The small city of Modena has left a large mark on Italian culture, with its two most notable products being the luxury sports car maker Ferrari and the ubiquitous condiment balsamic vinegar. The city is home to a well-preserved historic center whose crown jewel is its fabulous 12th-century cathedral, with its iconic bell tower rising high above the city. Located just half an hour northwest of Bologna by train, Modena makes for a great day trip into the heartland of Emilia-Rom

Often cited as one of Italy’s premier food cities, Bologna is rich with culinary tradition in past and present. The city is nicknamed la grassa (“the fat”) for its emphasis on meat and dairy products, which come from the fertile Po River Valley nearby. Bologna has produced a number of Italy’s most famous dishes—not just the bolognese.

Known variously as la grassa (the fat), la dotta (the learned), and la rossa (the red), Bologna is famous throughout Italy for its rich cuisine, vibrant academic culture, and distinctive architecture defined by its 24 miles (38 kilometers) of porticoes and numerous medieval towers.