Stop 1: Parma – the land of prosciutto and parmigiano reggiano
Ahhh, the beauty of Parma! This charming city is the birthplace of two of Italy’s most iconic ingredients—Parma ham and Parmigiano Reggiano.
We kicked off our foodie adventure with lunch at a traditional trattoria, indulging in thinly sliced Prosciutto di Parma and generous chunks of Parmigiano Reggiano, dipped in rich balsamic vinegar. A comforting plate of Tortellini d’Erbetta followed, topped off with a classic Tiramisù.
With full bellies and happy hearts, we set off to explore Parma’s stunning streets, soaking in its elegant charm and rich history.
Stop 2: Modena – a culinary hub and perfect base
Modena became our home base for this trip, and we opted to stay in a tiny village just outside the city for a quieter, more authentic experience. This gave us easy access to multiple destinations while immersing ourselves in the slower pace of local life.
Modena is world-famous for its culinary scene, thanks to Osteria Francescana, one of the world’s best restaurants. But even if you don’t score a reservation, the city is bursting with foodie delights. We took a deep dive into the art of Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Modena, tasting the real, aged balsamic vinegar straight from the source.
Of course, we couldn’t leave without trying Tortellini al Brodo, tiny pasta parcels served in a rich broth—pure comfort in a bowl.
For families with car enthusiasts, Modena also offers the Ferrari and Lamborghini museums, perfect for a post-meal stroll (while I chose to relax at a café and soak in the local vibe).
Stop 3: Bologna – the heart of Italian gastronomy
Bologna, the bustling heart of Emilia Romagna, was our next stop. It’s the birthplace of ragù, the traditional sauce behind the beloved spaghetti bolognese.
While Bologna is the most touristy of the cities we visited, it’s still an essential stop. The city’s vibrant atmosphere is best enjoyed by wandering through its historic porticoes, admiring its stunning towers, and, of course, indulging in its world-class food.
We spent the day hopping between trattorias, wine bars, and specialty shops, sampling everything from truffle delicacies to the iconic torta di riso (a delicious rice cake). One of our favorite moments? Sitting at a terrace in Mortadella e Champagne, watching the world go by.
Must-do foodie activities with kids in Emilia Romagna
To truly experience the region’s culinary magic, these hands-on activities are a must for families:
Explore Modena’s traditional food market – A sensory experience full of colors, aromas, and flavors.
Visit a Parmigiano Reggiano factory – Learn how this iconic cheese is made and enjoy a guided tasting.
Balsamic vinegar tasting – Discover the art of aging balsamic vinegar and taste the difference between varieties.
Take a pasta-making workshop – A fun, hands-on activity where kids can learn to roll, shape, and cook fresh pasta with a local expert.
Our 9-day road trip through Emilia Romagna was nothing short of magical. We drove from Amsterdam in an electric car, making scenic stops in Belgium (Liège), France (Nancy), Switzerland (Lucerne), and Germany along the way.
Food is more than just sustenance—it’s a way to create core memories, stimulate the senses, and experience culture firsthand. Sharing these experiences with kids makes them even more special.
I hope this article has inspired you to embark on your own family foodie adventure in Italy! If you’re dreaming of a tailor-made trip designed just for your family, feel free to reach out—I’d love to help you plan your next unforgettable journey.
