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Landscapes that will take your breath away, rich history, and delicious food, your trip to Italy will be nothing short of unforgettable.
 

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Nature
Po Delta, a birdwatching paradise

Po Delta, a birdwatching paradise

The Po Delta is one of the most fascinating natural sites in Italy. What's more: it is a unique and special site. Nowhere else in Italy can you find so many environments in such a small space: sand dunes, with typical Mediterranean scrub vegetation; ancient pine forests with a classic umbrella shape; salt flats, some of which are still in operation; brackish water lagoons, which host flourishing fishing and aquaculture activities; and again, marshes, reeds, flooded forests, wet meadows and the open sea. It is logical, therefore, that this exceptional diversity of ecosystems is home to many animal species: in particular birds, over 300 species (a national record), which among the meanders formed by Italy's longest river find a place to breed, a feeding site during migration, a refuge to spend the cold season. Flamingoes, herons, ducks, geese, waders, birds of prey and small marsh birds can be spotted in large numbers throughout the year along the delta's many small roads, its paths, its beaches, or even riding a bicycle, a horse or a boat. The Po Delta, which is protected by two regional parks (one in Veneto and one in Emilia-Romagna) and by various international conventions, is therefore a perfect place for those who are already keen birdwatchers but also for those who simply enjoy observing wildlife in its natural environment. This is also because it is easy to visit: the infrastructure is extensive, and the accommodation and catering options are wide and varied. All that remains is to start searching for the best sites.
Museums and monuments
Castles of the Duchy of the Piacenza and Parma area

Castles of the Duchy of the Piacenza and Parma area

Via Emilia: along the ancient road This itinerary runs along the Via Emilia and precisely along the stretch between the Parma and Piacenza areas, where the Duchy of Parma and Piacenza ruled between 1545 and 1859. One of the world's oldest roads, nowadays known as State Road 9, the Via Emilia is one of Emilia Romagna's prides, as well as being at the origin of the region's very name. Roman road with an epic flavour, in some sections retaining the original cobblestones. Many centuries of history are encompassed here, from the Middle Ages to the Enlightenment, scattered traces of culture and architecture. Nearby are castles, fortresses and manor houses, extraordinary examples of the art of fortification. Along the route, the landscape changes from the Bassa Padana to the Apennines of Emilia, in a panorama of hills covered with vineyards, streams and verdant valleys. A plunge into medieval atmospheres and witnessing of historical re-enactments in costume. The itinerary is exciting for everyone, including children; educational and exploratory workshops and even a magical Fairy Tale Park in Gropparello are dedicated to them. To make the day truly enjoyable, don't forget to organise a picnic on the lawn, as well as a stop at taverns and castle markets. If you like honest restaurants, you will find many on this stretch of road where you can enjoy renowned cured meats accompanied by local CDO wines.
Food and wine
Piedmont, an extraordinary laboratory of products, all to be tasted, and to be drunk.

Piedmont, an extraordinary laboratory of products, all to be tasted, and to be drunk.

If you know French, you will be able to better understand the Piedmontese cuisine, influenced for centuries by our cousins from across the Alps and neighbouring Ligurians, travellers and traders. Begin your gastronomic journey with agnolotti and its variations, stuffed according to the area Also try pumpkin gnocchi and chestnuts and Tajarin, thin taglioini with a bright yellow colour due to the presence of numerous egg yolks. Then move on to the bagna cauda, made with anchovies, oil and garlic, where you can dip vegetables such as peppers, cabbage or cardo gobbo di Nizza Monferrato. A taste of fritto misto with liver is a must, sweetbreads, cervella, veal rump, amaretti, a mouthful ofbrasato al Barolo or Gattinara and another of boiled meat with Bagnet verd (mix of parsley, garlic, salted anchovies, stale bread, vinegar and extra virgin olive oil). Munching on a breadstick, created here, try Toma and Castelmagno cheeses, as well as salame d’asino and Salsiccia di Bra. Since you're there, enjoy some dishes flavoured with the Alba White Truffle, one of the most prized, and expensive, products of the nation's gastronomy. Ready now for a shower of sweets? Starting with gianduiotti, first invented in the mid-19th century, with cocoa, sugar and hazelnuts from Piedmont; followed by baci di dama; Krumiri from Casale Monferrato, whose shape resembles a pair of royal moustaches, those of Victor Emmanuel II, whose death happened to coincide with their birth in 1878; lingue di gatto, created in Paris in the 1920s, the Bonet, a typical spoon dessert from the Langhe.And then the Nocciolini di Chivasso, the Meliga pastries, the Tronchetto di Natale, the focaccia di Susa, the amaretti. For wines produced in Langhe, Roero, Astigiano, Monferrato, Colli Novaresi and Canavese, a Treccani is necessary. We recommend the four most famous reds, Barbera, Nebbiolo, Barolo, Barbaresco.
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