Do you know Bologna is the largest city of the Emilia-Romagna

This Italian region lacks the intense tourism of Tuscany or Veneto, yet travellers will enjoy superb foods, fine wines, rich history and great value for money

 Eternal student city … Bologna is the largest city of the Emilia-Romagna region and has been a university town since the 11th century. Photograph: Alamy

Living as I do in Venice, I have always thought it a shame that relatively few among its daily invasion of tourists make it as far as the next-door region of Emilia-Romagna. It easily matches the attractions of more celebrated Tuscany and Lombardy and offers temptingly affordable options for eating out and accommodation.

Emilia-Romagna stretches from the wetlands of the Po delta down to the beach resorts of the Adriatic coast, and across fertile plains where the signature ingredients of Italian cuisine are produced. This is the ultimate foodie destination, where travellers can organise a whole gourmet tour around artisan producers of prosciutto crudo and mortadella, intense balsamic vinegar and Italy’s king of cheeses, parmesan. And in between eating and drinking, the magnificent cities of Bologna, Parma, Ferrara and Ravenna boast sumptuous Renaissance palaces, frescoed medieval and Romanesque churches, and unique Byzantine artworks which can all usually be enjoyed without queues or crowds.
Parma.

This Italian region lacks the intense tourism of Tuscany or Veneto, yet travellers will enjoy superb foods, fine wines, rich history and great value for money

 Eternal student city … Bologna is the largest city of the Emilia-Romagna region and has been a university town since the 11th century. Photograph: Alamy

Living as I do in Venice, I have always thought it a shame that relatively few among its daily invasion of tourists make it as far as the next-door region of Emilia-Romagna. It easily matches the attractions of more celebrated Tuscany and Lombardy and offers temptingly affordable options for eating out and accommodation.

Emilia-Romagna stretches from the wetlands of the Po delta down to the beach resorts of the Adriatic coast, and across fertile plains where the signature ingredients of Italian cuisine are produced. This is the ultimate foodie destination, where travellers can organise a whole gourmet tour around artisan producers of prosciutto crudo and mortadella, intense balsamic vinegar and Italy’s king of cheeses, parmesan. And in between eating and drinking, the magnificent cities of Bologna, Parma, Ferrara and Ravenna boast sumptuous Renaissance palaces, frescoed medieval and Romanesque churches, and unique Byzantine artworks which can all usually be enjoyed without queues or crowds.
Parma.