Itinerary

Duration: two nights, three days.

Way of transport: by car

Recommended itinerary: Faenza, Casola Valsenio, Borgo Rivola, Riolo Terme

DAY 1 – FAENZA

The city of craftsmanship and ceramics deserves a day all to itself. First of all, a visit to the MIC (Museo Internazionale della Ceramica - The International Ceramics Museum) is a must as it is one of the most respected in the world. In the display room you'll find works from Italian workshops from the Middle Ages to the 19th century; from the Near East; from the Mediterranean area from the Hellenic era; pre-Columbian and Islamic artefacts. There is also a large section dedicated to modern and contemporary ceramics.

In town you can find more than sixty ceramic boutiques where craftsmen and artists produce items with a certified trademark, in shapes and decorations that range from historic reproductions to artistic experimentation. So we recommend you do a little shopping to find surprising, top quality objects.

In the historical centre, which is prevalently 17th-18th century, there are beautiful palaces and churches, grouped around two adjoining piazzas, del Popolo and della Libertà: the former, delimited by two porticoed wings facing the Palazzo del Podestà and the Town Hall, once the Manfredi family home; the latter, featuring the late 15th century Cathedral, which houses numerous works of art from the Renaissance, and the monumental Fountain whose bronzes date back to the 17th century.

DAY 2 – CASOLA VALSENIO, BORGO RIVOLA, RIOLO TERME

The second day, we head over to Casola Valsenio, about 30 km from Faenza, a land of forgotten herbs and fruits, located in the centre of the green valley of the Senio, in the heart of the Romagna Park of the Chalk Vein.

Must-sees:

The Herb Garden, a fascinating factory of medicinal, cosmetic and aromatic herbs, with 450 plant species.

The Museum of Alfredo Oriani's Home, inside the Villa Il Cardello; Oriani was a historian, poet and writer. He was born in Faenza in 1852 and died in Casola in 1909.

After leaving Casola, we can go down to Borgo Rivola (about 8 km away; must-see: the Riviera Sanctuary, 14th century, late Romanesque period); Riolo Terme, our next stop, where we recommend you spend the night and the whole next day so you can visit the interesting historical centre and treat yourself to a relaxing time out at the lovely Thermal baths.

DAY 3 – RIOLO TERME

Riolo Terme is perfect for those wanting a wellness stop thanks to its highly prized waters, whose properties were already known and renowned in Ancient Roman times. Must-see: the majestic Thermal Park, in perfect fin de siècle style. The building has an ENT Centre with a Children's section, Mud Bath Therapy, a Natural Methodology Centre, a Motor and Lung Rehabilitation Centre and an Aesthetic Medicine Centre. For a pure wellness ritual, there is the new, elegant Thermarium and the wonderful 34°C salso-bromo-iodic pool.

The historical centre is arranged around the 13th century Fortress, perfectly preserved and offering the charm of a town built in ancient days within the fortified walls to defend the inhabitants. An evocative place for the events held throughout the year: festivals celebrating our local products, exhibitions, shows and fairs.