Day Trips from Bologna: Emilia, Tuscany, and the Apennines

Bologna’s position at the centre of the Po Valley and on the main north-south rail spine makes it one of the best-connected cities in Italy for day trips. Ravenna is under an hour; Florence is 35 minutes; Parma is 55 minutes; and the Emilian food towns are strung along the Via Emilia within easy reach.

Best Day Trips from Bologna

Ravenna (1 hour by train)

The best collection of Byzantine mosaics outside Istanbul. Eight UNESCO World Heritage sites in a single small city: the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, the Basilica of San Vitale, Sant’Apollinare in Classe, and five others. The Galla Placidia mosaics rank among the most beautiful things in Italy. Buy a combination ticket. Direct trains from Bologna Centrale.

Modena (40 minutes by train)

The Ducati and Ferrari capital, but more importantly the food capital. The traditional balsamic vinegar (Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale di Modena) aged for 12–25 years is unlike any commercial balsamic. The covered market (Mercato Albinelli), the Romanesque Duomo (UNESCO), and Osteria Francescana (Massimo Bottura’s three-Michelin-star restaurant — book months ahead if you want to eat there). Direct trains from Bologna Centrale.

Parma (55 minutes by train)

Prosciutto di Parma, Parmigiano-Reggiano, and a refined opera-going culture. The Duomo frescoes by Correggio, the Camera di San Paolo, the Teatro Regio opera house, and food shops that are among the best in Italy. Allow a full day. Direct trains from Bologna Centrale.

Ferrara (25 minutes by train)

The Este dynasty’s Renaissance capital. The Castello Estense, the Renaissance urban plan, cycling culture (the city is flat and most locals cycle), and Ferrarese food (cappellacci di zucca, salama da sugo). A half-day from Bologna. Direct trains from Bologna Centrale.

Florence (35 minutes by Frecciarossa)

The fastest connection from Bologna — 35 minutes on high-speed makes Florence a genuine day trip possibility. The Uffizi, the Duomo, the Accademia, and the Oltrarno. Pre-book museum tickets; the Uffizi entry queue without booking is long. Direct Frecciarossa trains from Bologna Centrale.

Rimini and the Adriatic Riviera (55 minutes by train)

Federico Rimini’s Tempio Malatestiano, and then — if wanted — the Adriatic beach. Rimini’s medieval historic centre is undervisited and worth an hour before or after the beach. Riccione and Cattolica (further south) have better beaches. Direct trains from Bologna Centrale.

Maranello — Ferrari Museum (1.5 hours by train + bus)

For those who must. Train to Modena (40 minutes) then bus to Maranello. The Museo Ferrari is entirely focussed on the racing history and the Scuderia Ferrari. Combine with Modena for a full day.

Dozza Vinegar and Apennine Hills (1–2 hours by bus or car)

The castle of Dozza (40 kilometres southeast) houses a cellar of wine and vinegar producers. The Apennine hilltowns (Brisighella, Riolo Terme, Castel del Rio) are accessible by car and offer a complete change of scenery from the Po Valley flatlands.

Practical Notes

• Bologna is the best hub in Italy for Emilian food towns — Modena + Parma can be combined into a single very long day, or a 2-day circuit
• Frecciarossa to Florence: buy in advance for cheapest fares; the 35-minute journey time is genuinely faster than many city-to-suburb connections
• Ravenna Byzantine sites: the combination ticket covers all 8 UNESCO sites and is the right way to buy
• Osteria Francescana (Modena): 3-Michelin-star, extremely limited seating — booking opens months ahead and sells out immediately