Emilia Romagna suggested itineraries

At Maranello and Fiorano, in the province of Modena, just about everything gravitates around a motorcar: the legendary Ferrari. The Ferrari stables, born from Enzo Ferrari's passion for automobiles, the race track, and the Wind Tunnel designed by the architect Renzo Piano are visited by thousands of Ferrari fans and tourists each year, who should also find time to visit the splendid 17th century Villa Guastella del Vigarini in Fiorano and Maranello's Palazzo Ducale, complete with sumptuous staircase and an imposing statue of Neptune, realised according to designs by Bernini. At Maranello, the "city of the Ferrari", a series of exhibitions and conferences are held in the name of the "Cavallino" (the prancing horse which is the automobile's logo). Not to be missed, a guided tour of the establishment and a burst in one of the legendary Ferrari sports cars.

This part of Italy is a veritable paradise for food lovers, where a great many of the country's most highly prized gastronomic products are made, including a superb balsamic vinegar and the albeit legendary "zampone" (stuffed pig's trotter). When not seducing visitors with its culinary delicacies, Modena enamours visitors with the relaxed and peaceful atmosphere of its historic center, home to a splendid Romanesque Cathedral and Bell tower which, in 1997, were justly awarded World Heritage status by UNESCO. Of an entirely different era in history, the 18th century Palazzo dei Musei has come to represent the true cultural hub of the city, where all the most important events are held.

On their way to Reggio, visitors may like to indulge in a few moments of relaxation at the ancient thermal baths of Salvarola, located in the town of Sassuolo, and just a few kilometers from Modena. Here the thermal waters, exploited since the times of the Roman Empire, are used to fill a number of pools and employed in a series of treatments available in the adjacent wellness center.

Heart of Reggio Emilia is the town's Piazza Trampolini, a square overlooked by a number of historic buildings, all of which boasting splendidly conserved facades. The 16th century clock tower takes pride of place. Reggio is famous for its Parmigiano Reggiano. Some 16 litres of milk are required so as to make just 1 kilo of this cheese, perhaps better known as Parmesan, the authenticity of which is protected by a consortium (Consorzio del Formaggio Parmigiano-Reggiano).

The Magnani Rosa Foundation at Mariano di Traversatolo is well worthy of visit. Luigi Magnani's immense collection of artworks, which includes important Flemish tapestries and masterpieces by artists of the calibre of Cezanne and Giorgio Morandi, is housed in a sumptuous 19th century villa, surrounded by a magnificent English garden.

Parma is not without its masterpieces of art and architecture, the most important of which being the city's baptistery. This hexagonal shaped edifice, built in pale pink Verona marble, dates back to medieval times. Inside the baptistery there are high reliefs representing the months, the seasons and the signs of the zodiac. In the northeast of Parma lies the Certosa di Parma. Built in the early 13th century as Carthusian monastery, this impressive edifice is now used as a training school for the penitentiary police. Parma's majestic Teatro Regio is one of the world's most famous theatres, where the composer Giuseppe Verdi presented some of his most successful works, including 2La Traviata".

At Langhirano, town situated just a few kilometers South of Parma, the legendary Prosciutto di Parma is produced, delicacy to which both an annual festival and a permanent museum are dedicated. Here, prosciutto lovers have the opportunity to indulge in a slice or two of the highly prized cold meat whilst learning about past and present techniques of production.