Beautiful Modena, Emilia Romagna Region Italy

Explore the Cities and Towns of Emilia-Romagna

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Overview

Modena, perhaps best known for its fine balsamic vinegar 'Aceto Balsamico di Modena', is a gorgeous town just waiting to be explored. Located in the heart of Emilia Romagna, a northern Italian region now famed for its fantastic food and supercars, it has long been an important seat of history and culture. In fact, in 1598 the town was proclaimed capital of the Estense Dukedom under the Este lords, and one of the most strategically important places in Italy right up to its unification in 1861. The splendid Ducal Palace, former seat of the court and named Europe's most beautiful Baroque palace, was built by the Este family in 1634 and can still be visited by tourists today. Meanwhile the Estense Gallery showcases the most important collection of art and relics from the longstanding Este rule. In the main square of Modena, Piazza Grande, you can admire the beauty of the cathedral and its annexed campanile the Ghirlandina which are so culturally significant that they have been granted UNESCO World Heritage Site status. A walking tour of this small but perfectly formed town would be the ideal way to explore its best features and revel in its architectural gems. 

Modena, and indeed the entire region of Emilia Romagna, is a paradise for gastronomes. Not only does it boast the most DOP and IGP products in Europe, but it is also home to the world's number one restaurant, Osteria Francescana. Once Modena's best kept secret, owner Massimo Bottura has recently achieved worldwide fame for his innovative approach to Italian cuisine, obtaining three Michelin stars and critical acclaim. Mercato Albinelli, the central market, has been keeping the heritage of the town alive since the Middle Ages and has more recently been used as a protagonist in the US comedy series Master of None. Here tourists can delight in the fresh produce and pick up some of the local delicacies, from Parmigiano Reggiano to Prosciutto di Modena and Aceto Balsamico, to take home with them. 

For those looking for something faster paced, Modena and its surrounding region is also home to giants in the automotive industry, with Ferrari, Maserati and Lamborghini right on its doorstep. Visitors can delight in making a trip to these supercar museums, or can even book a test drive to get a real feel of Italian luxury and speed. 

This humble town, packed with things to see, do, eat and experience, is located just over two hours away from Rome and is definitely worth a visit. 

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Modena

Stories That Stay With You

Here's what our guests share about their unforgettable journeys

“I traveled with JoAnn West through your services, guided by Giuseppe, in July of this year. What a wonderful experience; your service is really top notch! If I return to Italy for a tour, I will absolutely use your services again and recommend you to my friends!”
[Read More] Lucretia Brower
“This company really knows their stuff and recommended our family to stay longer in each location. We didn't listen to them, but wished we had in every single place we went. They recommended Sestri Levante over the Cinque Terre which was our favourite destination on our entire trip. We visited Rome where we stayed in the outstanding Hotel Locorno where they know the owner there, like in every place”
[Read More] Sean & Veet Chapman, CGA
“The trip was great; we appreciate all the hard work you and your team invested to make our experience a once in a lifetime trip. We appreciate all the attention to the details, in particular Giuseppe spending the time and the focus with us on the road and as we were exploring your great country.”
[Read More] Leon and Michele
“We're home now from the most amazing trip to Italy! I can't thank you enough for your efforts and coordination of what was without question the finest vacations I've been on to date.”
[Read More] Carol Carson
“In September of 2018 I brought a group of 12 from Venice to Sicily and organized all of my services with the Italy Vacation Specialists. Being a travel agent and in the business, I know how complicated organizing travel arrangements can be in Italy and the IVS team took a huge burden off of me! I would like to start of by saying "THANK YOU" both for the amazing job you did on our trip. There was n”
[Read More] Ann Brownell, KHM Travel Group
“I am a travel agent from Lebanon and have organized several group tours as well as individual tours of Italy with Italy Vacation Specialists. I highly recommend them as one of the very best tour operators in Italy to work with, given their professionalism and work ethic which I feel is second-to-none in the travel industry. All of the staff, the guides, the coaches and even the meals we enjoyed we”
[Read More] Nicole Haddad, Lebanese Travel Agent
“Dear Guiseppe and Jesse, We just returned from our most wonderful vacation to Italy and wanted to first thank you for putting together such a wonderful trip, and second to provide some feedback for the future. Hotels 1. Hotel Sovestro in San Gimignano was wonderful. The staff were very friendly and helpful and made the first portion of our journey very stress free. They made us feel like we were p”
[Read More] Ron and Deb Crosby
“As a travel agent, but also a traveler to Italy, thee is no other company I would recommend than the Italy Vacation Specialists. Not only do they really care about what they are doing, they also really know Italy and try to educate many people about ways they can best see the country and not fall into tourist traps. I have been on 4 trips with the IVS team, firstly when they did my first 2 trips f”
[Read More] Laura Chomiak, Travel Agent
“I have traveled to Italy 2x with the IVS for my own pleasure trips and 2x for business with IVS. These guys really pay attention and make your trip go like clockwork. Italy is nuts, just saying! There are so many rules and restrictions now, so we did not want to drive ourselves. Having traveled with them many times and done business on several occasions, most definitely USE this company. They know”
[Read More] JoAnne Beaudoin, Retired Nurse
“Jesse & Giuseppe, Sandy and I have been looking through my slides of our trip to Southern Italy. We had such a good time with you and Giuseppe that we wanted to let you know again. You were the best guides ever.”
[Read More] Bob & Sandy

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