Bologna

Emilia-Romagna stretches across northern Italy from the Apennines over the Po Plain to the Adriatic coast; the Po forms its northern border. Along the ancient Roman road Via Emilia, cities like Piacenza, Parma, Reggio Emilia, Modena and Bologna, the region's capital, are strung.To the east, in the Romagna, lie Ravenna with its Byzantine mosaics and the Adriatic beach resorts around Rimini. The region is known for its cuisine, from Parma ham and Parmigiano Reggiano to balsamic vinegar and egg pasta.

Modena lies on the southern edge of the Po Valley between Bologna and Parma and has around 184,000 inhabitants. The historic center clusters around Piazza Grande, home to the Romanesque Cathedral and Ghirlandina bell tower, a joint UNESCO World Heritage site since 1997.The city is known for its traditional balsamic vinegar and its automotive connection: Enzo Ferrari was born in Modena, and Maranello, with the Ferrari factory, lies south of the city.

Ferrara is located in the Po Valley, approximately 44 kilometres northeast of Bologna. From 1264 to 1598, the d'Este family ruled here, under whom the city became an important Renaissance court.The old town is enclosed by an almost completely preserved city wall, approximately nine kilometres long. To the north lies the Addizione Erculea, a city extension systematically planned from 1492. Since 1995, Ferrara has been a UNESCO World Heritage site; in 1999, the listing was expanded to include the Po Delta.

Ravenna is located inland in Romagna and is connected to the Adriatic Sea via the Candiano Canal. In the 5th century, the city was the capital of the Western Roman Empire, then the residence of the Ostrogothic King Theodoric, and the seat of the Byzantine administration in Italy.Dating from this period are churches, baptisteries, and mausoleums with early Christian mosaics; those of San Vitale are among the largest and best-preserved Byzantine mosaics outside Istanbul. Eight of these 5th and 6th-century structures have been UNESCO World Heritage sites since 1996. Additionally, Ravenna is home to the tomb of the poet Dante Alighieri.

Florence, Tuscany's capital, birthplace of the Renaissance. The Duomo (Brunelleschi's Dome), Palazzo Vecchio, Uffizi, and Ponte Vecchio over the Arno are tightly grouped. Michelangelo's David is in the Galleria dell'Accademia. Across the river, Oltrarno features Palazzo Pitti, the Boboli Gardens, and artisan workshops. A UNESCO World Heritage site since 1982, the Old Town is easily explored on foot. Florence is roughly 1.5 hours from Rome by high-speed train. You should reserve tickets for Uffizi, Accademia, and Duomo Dome in advance.