°C–22.2°C
Rainy days
~9
Daylight
14.6h
09:55
Torre Ghirlandina search map ↗
Feel the height and history as you gaze over the city's iconic symbol.
50 min · Modena & Maranello · €3.00 (also see Cathedral Museums)
open: Su & public holidays from Apr-Oct & 31 Jan, 09:30-12:30, 15:00-19:00. Closed in Aug and on Easter Su
10:55
Modena Cathedral duomodimodena.it map ↗
Admire stunning architecture and explore rich history with an audioguide.
50 min · Modena & Maranello
11:55
Palazzo dei Musei search map ↗
Wander through centuries of art and history housed in an 18th-century building.
50 min · Modena & Maranello
open: Daily 08:00-19:30
12:55
Palazzo Ducale di Modena search map ↗
Explore the former ducal palace, now home to a military academy museum.
50 min · Modena & Maranello
13:55
Palazzo Santa Margherita read more map ↗
The palace displays elegant Neoclassical interiors and art from different eras.
50 min · Modena & Maranello
14:55
Giardini Pubblici search map ↗
Stroll through the serene former gardens of the ducal palace.
50 min · Modena & Maranello
15:45
Antica Pasticceria S. Biagio pasticceriasanbiagio.it map ↗
Indulge in rich chocolate barozzi and sweet rosine pastries here.
60 min · Modena & Maranello
open: M-Sa 09:30-13:00, 15:30-19:30
Overnight here
e.g. Villa Gaidello Bed & Breakfast · Hotel Real Fini Baia Del Re
Find a stay → Tours & tickets for the evening →

Day 4 Parma

6 curated stops
Transit
1h23
Finish
~16:50
Temperature
12.8°C–24.0°C
Rainy days
~11
Daylight
14.6h
09:55
Palazzo della Pilotta complessopilotta.it read more map ↗
Wander through a grand Renaissance complex once home to the Farnese family.
50 min · Parma · Full price €18, 18 to 24 years €2, under 18 free, includes of the museums of the Pilotta Monumental Complex
open: Tuesday to Sunday 09:00-19:00 (last admission 18:00)
10:55
Palazzo di Riserva read more map ↗
Visit a historic palace now housing cultural institutions and post services.
50 min · Parma
11:55
Camera di San Paolo search map ↗
Appreciate rare Renaissance frescoes in this former convent apartment.
50 min · Parma · €8
open: Tu-F 08:30-14:00, Sa 08:30-18:00, Su 08:30-14:00
12:55
Parco Ducale search map ↗
Stroll through a vast park blending 16th-century origins with French garden design.
50 min · Parma
open: Nov-Mar: 07:00-20:00; Apr-Oct: 06:00-24:00
13:55
Ospedale vecchio search map ↗
Discover a rare surviving example of historic hospital architecture turned cultural hub.
50 min · Parma · Free
open: check the opening times of the Historical archive and the Oratory of St. Ilario
15:00
Palazzetto Eucherio San Vitale search map ↗
Feast your eyes on Parmigianino frescoes and painted walls in this Renaissance gem.
50 min · Parma · Free admission
open: Apr-Oct: Sa Su 10:30-13:00, 15:00-18:30
15:50
Trattoria Corrieri search map ↗
Savor regional specialties like torta fritta and prosciutto di Parma.
60 min · Parma

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Every stop is a real, sourced place, but opening hours change, roads close and businesses move. Check anything you're paying for before you book.

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