Emilia Romagna suggested itineraries

Starting near the border of the Marche region, at Cattolica, this tour of the Riviera Romagnola follows the SS16 through a peaceful landscape. Bird watchers come to this area to visit the Monte San Bartolo nature Reserve. It is also of great interest to historians and archaeologists; coming to see sites such as Monte Castellano and Colombarone.

The towns of the Riviera have much to offer visitors in terms of hotels, restaurants, bars and clubs, which are all near to bathing facilities. Cattolica, is no exception. Besides shops of all sorts, the aquarium is a great attraction for every age group. Thousands of marine species can be seen in the underwater laboratories and tanks. For over a century, the Riviera towns have been a popular tourist destination. Most visitors are Northern European, particularly German. All are attracted by the many leisure facilities, from golf courses to culinary lessons and the well known nightspots, together with the welcoming atmosphere and balmy climate.

Hugging the Adriatic coast, the road reaches two of the tourists' favourite resorts, Bellaria and Igea Marina. In Bellaria you will find the fashionable Isola dei Platani shopping area with its vibrant planting and subtropical flora. Take time to see the Torre Saracena, built in 1673 to ward off pirate attacks. The "Old Port", a lively fishing harbour since the late 19thcentury is worth visiting. If you drive inland for a few kilometres you will find the towns of San Mauro Pascoli, (birthplace of the poet Giovanni Pascoli) and Savignano sul Rubicone, on the Rubicon River. The Rubicon was the old boundary between Roman and Gallia Cisalpina territories.

Returning to the sea, you come to Cesenatico. Go to see the fishermens' quarter, with its colourful little houses. Prior to the growth of tourism the mainstay of life here was fishing, particularly for eels, mussels, clams and squid (all of which feature in the local cuisine). The canal, constructed in 1502 was commissioned by Cesare Borgio and designed by Leonardo di Vinci.

North of here is the well known resort of Cervia. The town's economy was in the past based on salt. The salt was obtained from the nearby marshland, which has now become a nature reserve, accessible from the Salaria road. Many water birds can be found in this beautiful sanctuary, which also gives access to the Po River delta Park from the South. At the Camillone salt mine and 17th century salt workings a "salt museum" illustrates the techniques of production and of transport using flat-bottomed boats known as burchiella.

Cervia's Milano Marittima is a short distance away. This resort was created in the 20th century as a new sort of leisure facility. Now, many all night discos attract a youthful clientele. Further up the coast those wishing to completely unwind will find the holiday centres of Savio, Classe, Dante and Adriano. Near Classe you will find the Classe Pine Forest, 900 hectares of trees, including holm and bay oaks, pine and hornbeam. There are picnic places and trails for those on foot or on bikes. Adjacent to the forest is Mirabillandia - Italy's Disneyland

The famous Ravenna Marina marks the end of this tour. Here, on the beaches, music is played every night. At the Punta Marina thermal centre on the shore visitors can experience the beneficial effects of the mild climate, warm seawater and wonderful Italian sunshine.