Emilia Romagna might be the best region of Italy for culinary exploration. Visit a prosciutto producer like Salumificio Conti — one of the local family-run ham factories producing the mythical Prosciutto di Parma PDO. Spend some time with the makers of Parmigiano Reggiano, who have kept the traditional methods alive since the Benedictine monks invented the process 10 centuries ago. Curdling into the typical copper heaters, salting and the final ageing in the so-called wheel cathedrals. Taste the savoury masterpiece in the end, of course. Make your trip longer and learn the secrets of the best balsamic vinegar at Tenuta Medici Ermete. Parma is the gateway to Italy's culinary heritage. With many tours, you can choose to drive yourself or get a driver for a more sit-back experience.

The ideal place to escape the hectic rhythm and constant bustle of the city, the Garden of Dreams provides a refuge for nature lovers. This small garden with its beautifully decorated gates, fountains and pavilions is a great place for a picnic and a spot of people watching, as young local couples often come for a romantic day out.

The fortress of Bourtange, this small village sitting on the German border, is a captivating star-shaped defensive structure completed in the 16th century during the Eighty Years' War. Stroll through its cobbled alleys for a journey through time as you browse quaint shops — including a small candle workshop — alongside bars and restaurants. Regularly hosting events like markets and historical re-enactments, the fort offers both a glimpse into the past and a vibrant contemporary experience for visitors.