11 BEST DAY TRIPS FROM BOLOGNA

If you are here it’s because probably you are curious or you are planning a wonderful trip in Emilia Romagna!
You are in the right place; we love our home and we want to share with you all the secrets that only a local is able to know.
Emilia Romagna is so special because offers a perfect blend of culinary delights, cultural experiences and natural beauty within a few hours travel (by car or train).
So many things to visit, but don’t worry, we can help you with this list of 12 best day trips in our beloved region.
NDR: This list take into consideration Bologna as a starting point but you can draw inspiration no matter which is your home stay in Emilia-Romagna.

1. DOZZA

37 km

Dozza is a small picturesque town surrounded by hills and right in the middle between Emilia and Romagna, known for its well-preserved medieval architecture and charming streets, perfect to capture in your photos. One of the main attractions in Dozza is the Rocca Sforzesca, a fortress that dates back to the 15th century. The town is also famous for its annual festival known as the Biennale del Muro Dipinto, where artists from around the world come to paint the walls of the town with beautiful works of art that you can see nowadays.
Dozza is full or colors and culture and it’s really a magical scenario to disconnect from the routine.
Make it a day trip from Bologna: about 40 minutes by car, there is no railway station in Dozza.

2. IMOLA

41 km

Imola is our home town so inevitably it’s where a piece of our heart is. It is manly known for the motor racing circuit, the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari, which has hosted and still hosts Formula One races, concerts and many events. Maybe you can remember it because of a tragic incident: the death of Ayrton Senna in 1994, but Imola is much more than that!
You should come and visit Imola for its historic architecture, including the medieval Rocca Sforzesca fortress (owned by the Lady of Romagna, Caterina Sforza, in XV century) and the San Domenico Church. The library in downtown is a real jewel, as well as the Farmacia Santa Maria della Scaletta (via Emilia 75), a pharmacy left exactly with the original furnishings of 1794.
Make it a day trip from Bologna: about 45 minutes by car or train.

3. MODENA

46 km

We all love Modena even if we don’t know it yet… Why? That’s because Modena is home of our beloved balsamic vinegar and Parmigiano Reggiano cheese! Also, was the birthplace of two famous man in all over the world: Luciano Pavarotti (opera singer) and Enzo Ferrari (founder of the Scuderia Ferrari) – if you like fast cars you can make the Ferrari tour and drive one of those engineering italian gem. Moreover, Modena is known also for its well-preserved medieval architecture, including the Modena Cathedral and the Ghirlandina Tower, with multiple museums and palaces which date back over a thousand years, you can slowly hop between each sight while stopping for coffee refills as needed. The Galleria Estense is a notable must-visit for its painting collection from the 14th century onwards.
Make it a day trip from Bologna: about one hour by car or 30 minutes with the train.

4. FERRARA

49 km

Ferrara was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its art and culture in 1995. The city is famous for its imposing Estense Castle, as well as its picturesque historic center and network of medieval streets and alleys. You can visit the Palazzo dei Diamanti which holds the renowned National Picture Gallery. Ferrara is a green city, that’s why you will see a lot of bikers and you can easily hire a bike to make a trip: a food & bar trip or a more cultural one… Just remember that this city is also known for its delicious cuisine, which features local specialties such as cappellacci pasta and salame da sugo, a type of cured meat… which kind of tour are you going to do?
Make it a day trip from Bologna: about one hour by car and 30 minutes by train.

5. FAENZA

57 km

If you are an art and handicraft lovers you definitely need to go to Faenza which is the ceramic Kingdom of our region! It has a long tradition of producing faience pottery dating back to the Renaissance period. Faenza is also home to a famous ceramics museum, the Museo Internazionale delle Ceramiche, which showcases a wide range of ceramic works from different time periods and regions. The town is also known for its historic architecture, including the 15th-century Cathedral of Faenza and Palazzo Milzetti, a neoclassical palace that now serves as an art museum. Wine making is also a tradition here so take advantage of tastings around town, especially one of the prize wines of the region and a favorite of ours, the king Pignoletto.
Make it a day trip from Bologna: about one hour by car and 50 minutes by train.

6. BRISIGHELLA

67 km

Brisighella is so special because is only 15 km far from Tuscany so you have this magical and special feeling of being in Romagna… but with an eye in Tuscany! It’s a charming medieval village, which is perched on a hill overlooking the surrounding countryside called Vena del gesso Romagnola (gypsum vain) which is an UNESCO site. In the town you can find its striking clock tower, as well as the nearby Manfrediana fortress or stroll down Via degli Asini, a covered walk over the town’s ancient fortified wall.Brisighella is also renowned for its olive oil production which is really rare in this part of Italy, it’s certified as one of the Most Beautiful Village by Borghi d’Italia, as a Slow City and City of Olive Oil and Wine. It’s one of the best hidden gems of our region because is not so popular yet so you would be probably the only tourist around… keep the secret!
Make it a day trip from Bologna: about one hour by car or 1 hour 40 minutes by train with a stop-over in Faenza.

7. RAVENNA

80 km

Ravenna was once the capital of the Western Roman Empire and later the capital of the Kingdom of the Ostrogoths. This wonderful city is known for its well-preserved early Christian and Byzantine religious architecture, including several UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the Basilica of San Vitale and the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia: it also has a rich history of mosaics, which can be seen throughout its churches and monuments. There are mosaics just about everywhere and the tomb of Dante Alighieri who wrote The Divine Comedy is in the graveyard next to the San Francesco Basilica. Ravenna is well known also for the food & beverage scene thanks to many of the familiar dishes of the region and for Piadina, our most popular street food that you MUST try if you come and visit Emilia Romagna.
Make it a day trip from Bologna: about one hour by car and a bit more by train.

8. CESENATICO

103 km

Cesenatico is a charming coastal town known for its picturesque canal lined with colorful fishing boats, as well as its sandy beaches and historic old town. Cesenatico is a popular destination for tourists looking to enjoy the Italian Riviera, with plenty of opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and dining on delicious fresh seafood. The town also has a maritime museum dedicated to its fishing heritage, and hosts various events and festivals throughout the year.
Overall, Cesenatico offers a relaxing and authentic Italian seaside experience for visitors.
Make it a day trip from Bologna: about 1.5 hour by car and 1 hour and 40 minutes by train.

9. PARMA

105 km

Parma is known for its rich history, architecture, and gastronomy, particularly its famous Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and Prosciutto di Parma, all certified DOP (designated origin of protection) of course. The city is also home to landmarks such as the impressive Parma Cathedral and the Palazzo della Pilotta, a complex of historic buildings housing museums and galleries.
It’s a university city and also one of the largest in the region.
Make it a day trip from Bologna: about one hour by rail or car.

10. RIMINI

120 km

Rimini is a popular seaside resort town on the Adriatic coast in Italy. If you are after sun, sea, sand and some “movida” then Rimini is your place! It’s known for its sandy beaches, vibrant nightlife, and historic sites such as the Tiberius Bridge and the Arch of Augustus.
Rimini was the birthplace of the famous italian director Federico Fellini (most popular movie: “La dolce vita”) and it host his museum. Another “different” museum is the one dedicated to Piadina called “Piadina experience” where you will learn everything about our most delightful street food.
Make it a day trip from Bologna: about one hour and a half by car and train.

11. SAN MARINO

132 km

San Marino is a small European country located within Italy, the 5th smallest country in the world! It’s also one of the world’s oldest republics, having been founded in 301 AD.
San Marino is known for its medieval architecture, picturesque landscape and rich history. The capital city is also called San Marino and it’s perched on a hill with stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
Fun facts: Italy surrounds it but it’s not part of the EU (although it has no borders), they use the Euro and have individual San Marino coins, they have two presidents at any time who serve six months each, they have their own calendar… You get the point, it’s a pretty unique placet o visit!
Make it a day trip from Bologna: about one hour and a half by car.
By public transport, you’ll first need to get to Rimini (around 1,5 hour by train) and then take the bus (approximately 50 minutes) up to San Marino.

Tours

From Bologna, Tours

WHAT PEOPLE SAY

    
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Laura Weinstein, PhD 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I went on a tour of an organic farm in Imola and the castle in Dazzo with Elise, who is a fantastic and knowledgeable tour guide and a delightful person. She seemed to enjoy spending time with the goats, sheep, pigs, cows, and horses as much as I did, even though I'm sure she has been there many times before. I am a historian with expertise in the history of crime and I was particularly appreciative that Elise was able to answer my questions about the punishment/torture areas of the castle. There is a small wine bar in the castle's basement, and Elise recommended some fantastic wines for me to taste - she clearly knows a lot about the regional wines, which was helpful for me because I like to try things that are produced locally. You should book this day trip with Elise - you will be happy you did!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Charlie Best 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My wife and I had a great experience with our host Elise over the course of 6-7 hours in Dozza (including a great place for lunch) and at the Cesari Winery (impressive place and also friendly/well-informed hosts). Everything throughout the day was well planned and well organized by Elise. The village of Dozza was a nice change of pace from city life in Bologna too. The main point I want to make is that Elise was fantastic, knowledgeable and comfortable to talk to. We simply connected well with her and loved the open/honest conversation and perspective she shared on wine, travel, etc. Hated saying goodbye at the end of the day! Overall, we highly recommend booking this or any other tour package offered by this company!  Excellent work and much appreciated!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Sarah Zuber 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Elise was wonderful what an experience. We got to see some stunning views, enjoyed great food and drank excellent wine. Book with them if you won't regret it
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Allyson Mechigian 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had an amazing day with Philipo. He picked us up and drove us to multiple wine tastings experiences. We toured wine cellars, production of wine, olive oil mill and tastings. The town of Dozza was really unique. We toured the Castle, as well as, more wine tasting in the cellar of the Castle. Philipo went above and beyond our expectations. Thanks again Philipo, our new friend.  Highly recommend!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   heather munro 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had a terrific fun day in the countryside with Filippo, joined by Elise and his father in law, a very capable driver. Brisighella was gorgeous and we learned the art of olive oil tasting. We learned a lot about the villages we visited and even caught a glimpse of Valentino Rossi walking the track at Imola. We had a delicious lunch and later a wine tasting in the cellar of the castle at Dozza (it has a dragon!) It was relaxing walking around the village art of Dozza and there is even a Mona Lisa on show, no crowds. It was great to get away from the city, the countryside is beautiful and Filippo was a wonderful guide. It was the perfect last day of our Italian holiday. Many thanks Heather and Terry
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   rose boileau 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Filippo and his team are the best! We had 2 days scheduled starting with a pick up at the port. We had a wonderful guide thru Ravenna. Unfortunately circumstances changed our plans for the rest of the day and they couldn't have been nicer. On Sunday we had to make changes again and they were worked with us so that we could have a unique experience in Italy.  Filippo is so interesting and worldly.  A joy to be around.  You won't be disappointed! Just book them!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Jaynee Turk 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This tour was a great way to spend the day outside the city and see two beautiful villages. We were fortunate to have Ilaria as our guide. She was knowledgeable, full of interesting stories about the area and such a delight to spend the day with. If you are interested in local experience, with a local outside the tourist area, I highly recommend this tour with Ilaria!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Tomas van Riet 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Amazing experience to travel around Emilia Romagna together for a day. Very beautiful, and food was delicious!!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Marilyn Houston 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Our tour with Filippo was amazing. He planned everything we asked for and the day was fun from start to finish. We enjoyed the scenery, olive oil tasting and an amazing lunch at a local restaurant.  This tour company is extremely professional from the planning to execution of a private tour. Highly recommend.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Benjamin David Parkhurst 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. nothing but positive things to say! Filippo is incredible—we did the medieval villages tour and it was incredibly beautiful, I loved absolutely every element of it! Highly highly recommend this can't-miss experience