Italy’s Food Valley: Parma to Ravenna

Parmigiano, prosciutto and balsamic along the Via Emilia, with Bologna’s arcades and Ravenna’s mosaics.

Distance: 195 km (121 mi)
Driving: 2 h 41 min
Suggested days: 3
Stops: 4
Countries: Italy
Updated: September 3, 2026

At a glance: 3-day road trip of about 195 km (121 mi) with 4 stops, from Parma to Ravenna mosaics. About 2 h 41 min of driving in total.

More road trips in Italy · More road trips from Parma

Route description

In Parma, the cathedral and the pink marble baptistery stand in the same square, and the hills to the south are prosciutto country. Parmigiano Reggiano dairies around the city can be visited in the morning, when the cheese is made; book ahead.

The Via Emilia and the A1 motorway lead southeast to Modena, whose cathedral, tower and Piazza Grande are a UNESCO site. Traditional balsamic vinegar is aged in attics in and around the town, and many producers offer visits.

Bologna is next, with miles of arcades and the two leaning towers in the centre. Most of the city has a 30 km/h speed limit and the centre is a ZTL limited traffic zone, as in Parma and Modena, so use the park-and-ride car parks.

The A14 then heads east across the plain to Ravenna, where fifth- and sixth-century mosaics in gold and deep blue cover the walls of San Vitale and the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia. Allow a full day for the mosaics, which are spread over several sites in the town.

Stop-by-stop itinerary

In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.

1

Parma
Italy
Start
2

Modena
Italy
63 km
3

Bologna
Italy
46 km
4

Ravenna mosaics
HistoryRavenna, Italy
Fifth- and sixth-century mosaics in gold and deep blue cover the walls of San Vitale and the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia.
85 km

Suggested stages and overnight stops

3 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.

Day 1: Parma → Modena · 63 km · 0 h 52 minOvernight nearby, for example: Camper Club Mutina (4 km); Camping International Modena (5 km).
Day 2: Modena → Bologna · 46 km · 0 h 38 minOvernight nearby, for example: Centro Turistico Città di Bologna (4 km); area sosta camper Sasso Marconi (12 km).
Day 3: Bologna → Ravenna mosaics · 85 km · 1 h 11 minOvernight nearby, for example: Agriturismo Bio Camping (5 km); Classe (10 km).

Best time to go

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

The most pleasant months are usually May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, June and August. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.

Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons

Practical notes for the road

Italy: Motorway tolls. Tolls on most autostrade; pay at the barrier by card or cash. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.
Bologna: Limited traffic zone (ZTL). Cameras fine unauthorised vehicles in the historic centre, including hire cars. Park outside and walk or take transit; hotels inside may register your plate.

Road rules and fees change. Check official sources before you travel.

FAQs

How long is Italy’s Food Valley: Parma to Ravenna?

3-day road trip of about 195 km (121 mi) with 4 stops, from Parma to Ravenna mosaics. About 2 h 41 min of driving in total.

How many days do you need for Italy’s Food Valley: Parma to Ravenna?

We suggest 3 days: about 2 h 41 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.

Where does Italy’s Food Valley: Parma to Ravenna start and end?

It starts in Parma and ends in Ravenna mosaics.

Which countries does Italy’s Food Valley: Parma to Ravenna pass through?

Italy.

Where can you camp along Italy’s Food Valley: Parma to Ravenna?

OpenStreetMap lists 50 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 20 km of the stops on this route. For example: Agriturismo Arco Antico, Camper Club Mutina and Centro Turistico Città di Bologna.

When is the best time for Italy’s Food Valley: Parma to Ravenna?

The most pleasant months are usually May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, June and August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)