wanderplant

hi! I am planning a trip to the Italy and planning on a few days in the ER region to explore food & cars. Would love some advice on:

1. What would be the best city to be based out of? Parma? Modena? Bologna? (I have been to Bologna before)
2. Is it possible to do these activities by public transport or do we need a car? Prefer not to drive if possible.
3. How many days should we allocate to this part of our trip? (also planning on seeing other parts of Italy)

Musts:
- visit a parmesan factory
- lamborghini factory / musem
- pasta making / cooking class
- some amazing meals, but I suppose that goes without saying

Nice to see:
- proscuitto factory tour
- ferrari factory / museum

thank you!

francesco_marchi_148

hi! i'm from reggio emilia
the best city to be based of is modena for your trip, becouse things that you want to see are near this city and it has a good public transport this is the link http://www.setaweb.it/Modena/indexIt.asp ( timetables are only in italian ).
About parmesan factory, this is the link; choose one near modena ( es società agricola montorsi ) becouse is served by urban bus http://www.parmigiano-reggiano.it/default.aspx.
consider a day to visit lamborghini factory becouse there are a few buses ( see bologna bus for this trip )in modena there are a lot of traditional food of ER, prices are about 20€.
if you want to visit a pasta's factory see barilla in parma but it can be visited only in a group.
see also here to plan your trip http://www.itineraemilia.it/itinerar...ra_motori.aspx.
eat gnocco e tigelle, tortellini, aceto balsamico, lasagne!
about duration, consider 3 or 4 days ( it depend also what period you will come to italy, becouse during the week end a lot of these places are closed and during the summer the public transportation is reduced.
you could also visit hills around modena to see rural italy
good holiday!! i hope you like our country

brdcollie

Just got back from Bologna this week. Loved the city. Would recommend Antica Residenza d'Azeglio http://www.anticaresidenzadazeglio.it/. Perfect location and Agostino was the perfect host. For foodies (or just people who love to eat) the Italian Days Food Experience http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractio...a_Romagna.html are amazing. Somewhat expensive, but includes Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, Balsamico Tradizionale, and Prosciutto de Parma visits and tastings, all escorted by the wonderfully entertaining Alessandro. At the end of the tour we were treated to a three hour, six course meal with wines and aperitivo. Didn't need to eat again for a whole day, except for gelato. Enjoy!!

Rastaguytoday

I agree with francesca.

Modena is a very nice town, with a large pedestrian area. The food is by far the best I've had in Italy.

Try the squash ravioli or lightly fried squash blossoms. Great ham and go to a salumeria

Here is Mario Batali. http://www.mariobatali.com/exploreItalyDtl.cfm?rid=6

http://www.foxnews.com/leisure/2012/...-around-world/

You are about 10 miles from the Ferrari museum and the Maserati factory is in town.

stevewith

I also agree with Francesca about basing in Modena, especially for your car interests. Also, it is only a 20-minute train ride from Modena to Bologna, where you should be able to find a 1-day pasta making class any time of year.

There is really nothing to "see" when it comes to making proscuitto. Pig legs are hung up to dry (I assume you don't want to watch a slaughter.) What might be of more interest is to visit the small vinegar producers of Modena, because that is a very complicated, centuries old tradition, and if you are staying in Modena, you are really at the heart of this famous product. Along with Ferraris, it makes the town rich!

In addition to being a beautiful small city with glorious art and architecture, Parma has an interesting history in perfume, opera and building theater stages -- so it is more than cheese and ham. It is a short train ride from Modena. Read up ahead of time if you are interested in visiting, because some interesting places in Parma are only open in the mornings or on certain days.

Oaktown9

This thread is SOOOOO helpful!!!

I am spending 30 days in Italy Oct. 2013 after a month in France(see my thread) and I too was wondering the same thing about ER.

Any help you can offer to my manifest for the Italy part of my journey would be AWESOME!

Oaktown Traveler

stevewith

Oaktown9,

I saw your other thread and it is hard to tell what your itinerary for Emilia-Romagna is. You mention you want to visit Parma and Modena, and spend 3 nights in Bologna, one day of which will be devoted to a cooking class.

If you only have 3 nights in the area, you can see Parma and Modena in the same day by train from Bologna (go to Parma in the morning, Modena on your back to Bologna). I would suggest taking a day trip from Bologna your third day to see the mosaics of Ravenna if you are interested in spectacular art.

To appreciate Bologna, you might do best with a walking tour. Be sure whichever one you get includes a visit to Santa Maria della Vita church and the anatomical theater. If you can't find one that includes those, just make sure you don't leave Bologna without seeing these places. They are only open in the morning.

jamikins

We just got back from Italy today and spent 5 nights in Bologna...you can read about our thoughts and see ours pics here http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...rche-lucca.cfm

francefling

Medici Ermete is a very small, family owned for generations Balsamic producer outside of Modena. I highly recommend taking the time to visit. They have a beautiful tasting room and the owner is wonderful. The aging casts were a gift from her grandfather or great grandfather. Be prepared... I spent 200E on some fabulous Balsamic. Shush... I don't tell just anyone about my stash!

Oaktown9

Stevewith:

Thank you!

I have made modifications to my trip. I posted the changes today.
The fine points you call out above are appreciated.

DRJ

Looking forward to Italian Days tour 3 October and my reservation at Hostario Giusti on 5 October.