Modena

Friday, 9pm

Check in at the Hotel Canalgrande (www.canalgrandehotel.it; from £104 for a double room).

Saturday, 10am

Discover Modena’s famous vinegar with a tasting at Acetaia di Giorgio (www.acetaiadigiorgio.it).

Midday

Sip an aperitif at Caffè Concerto (caffeconcertomodena.com) and admire the soaring campanile of the 12th century Duomo opposite.

1pm

Lunch at Il Giusto Gusto (www. ilgiustogustomodena.it). The lovingly made panini here bear no resemblance to the warmed-over Ryanair version, and the craft beers are tasty.

2:30pm

Even if you’re not a petrolhead, the jellybean-coloured throughbreds on show at the Museo Casa Enzo Ferrari (www.museocasaenzoferrari.it) are gorgeous-looking. Get in the driving seat for a test drive at Pushstart (www.pushstart.it). A ten-minute spin starts at €60.

8pm

Dine at Franceschetta58 (www.franceschetta58.it). The menu features dishes like the world’s classiest mince roll – Chinese-style steamed panino with beef mince, mushrooms, pickles and miso sauce – and orecchiette cooked in buffalo milk with anchovies, bottarga and lemon. Expect to pay from around €25.

10pm

Bar-hop your way around the old streets surrounding Piazza della Pomposa. Al Goblet Birroteca, on the piazza, is a good place to start.

Sunday, 10am

Visit Casa Museo Pavarotti (www. casamuseolucianopavarotti.it) for a glimpse into the life of a great operatic talent.

Midday

The menu at Ristorante Europa 92 (www.ristoranteeuropa92.it), next to the museum, is worthy of the stars who have dined here (check out the guest book). The lunch menu is €90.

3pm

Visit the Gallerie Estensi (www.gallerie-estensi.beniculturali.it). El Greco’s Modena Triptych and Correggio’s Madonna are among the stars of a lavish collection of 14th-18th century art.

7pm

Dinner at Da Omer, a cheery oldschool trat won’t break the bank – it’s hard to spend more than €20 here. Try the tortelloni, made by hand on the spot. ■ Kirker Holidays (tel: 020 7593 2288, www.kirkerholidays.com) offers three nights’ B&B at the Hotel Canalgrande

from £698 per person, including flights and airport transfers. Ryanair (www.ryanair.com) flies direct from Edinburgh to Bologna, about 30 minutes from Modena. A two-day Discover Ferrari and Pavarotti Land pass costs €60 for two

people, www.ferraripavarottiland.it