#mynovgetaway After a one hour train ride from the stylish bustle of cosmopolitan Milan, we arrived in Bologna, a historical and cultural center in northeast Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region. It is a large city with an enormous railway station — a destination for international visitors as well as a connecting point for business people and local residents. But our itinerary moved us quickly out of the city by car to begin a 9-day journey through Emilia-Romagna beyond the locations commonly found in travel guides. Mr. TWS and I were to spend our first night in the village of Tredozio on the border of Tuscany about 40 miles southeast of Bologna. Exiting the busy main highway out of Bologna, our drive quickly turned scenic as we took winding roads through rural areas of vineyards and olive trees. A stop in the quiet village of Modigliana gave us the chance to cross the steeply-arched Ponte della Signora (San Donato Bridge) built in the 18th century and wander the streets of this town of under 5,000 residents. We met several friendly locals who helped us to find Antichi Sapori, a great place for a lunch of pasta fresca (fresh pasta). This was our first experience with the authentic homemade pasta of the region, made from scratch in the kitchen. It was the start of a long series of wonderful meals as we ate our way through Italy.

#mynovgetaway In Cesenatico, explore the old harbor, where beautiful boats moor and markets sell the freshest seafood. Learn about the town's connection with some of the world’s greatest thinkers. Finish your day on the pristine beach. Start your tour at the charming town’s Canal Harbour. The town was originally formed at the start of the 14th century and the long canal was designed in 1502 by Leonardo da Vinci. Much of the area’s activity still centers on the harbor. Sit in cafés overlooking the water or shop at the traditional fish market. Learn about Cesenatico’s seafaring past at the Marine Museum on the canal’s western side. Get close to navy ships from past generations and enjoy a 3-D animation show. Outside, the floating part of the museum displays multiple boats from the 19th and 20th centuries. Each is marked with intricate carvings. The boats’ unique, colorful sails are hoisted every day. Across the road stands the Casa Moretti, the home of poet Marino Moretti, born in 1885. Admire original works from the man who supposedly sat on his windowsill and was inspired by watching the boats. After a morning inside, enjoy the afternoon sun. The town is popular with cyclists for its open surrounding countryside. Rent a bike from town shops or borrow one from your hotel. In May, watch or join the Nine Hills race. A more relaxing outdoor option is going to the beach. Rent lounge chairs, enjoy the sun and paddle in the calm, clear sea. Have a drink or meal at a waterfront bar or stroll into town to find more restaurants. Seafood is a Cesenatico delicacy. Request the specialty dish, Adriatic blue fish. The town has numerous summer festivals. During early August’s Festa di Garibaldi, enjoy several days of parades followed by a magnificent fireworks display. Cesenatico is on Italy’s east coast, a 4-hour drive north of Rome. Numerous hotels and villas available. Whether you want fascinating culture or long days by the sea Cesenatico has plenty of options.