The proposed itinerary follows the events that punctuated the period 1943-1944, through a path that ideally connects the first moments in the aftermath of 8 September 1943, with the formation of the first nuclei of Resistance, up until the liberation of Cesena, on October 20, 1944. 

This 72-hour itinerary between Bologna and Modena winds through historical libraries, civic archives, rare collections and surprising collections in cities of art and hidden villages.
A slow and immersive experience, suitable for everyone, where culture intertwines with the architecture and beauty of the spaces. Each stage becomes an opportunity to listen to the voices of the past and rediscover the pleasure of discovery.

The itinerary is designed to last 72 hours, but it is advisable to consider a possible one-day extension, depending on your pace and interests.

This 24-hour tour offers a unique chance to explore the city’s deep soul, admiring the masterpieces that have shaped its cultural and spiritual character over the centuries.

Anyone crossing the Marecchia Valley on foot, on horseback or by bicycle, will delight in the beauty of its landscapes and endless horizons. 

Hills and woody ridges, rocky outcrops for climbing, rivers and mountains, chestnut trees and holm oaks: everywhere is worth photographing and the backdrops are picture-perfect. 

So let's get on our bikes and ride a short stretch of this beautiful route (just over 44 kilometres), passing by beautiful medieval villages, basilicas, museums and historical monuments

While visiting museums and gaining direct experiences, one can make paper sculptures, toys or wickerwork to be kept as a precious memory. Nature is another essential component of this area and, thanks to skilled nature guides, local flora and fauna can be discovered satisfying every curiosity.

Useful Info
Check the links provided for any seasonal closures in order to plan your visit accordingly.

Walking through nature is one of the best ways to experience personally the recuperative effect of a holiday, so why not consider spending three days walking the Alta Via Parchi [Trail of the Parks] in Romagna? After reading this itinerary you will want to get your backpack and set out!

Let’s get started: what is the Alta Via Parchi?

It is a hike through the Emilia-Romagna Apennines, with occasional “crossing over” into Tuscany and Marche. It is within reach of both expert and curious hikers, but mainly it is for all those who want to have a unique experience.

In fact, uphills and downhills seem to blend with wild nature and with the historical traces of ancient borders.

The trail fully shows what the Apennines have to offer, from huge lakes in the beautiful high-altitude meadows, endless forests and crystal-clear streams, to volcanic rocks and chalk cliffs.

As you switch between cycling and walking, you will feel cool even on the hottest of summer days in the shade of the lowland woods that border the Conca river, as you embark on this “little” big road trip of the history of the Romagna region.

Then why not set out to discover four iconic cities of Romagna, savouring the best of the daytime when the sun shines high in the sky, and of the night time when the music fills the beachfront?

Curiosity

Via degli Abati is also knows for the sport event "The Abbots' Way", one of the most important ultra-marathons in nature (with only about 10% asphalt)

From Mantova to Lucca, passing through Reggio Emilia, the route is a slow walk through the history of Matilde di Canossa, the authentic female protagonist of the Middle Ages.

In its Emilian section, the historic route (partly cyclable) passes from the Unesco MAB Po Grande to the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines Unesco MAB reserve, passing Parmigiano Reggiano cheese farms and ancient vinegar cellars, where you can discover the production of Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Reggio Emilia PDO, big protagonist of the Reggio Emilia table together with the celebrated 'erbazzone'.

Forlì’s strategic geographical location makes it an ideal starting point for exploring the Romagna region: Starting from Forlì, it’s easy to reach the rejuvenating thermal baths of Castrocaro, immerse yourself in medieval villages, or venture into the hills dotted with vineyards and olive groves to discover authentic flavors and breathtaking views.

You’ll have the opportunity to explore historic sites, visit museums, enjoy the beauty of nature, and savor the delicious local cuisine.
We’re right on the Wine and Flavors Route: every village has its own local specialty and traditional dish to savor.

An unmissable experience for lovers of road trips!

Useful Info

Here’s the map

Tip

If you have a few extra days, we also recommend these itineraries:

• Forlimpopoli and Bertinoro: A Journey Through Art and Flavor
• Romagna on the Road

With picturesque landscapes, winding roads and a rich cultural history, the hinterland of Romagna offers a complete experience for two-wheelers, where every kilometre is a joy to the eyes.

The itinerary includes a few stops to sample local food and wine specialities and visit the many places along the route, curve by curve.

Useful Info

Here you’ll find a map with all the driving directions.

Tip

If you have several days to spare, you can also immerse yourself in the culture—as well as the natural surroundings—by following the “A Santa Sofia: Culture and Nature” route.

Santa Sofia is truly the perfect retreat for those seeking beauty, tranquility, and wonder!

Useful Info

A map with driving directions is available.

The itinerary includes visits to fortresses, churches, and museums, as well as a wellness stop at the thermal baths, traveling from Castrocaro and Terra del Sole through Meldola and Bertinoro.

Useful Info
A map of the driving route is available

Today, for those who venture into the discovery of the Castles of the Duchy of Parma and Piacenza, with detours towards Reggio Emilia manor houses, the solution that allows you to preserve that same sense of freedom, without sacrificing the comfort achieved over the centuries, is called a camper.

Walking around here is both relaxing and romantic; the views are magnificent and you can lose yourself in the spectacle of the sky and the boats reflected in the sea at all times.

Here is an itinerary to help visitors discover seafaring villages along the Riviera of Rimini, starting in Cattolica and moving back up the coast as far as Bellaria Igea Marina.

Today, the Malatesta and Montefeltro itinerary passes through the lands disputed between Sigismondo Pandolfo Malatesta, lord of Rimini, and Federico da Montefeltro, Duke of Urbino, during the Middle Ages and Renaissance.

The fortresses and fortified hamlets that you will come across in this area reveal the turbulent past of these two noble families destined to a life-long rivalry in which all the most powerful families of the peninsula took a side. 

From the Lagoons of Comacchio and the Pine forest of San Vitale north of the city, until the wild mouth of the Bevano river in the south, there are many observation points from which you can enjoy an unforgettable birdwatching experience in the Po Delta Park.

A 6km flat route, from San Michele’s tower, through the fishermen's village with its characteristic low houses, the lighthouse and the harbour, up to the beach of Pinarella and Tagliata, bordered by the pine forest.

A flat route, of approx. 4 km, from the centre to the seafront, among the streets and buildings which recall great names: Grazia Deledda, Max David, Giovannino Guareschi, Tonino Guerra and many more.

An urban trek, between houses and villas, to discover the corners of the city which have hosted important figures of art and literature.

The walk continues in the centre of Milano Marittima and among the inland towns of Castiglione, Cannuzzo and Pisignano, which we recommend reaching by car.

Tip

Spring is the ideal time to plan a long weekend: the hills are colored in yellow with the flowering brooms, the orchards offer the first tasty fruits and the wild herbs of the Romagna tradition; the program of events offers a rich calendar of initiatives

This 48-hour itinerary is entirely focused on leaving stress behind, thanks to the treatments of Rimini, Riccione and Cervia spas. 
 

Following in the footsteps of wayfarers, this itinerary will lead you through fascinating cities of art, rural landscapes, and natural oases rich in biodiversity. The ring-route links some of the most evocative places in Emilia-Romagna: from Comacchio to Argenta, from Ferrara to Mesola, up to the ancient Pomposa Abbey, the suggestive Po Delta and the enchanting Comacchio Lagoons.

You will cross roads filled with history, such as the Via Popilia, built by the Romans to connect Rimini and Aquileia, the Via Romea Germanica followed by medieval pilgrims from northern Europe on their way to Rome, and the Viae Misericordiae .

Along the way, you will encounter the Estense Castle of Mesola, the Bosco della Mesola reserve, habitat of the dune deer, and historic reclamation works such as Torre Abate and Torre Palù. The journey continues to the dunes and pine forest of Lido di Volano, a refuge for fallow deer and other wildlife, before reaching the coast. You will skirt the beaches of Lido delle Nazioni, passing through Porto Garibaldi and the Comacchio Saltworks, where the pink flamingos live, before returning to Comacchio.
Let yourself be surrounded by the magic of the Po Delta: get your bike ready and immerse yourself in this unique experience!

• The route alternates between stretches of cycle path, embankment roads and mixed traffic roads.
  Currently, the stretch of road connecting Volano to Lido di Volano is impassable due to ongoing construction on the bridge linking the two towns; therefore, it is not possible to reach Lido di Volano from Pomposa

The itinerary passes through a territory that is rich in parks and equipped areas for sports and wellness. It is characterized by the presence of nature reserves and ecological rebalancing areas and also by ancient parish churches, significant museums and monuments.

Tip
It is recommended to enjoy the itinerary during spring and on September/October.

Useful information
Marked by specific road signs, the itinerary is suitable for everybody.

• View the route on Google Maps 
• Click here to download Gpx

The Bassa Romagna offers other itineraries immersed in nature, also suitable to be explored by bicycle, discovering the landscape, history, and local traditions:

• Landscape memory in Bassa Romagna
• Earth and water in Bassa Romagna 

Kingdom of imagination and outdoor activities, immersed in thermal wellness, history, culture, gastronomy and uncontaminated air: perfect places for a day or a weekend with children. 

If you want to further enrich your itinerary with children, we suggest you consult this link.

The route starts in the Este city, touches upon Gherardi - a small town enlivened with numerous cinema-themed murals - reaches the millennia-old Pomposa Abbey, and continues to Comacchio. This ancient lagoon city is considered the capital of the Po Delta Park, a territory balanced between land and water, and a heaven for nature lovers and birdwatching enthusiasts.

It is part of the Eurovelo project, a network of 12 pan-European cycle tracks that connect all the countries in the continent and is the central stretch of EuroVelo route no. 8 from Athens to Cadiz.

An extraordinary varied and scenic itinerary that accompanies the last 110 km of the Po river to the sea: the Rocca Possente (Mighty Fortress) of Stellata, the Mill on the river in the floodplain area at Riva del Po, the fork in the river at Serravalle, the Castle of Mesola, the ports of Goro and Gorino up to the Lighthouse.

You can even take the opportunity to take a boat trip on the Po or in the Sacca di Goro!

Useful info
The route follows mostly a flat, paved bike path, and its main challenges stem from its length and the fact that it is completely exposed to the sun. For this reason, spring and fall are the recommended times to visit. Don’t forget to bring repair tools and plenty of water.
 

They are places more than ever alive, the destination of many people who consciously choose (thanks to the numerous initiatives and guided tours) to combine the joy of walking and visiting places of art and monuments, with the value of knowing the history, and of "remembering to understand".

This itinerary proposes three of these places to visit in a single day starting from Bologna and arriving up to the upper Reno Valley.

A flat but varied route, which alternates bicycle paths, dirt roads and stretches on secondary roadways, ideal for spending a day in the outdoors. 

During the ride, you will encounter the historical and natural beauties along one of the canals that in the past, thanks to its length (40km), served as an extraordinary communication and goods transportation route between Bologna and the Po Valley, particularly for the silk trade.

These large agricultural estates, with their refined palaces and opulent gardens, together with the Este city itself, enjoy UNESCO recognition as a prime expression of Renaissance culture.

The cycle route can be travelled both clockwise and anticlockwise along low-traffic roads and gravel tracks. It takes in three Delizie Estensi estates that have been most closely linked with the history of the House of Este and Lucrezia Borgia: Belriguardo (located in the municipality of Voghiera), Benvignante (municipality of Argenta) and Verginese (municipality of Portomaggiore).

Useful info
To make it easier to return to your starting point, you can take the train from the stations in Portomaggiore, Montesanto, and Consandolo.

This complex of lakes, known for its timeless beauty and enveloping tranquility, represents an unmissable destination for those seeking an escape from the daily frenzy. 

Located in the heart of a lush landscape, the Lakes of the Savio Paths are a hidden treasure, composed of several bodies of water, each with its own distinctive personality. These lakes are set among lush forests and green slopes and offer the opportunity to practice sports, such as fishing, trekking, canoeing and stand up paddleboarding. 

Tip

In addition to the natural beauty, not far from the lakes there is also the opportunity to explore the rich culture and tradition of the Savio Valley with its villages full of history and tradition.

A 72-hour, 320-kilometre journey to explore charming, ancient hamlets in the heart of the most authentic Romagna. An intense, emotion-packed journey designed for true bikers, with a route full of curves, hairpin bends, breathtaking views and great surprises!

Three days, over 300 kilometres, legendary curves, historic hamlets and breathtaking views: welcome to Romagna, land of motors and strong emotions. This itinerary on two wheels is an invitation to explore the region’s most authentic hinterland, along roads designed for those who love to drive and feel the wind in their faces.

Starting from Faenza, you cross the barren, poetic hills of the Vena del Gesso (Chalk Vein), whizzing along past fortresses, waterfalls and iconic passes such as the Muraglione, the Cento Forche or the legendary Barbotto. Every curve offers new scenery: whether it is a hilltop village, a hidden river or a trattoria with the aroma of piadina.

The trip is designed for experienced or enthusiastic motorcyclists, with a ring route through Emilia and Tuscany, with one constant: the authentic beauty of places that are little-known but unforgettable.

Tip

The hills and mountains of the Savio Valley can be enjoyed in both the green of spring and the warm colors of autumn, taking advantage of the mild temperatures of mid-season.

To taste

Don't miss the local specialties, including traditional recipes and seasonal products, from piadina to tortelli alla lastra, from castagnaccio to raviggiolo cheese.

Useful info
Trail conditions may vary depending on the weather and recent maintenance: we recommend that you always check the websites of the CAI and the Park Authority before setting out. A quick online check will ensure a pleasant experience without any surprises

The painter and poster designer Giuseppe Palanti planned the urban planning project of Milano Marittima, taking inspiration from the theories of Ebenezer Howard, about the "Garden City", where the holiday residences had to blend in perfectly with the surrounding nature.

A 3.5km flat day tour, accessible on foot or by bicycle, for those who love to immerse themselves in the charm of history and relive the atmosphere of Milano Marittima in the early 1900s.

Useful info

Some of the villas that remain today are hotels or private houses that cannot be visited; however, their neo-Gothic and Art Nouveau architecture can be admired from the outside.

San Leo is a village where time has stopped and one with so many stories to tell, set in the Valmarecchia valley; an area with a wealth of nature, historical and archaeological landmarks and landscapes that have gone through the ages.

This town has its roots in antiquity, giving visitors a unique experience that spans through millennia of history starting from the foundation of the Etruscan city of Kainua, and up to the more recent tragedies of the Second World War, especially through the episode known as the Massacre of Monte Sole.

Witnesses to this are the Piazza del Comune (town square), in the centre of the city, with olive trees dedicated to peace; the churchyard where a plaque protects the urn with inside dirt from the "invitta Stalingrado" (unbeaten Stalingrad, modern day Volgograd) and the shrine. A stop along an itinerary of great emotions, discoveries and evocative views.

Earth and Water is an itinerary that tells the story of a landscape that has changed over the centuries together and in tune with the changing relationship between these two elements.

To see the itinerary on Google maps, click here 

It refers to a flat path of about 2 km, which runs from the centre, among historical buildings that characterized the salt miners’ lives, to the naturalistic oasis with a rich fauna heritage and an always fascinating landscape, until the ancient Salina Camillone (Salt Pan), where the salt is still today produced in an artisanal way.

Discover the beauty of Romagna in a camper: from the Adriatic coast to the Apennine valleys, a journey through nature, culture and tradition.

Camping is not only a passion, but a real, living culture. For anyone who loves holidays free from constraints and limits, this means of transport guarantees absolute freedom, allowing you to build a holiday made for you, mile by mile.

The options for camper travel are countless and this includes Romagna, where the numerous rest areas that the territory offers and the various possibilities to park up and sleep surrounded by nature make it possible to enjoy the experience to its fullest.

The itinerary, which I did in the company of my human friends in May, is perfect not only in spring, but also in summer and fall, when you can enjoy the wonderful colours of fall foliage.

From Sarsina to the Ridracoli Dam, via the trails of Monte Fumaiolo, Lago Lungo and the spas of Bagno di Romagna, it was a paw-friendly weekend. If you'd like, follow along step by step!

Warning: it is always important to know that we must be leashed on the trails, and that humans must pick up after us. Also, the roads are a bit curvy, best to take that into account if anyone gets carsick!

Here is lots of useful information for humans who want to visit Romagna in the company of their furry friends.