Perfect 48 hours starting from Il Brugnolo – what to see and where to eat

There are places that naturally invite you to slow down. Places where the quiet of the countryside, the scent of vineyards, and the sounds of nature become part of the journey. Staying at Il Brugnolo means exactly this: giving yourself the time to experience the most authentic Emilia, made of rolling hills, slow rhythms, genuine flavors, and sincere encounters.

Thanks to its strategic location between Reggio Emilia and Modena, Il Brugnolo is the ideal starting point for a 48-hour itinerary through art cities, relaxing landscapes, and gastronomic excellence. Two intense days full of beautiful things to see… and taste.

Here is our recommended itinerary, designed for those who want to discover the best of the area starting directly from Il Brugnolo.

DAY 1

Morning – Scandiano historic center

The day can begin calmly, perhaps with breakfast immersed in the silence of the Emilian countryside. After a relaxing moment in the park of Il Brugnolo, it takes only a few minutes by car to reach the historic center of Scandiano, which deserves a slow and curious walk.

With Renaissance origins, it is dominated by the imposing Rocca dei Boiardo, famous not only as a defensive structure and later noble residence, but above all because the entire history of Scandiano and its people unfolded within its walls. Places worth visiting include: the Pieve of Santa Maria, a jewel of history and art where spirituality blends with the beauty of centuries-old architecture; the Clock Tower, locally known as the “Campanone,” built by Feltrino Boiardo in the first half of the 15th century; Casa Spallanzani, where the biologist Lazzaro Spallanzani was born and lived, characterized by harmonious Baroque architectural elements; and the Church of San Giuseppe, which preserves valuable works of art.

Scandiano is an authentic town, far from mass tourism flows, where you can still feel everyday Emilian life in its most genuine form: a small café for morning coffee, weekly markets, and people meeting in the square. Take your time to fully absorb it.

Lunch in Scandiano

After exploring the historic center of Scandiano, it’s the perfect time to enjoy local flavors. In the area, you can eat well almost everywhere, but the advice is to choose a traditional trattoria or osteria to taste the great classics of Emilian cuisine.

Recommended places include Agriturismo Orto della Carmen, Osteria Gattonero, and Osteria in Scandiano.

If instead you prefer to shop and cook in your apartment — which, as you know, has a fully equipped kitchen — local shops offer a selection of high-quality products.

Afternoon – Reggio Emilia hills

The afternoon is dedicated to the Reggio Emilia hills, which offer soft landscapes dotted with vineyards, scenic roads, and small villages surrounded by greenery. A territory best experienced slowly, in different ways and in every season.

Those who enjoy walking can choose from numerous hiking trails and ancient pilgrimage routes of varying lengths and difficulty, crossing areas of extraordinary beauty. Cycling enthusiasts will also find the ideal setting here, with routes suitable both for relaxing rides and more challenging itineraries, always immersed in an authentic and never banal landscape.

There are also many opportunities to discover local food and wine excellence up close. A visit to a winery, vinegar producer, or cheese dairy is one of the best ways to truly connect with the soul of this land. Many local producers offer tastings and guided tours, allowing visitors to discover family stories, ancient production methods, and typical products that tell the story of the territory better than any guidebook.

Dinner in the Scandiano area

For dinner, the surroundings of Scandiano offer excellent trattorias where cuisine is deeply tied to seasonality and rural tradition. Simple, flavorful dishes prepared with genuine ingredients always create that familiar atmosphere that makes every trip to Emilia special.

Recommended options include Ristorante Badessa in San Donnino di Liguria, Antica Osteria Del Borgo in Albinea, and Ristorante La Trattoria in Casalgrande.

DAY 2

Morning – Reggio Emilia

The morning of the second day is dedicated to discovering Reggio Emilia, reachable from the agriturismo in about 20 minutes. Often less known than other Emilian cities, it surprises visitors with its elegance, harmonious squares, and lively yet never chaotic atmosphere.

There are many things to see, but given the limited time, the must-visit stops are: the Tricolore Museum, a small treasure of Risorgimento memory that tells one of the founding moments of the national identity; the Basilica of San Prospero, one of the oldest churches in Reggio Emilia and one of the most important testimonies of Emilian Baroque; the Basilica of the Beata Vergine della Ghiara, one of the most important Marian sanctuaries in Italy; and the Parmeggiani Gallery, a unique example of a 19th-century house-museum, preserving an extraordinary collection of furniture, paintings, textiles, weapons, and goldsmith works.

Reggio Emilia is also a pleasant city to simply walk through: arcades, historic cafés, markets, and small shops in the historic center make it ideal for a relaxed morning.

Lunch in Reggio Emilia

Reggio Emilia offers numerous restaurants and trattorias where Emilian cuisine is presented in its most traditional and authentic form, featuring fresh pasta, typical cured meats, and historic local recipes.

Notable places include Ristorante Canossa, Trattoria Ca’ Longa, and Osteria Popolare Tabarin. The city is also rich in delicatessens where you can buy and taste local products, such as Antica Salumeria Pancaldi and Panificio Melli.

Afternoon – Modena

After lunch, the itinerary continues to Modena, reachable in just over 30 minutes from Reggio Emilia (and about 40 minutes from the agriturismo). The afternoon here offers multiple options: it’s up to you which side of Modena you want to explore.

For art and history lovers, the ideal starting point is Piazza Grande, beautifully framed by the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and San Geminiano, the Ghirlandina Tower, and the Town Hall. Nearby, the Cathedral Museums and the Estense Gallery offer further insight into the city’s cultural and artistic heritage.

For motorsport enthusiasts, Modena is home to the MEF – Enzo Ferrari Museum, dedicated to the life and work of the Ferrari founder, and the historic Maserati factory, which can be visited through guided tours. Those who prefer a slower pace can simply enjoy a walk and a coffee in the square.

Whatever path you choose, Modena always manages to surprise.

Dinner in Modena

Before returning to the agriturismo, enjoy dinner in Modena: it would be a real shame not to. Here, cuisine is a living heritage made of traditional recipes, local ingredients, and intense flavors. Among the most authentic experiences are historic trattorias and traditional osterias, where classic dishes are a must.

Recommended places include Trattoria Bianca, Trattoria Ermes, and Trattoria Aldina.

Photo gallery © Emilia Romagna Tourism