7 days to eat, see, and drive the entire Via Emilia. The 5-day essentials PLUS a prosciuttificio visit at dawn, Parmigiano caseificio (the wheel-splitting ceremony), Brisighella (the most beautiful borgo in Romagna), acetaia visit for balsamic tradizionale, and a day on the Rimini beaches that Fellini immortalized.
This itinerary covers the essential highlights of Emilia-Romagna in 7 days. Each day is a logical geographic loop — minimizing driving, maximizing experiences. Mornings for sights, afternoons for food and slow exploration, evenings for aperitivo.
Parmigiano caseificio (dawn visit — watch 500kg wheels split). Acetaia (Modena — balsamic tradizionale aged 25+ years, tasting). Brisighella — Via degli Asini (the covered donkey road), 3 hilltop monuments. Rimini — Tempio Malatestiano (Alberti + Giotto crucifix) + Fellini museum + beach. Dozza — the painted walls borgo (murals on every building). Lamborghini Museum (Sant'Agata Bolognese). Museo Ducati (Bologna — motorcycles).
Car essential in Emilia-Romagna — the roads between towns ARE the attraction. Book rental at nearest airport/city. Comfortable shoes (cobblestones). Layers. Power bank (Google Maps drains batteries). Empty suitcase — you WILL buy food, wine, ceramics.
Agriturismi (farm stays) offer the best value: 60-100/night including breakfast with homemade jam. Book 2-4 weeks ahead in high season.