The Best Places to Visit in Italy

While Bologna is arguably Emilia-Romagna’s most well-known city, the region is also home to another destination that’s of particular interest to foodies. “I spent a good deal of time over the winter in the small city of Modena, which has such an exciting and thriving food scene,” Bellini Travel Founder and CEO Emily FitzRoy says. Her top picks for a memorable meal? A couple of standouts come to mind. “Dinner at Franceschetta 58 cooked by young chef Francesco Vincenzi, or a modest bowl of tortellini in brodo at Aldina, a tiny osteria on the first floor of a building overlooking the buzzing Mercato Albinelli, which also has to be my favorite food market in all of Italy.”

Stay Here: Less than an hour away from Modena’s city center is Casa Conoscenti in Bologna. Set in a former 14th-century mansion and replete with historic finishes like original frescoes, this boutique property is understated yet striking.

Outdoor Adventure in the Dolomites

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Whether during the wildflower-bloomed days of summer or in the powdery ski season, the Dolomites in northeastern Italy are an underrated Alpine paradise. “This mountainous area is a natural wonder, with amazing food and a mix of culture and history,” Alison Duray of luxury tour operator Abercrombie & Kent says. Outdoor experiences are the cornerstone of a visit to any of the villages, with common activities including via ferrata, hiking, and skiing in dramatic landscapes. “German is spoken in some towns right alongside Italian, and the food scene incorporates the same cultural mix, with hearty dumpling pasta and fresh mountain food products,” Duray says. Wine lovers should also take note of Trentodoc sparkling wines, which are made in the picturesque vineyards of Trentino-Alto Adige.