Around Argenta in the province of Ferrara in the River Po Delta are five 'ecomusei' or eco-museums. They are the 'Oasi di Val Campotto', the 'Museo della Bonifica', the 'Museo Civico', the 'Centro Culturale ai Cappuccini' and the 'Museo delle Valli d'Argenta'. The last in the list was awarded the prize for Best European Museum in 1992.

The 'Oasi delle Valli di Argenta' is a protected wildlife area in the Argenta valley. In 1971 it was declared a 'zone umide' of international importance. This meant the micro climate of the area was sufficiently delicate to warrant protection and to encourage the continued breeding of many acquatic birds. In fact, the oasis is one of 6 locations which form the 'Parco Regionale del Delta del Po', an area visited by over 25 million people every year.

Sogliano al Rubicone is a small but greatly loved town in Romagna. Today, it is famous above all for its celebrated 'formaggio di fossa', or 'cheese from the pit' which sounds a lot less appetizing.

The practice of burying cheese dates at least back to the 15th century. A legend credits the people of Sogliano with wanting to protect their possessions from the invading Aragonese troops by placing what they had underground. When peace was restored they found that their cheese had acquired an extraordinary taste.

The original pits were carved out of the tufa rock near the Rivers Rubicone and Marecchia and were used for storing grain. They are typically 3 meters high and two meters in circumference. The fossa cheese fair is held on the last 2 Sundays of November and the first Sunday of December.

The Parco del Delta del Po or River Po Delta Park offers a fantastic unspoilt and protected natural environment in an area stretching from Ferrara inland to Ravenna nearer the coast.

Fortunately for fans of Italian food, the country still boasts local markets where the seasonal agricultural cycles are evident in the produce sold.

There are certain places in Italy which just feel friendly when you first arrive there and Ferrara is one of these. Perhaps the football team keeps winning or the economy is good, or there's always something to look forward to.

Bologna is one of Italy's most interesting and active cities. It has managed to preserve one of the country's most charismatic historical city centers, while at the same time embracing the arts, technology and remaining politically progressive.

Bologna 2000 was one of the Jubilee year's most successful initiatives and the city was also European City of Culture. Bologna is also the home of Umberto Eco.

One way to appreciate the city is to climb one or both of the famous towers; the Garisenda and Asinelli built in the 13th century.

From the top, the layout of the historical center of Bologna is clearly visible. It is formed of a series of ever increasing concentric rings heading towards the then countryside.

There's something  about San Marino. Whether it's the long winding road up the mountain side past the tax free megastore or the pristine streets and perfectly restored medieval buildings selling trinkets, the world's oldest republic is highly individual.

From Rimini to Bologna and Ferrara to Parma, Emilia Romagna offers so much that the province of Forli Cesena is perhaps overlooked by many visitors.

The 'Parco Nazionale Foreste Casentinesi' is located in the Appennine hills between Forli and Florence. Taking in Monte Falterone and Campigna, the forest really is the frontier between Romagna and Tuscany.

Visits to thermal baths, spa towns or 'terme' are becoming more and more popular with a younger generation in Italy. Emilia Romagna has 19 of note.