VAN-COMPARATOR Guide
Emilia-Romagna by campervan from Bologna: the food road
Parma, Modena, balsamic vinegar and Parmesan: a gourmet campervan itinerary from Bologna, with stopovers, producer visits and a budget.
If Italy has a belly, it's here: Parmesan, Parma ham, Modena balsamic vinegar, Bolognese tortellini, Lambrusco. Emilia-Romagna suits a campervan beautifully — an easy plain to drive, producers who welcome visitors, and the Apennines just south for cool nights.
Bologna, the base
Collect your van in Bologna but see the city before setting off: the centre is a ZTL, as everywhere in Italy. A motorhome stopover sits on the outskirts, linked to the centre by bus. Then head west on the Via Emilia, the Roman straight line that strings together the food cities.
Modena: balsamic and engines
The acetaie (traditional vinegar lofts) can be visited by appointment, often free, tasting included — a 25-year-old balsamic sells for €80–150 per 100 ml, and one taste explains why. Engine lovers can add the Ferrari museums in Modena and Maranello, both with large car parks that take motorhomes for the day.
Parma and the caseifici
Around Parma, dozens of Parmigiano Reggiano dairies open early in the morning (production starts around 8 am — book the day before). Visits cost €5–10, recouped with your first purchase. The ham houses of Langhirano, in the first hills, complete the picture.
At night: up into the Apennines
In summer the Po plain is hot and muggy: sleep in the hills instead — agricamping farms around Langhirano, Castell'Arquato or Brisighella, €15–25 a night and 5°C cooler than the plain.
5-day budget
- Campervan in Bologna: €80–125/day in summer, less in spring — the region shines in April–May and September–October.
- 300 km total, €55 of fuel, motorway avoidable (the Via Emilia is free).
- Plan a proper grocery budget: that's the point of the trip.
Compare available vans in Bologna across Yescapa, Goboony, Roadsurfer and Indie Campers in one Van-Comparator search — and check for a proper fridge: here, it will earn its keep.