Almost any place in Emilia-Romagna is within a day's trip of any other; whether your base is central Bologna, a quiet outpost in a rural area, or urbane Ferrara, you'll still be able to range easily through the smaller gems like Modena, Parma, and Brisighella. In Bologna, the regional capital and an industrial hub, massive trade fairs can fill every hotel room in the city: Book in advance (and check dates to avoid, at biztradeshows.com/italy/bologna). In a former nunnery with vaulted rooms, the Convento dei Fiori di Seta is a charmer, but management was more interested in cultivating a bar scene than serving guests (051-272-039; doubles, $236-$409). In the medieval quarter and also charming, the small Hotel Corona d'Oro 1890 is a 14th-century house that retains its original facade, complete with rustic wooden columns (051-745-7611; doubles, $290-$502); its three sisters—Hotel Commercianti, Hotel Orologio, and Hotel Novecento—all in Bologna, also mix style and tradition at a similar price (jpmoser.com). In Parma, the marble-floored Park Hotel Toscanini is centrally located and offers free bikes (0521-289-141; doubles, $257).

Renting a property over the Internet can be risky (who can judge a house by a tiny photo?) but my experience with U.K.-based Owners Direct was superb; it has extensive listings in Italy and is searchable by region, including Emilia-Romagna.

Antica Corte Pallavicina, on the Po in Polesine Parmense, has six guest rooms in a restored medieval castle. The owners make celebrated cured meats and hold cooking classes in everything from making pasta to infusing liquors (0524-936-539; acpallavicina.com; doubles, $199-$270).