With a growing number of UK travellers seeking off-the-beaten-path destinations, Italy's Emilia Romagna region offers a serene alternative to tourist-heavy Tuscany. Recent data shows 58 per cent of British holidaymakers now prioritise lesser-known travel spots over popular tourist destinations.

Luxury travel specialist Citalia recently highlighted the region as one of the top. Known as the "heart of Italian food," Emilia Romagna is a verdant region stretching from the Apennine mountains to the Po river. The area produces many of Italy's most celebrated ingredients, including Modena's balsamic vinegar, Prosciutto, and Parmesan cheese.