Malalbergo

Day Trips

Make the most of your day with our curated plans, packed with Malalbergo's hidden gems and unique experiences!

day 1
Arrival in Malalbergo
morning
:

Begin your journey by arriving at Malalbergo’s train station or a nearby airport, then settle into a charming local bed and breakfast. Savor an espresso at a café overlooking the town’s piazza while soaking in the relaxed Italian atmosphere. Take a leisurely stroll to acquaint yourself with the colorful buildings and friendly residents.

afternoon
:

Head to a nearby trattoria for a light lunch of fresh pasta or piadina, the regional flatbread specialty. Walk off your meal by exploring art galleries and artisan workshops along the Via Emilia. Pause at a historic church to admire centuries-old frescoes and architectural details.

evening
:

Enjoy a sunset aperitivo on a quiet terrace, sampling local wines and cicchetti. Continue to a cozy osteria for dinner, savoring tortellini in brodo or rich ragù alla bolognese crafted from family recipes. Cap off the night with a gelato as you wander under softly lit streetlamps.

day 2
Town Center Exploration
morning
:

Start your day with a guided walking tour of Malalbergo’s historic center, learning about its medieval roots and local legends. Visit the Church of San Giovanni Battista to admire its frescoed walls and baroque altar. Stop at a bakery to taste fresh focaccia and local pastries.

afternoon
:

Enjoy lunch at a family-run trattoria, sampling casoncelli and seasonal salads. Browse boutique shops for handmade ceramics, linen textiles and regional food products. Relax in a small piazza while locals go about their daily routines.

evening
:

Dine at an atmospheric enoteca, pairing local charcuterie with Emilia-Romagna wines. Listen to live acoustic music as you sip a glass of Pignoletto or Lambrusco. End the night with a moonlit stroll through the illuminated streets of the town center.

day 3
Countryside Bike Tour
morning
:

Rent a bicycle and set off along scenic country roads framed by rolling fields and farmhouses. Pause at sunflower or wheat fields for photos and fresh air. Stop at a country café for a cappuccino and a brioche before continuing.

afternoon
:

Cycle to a local agriturismo for a farm-to-table lunch featuring homemade salumi and garden-fresh vegetables. Take part in a guided tour of the farm’s vegetable plots, olive groves and cheese cellar. Relax under a shady pergola with a glass of house-made wine.

evening
:

Return your bike and freshen up at your accommodation. Head to a nearby pizzeria for thin-crust pizza topped with local prosciutto and mozzarella di bufala. Enjoy a relaxed evening chatting with locals in the piazza.

day 4
Agritourism Experience
morning
:

Travel to a nearby biodynamic farm to meet the farmers and learn about sustainable agriculture practices. Participate in feeding goats or collecting eggs from free-range chickens. Savor a rustic breakfast of ricotta, honey and seasonal fruit harvested on the farm.

afternoon
:

Join a hands-on cooking class in an open-air kitchen to prepare regional specialties like gnocco fritto and torta fritta. Lunch on the dishes you created, accompanied by organic wines grown on the property. Stroll through the vineyards and olive groves, enjoying panoramic views of the Po Valley.

evening
:

Enjoy a peaceful evening at the farm, sipping herbal tea made from homegrown botanicals. Watch the sunset over open fields while sampling aged cheeses and preserves. Retreat to your farmhouse cottage for a restful night under the stars.

day 5
Bologna Gastronomy Workshop
morning
:

Take a short train or bus ride to Bologna and begin a pasta-making workshop in an artisan culinary studio. Learn to craft tagliatelle, tortelloni and ravioli using time-honored techniques. Enjoy a light aperitivo with local olives and bruschetta before heading into the kitchen.

afternoon
:

Sit down to savor your creations paired with traditional ragù alla bolognese and a crisp salad. Explore the Quadrilatero market district, tasting regional specialties like mortadella, parmigiano-reggiano and balsamic vinegar. Wander under the porticoes to admire medieval architecture and hidden courtyards.

evening
:

Return to Malalbergo for dinner at a local trattoria, reflecting on your culinary adventures. Sip a glass of Sangiovese di Romagna while tasting seasonal antipasti. Take an evening walk along the Reno River banks just outside town.

day 6
Ferrara Cultural Excursion
morning
:

Board a train to Ferrara and start with a guided tour of the Este Castle, exploring its moats, towers and Renaissance frescoes. Wander through the old town’s grid-patterned streets to admire medieval palazzi. Stop at a café in Piazza Trento e Trieste for an espresso and pastry.

afternoon
:

Enjoy a leisurely lunch of cappellacci di zucca and local pumpkin soup. Rent a bike to explore Ferrara’s ancient walls, cycling through tree-lined pathways and parks. Visit the Palacio dei Diamanti to view contemporary art exhibits and marvel at its polygonal façade.

evening
:

Return to Malalbergo and relax with an aperitivo in a quiet wine bar. Dine at a family-run osteria serving homemade tortellini and grilled seasonal vegetables. Finish your evening with a scoop of artisanal gelato in the town square.

day 7
Reno River Boat Cruise
morning
:

Head to the Reno River docks for a guided boat tour through marshlands and serene waterways. Spot herons, kingfishers and other wildlife as you drift past lush riverbanks. Learn about local ecology and conservation efforts from your guide.

afternoon
:

Disembark at a riverside trattoria for a lunch of freshwater fish risotto and sautéed seasonal greens. Take a short hike along a riverside trail to a hidden picnic spot shaded by willow trees. Relax with a cold Peroni or chilled white wine by the water’s edge.

evening
:

Return to town and freshen up before dinner. Choose a rustic pizzeria for authentic wood-fired pies topped with local prosciutto and fresh burrata. Conclude the day with a leisurely stroll under lantern-lit streets along the town’s historic center.

day 8
Local Market and Culinary Tasting
morning
:

Visit the weekly farmer’s market in Malalbergo to shop for seasonal produce, cheeses and cured meats. Chat with vendors about heirloom tomatoes, artisanal sausages and local honey varieties. Pick up ingredients for a picnic lunch by the river.

afternoon
:

Head to a cooking studio for a tasting workshop where you learn to pair cheeses with regional wines. Sample Parmigiano-Reggiano, squacquerone and aged caciotta alongside vintages of Lambrusco and Trebbiano. Discuss flavor profiles with a local sommelier and cheesemaker.

evening
:

Enjoy a self-guided evening picnic at a scenic riverside park with your market finds. Alternate between sips of sparkling wine and bites of focaccia dipped in olive oil. As dusk falls, return to your lodgings for a peaceful night.

day 9
Winery and Vineyard Tour
morning
:

Drive or join a guided tour to a boutique winery in the Emilia-Romagna hills. Walk through neatly lined vines while learning about grape varieties like Sangiovese and Albana. Conclude with a tasting of freshly pressed juice straight from the press.

afternoon
:

Enjoy a cellar lunch featuring salumi, artisanal cheeses and homemade bread paired with a flight of three wines. Explore the underground barrel rooms and learn about aging techniques from the winemaker. Stroll through lavender fields or sunflower patches on the estate grounds.

evening
:

Return to Malalbergo and freshen up at your accommodation. Dine at an osteria specializing in regional game dishes like wild boar ragù. Cap the day with a digestivo of grappa or amaro, enjoying gentle conversation under the stars.

day 10
Farewell Dinner and Departure
morning
:

Spend your final morning revisiting your favorite café for a cappuccino and cornetto. Take a last leisurely walk through the town’s piazzas to bid farewell to newfound friends. Shop for souvenirs like local olive oil or balsamic vinegar to take home.

afternoon
:

Check out of your accommodation and enjoy a farewell lunch at a scenic agriturismo near Malalbergo. Savor one final plate of handmade pasta and seasonal salad. Reflect on the past ten days while overlooking rolling countryside views.

evening
:

Head to the train station or airport for your onward journey. Raise a final toast with a bottle of regional Lambrusco to celebrate the memories you’ve made. Carry home the flavors, sights and stories of Malalbergo as your Italian adventure concludes.

Discover Malalbergo

Read more in our Malalbergo 2025 Travel Guide.

Malalbergo Travel Guide