THE ADRIATIC RIVIERA
THE ADRIATIC RIVIERA
History, culture and art of the most beautiful cities of Emilia Romagna, Marche and San Marino.
DAILY PROGRAM
Day 1: BOLOGNA
Arrival at Bologna airport, welcome by our English speaking tour leader and coach transfer to the centre of Bologna. Meeting with the guide and tour of the city(half-day). Bologna has three nicknames that describe its spirit: “the Red one” for the colour of its buildings and its 42 km of arcades, “la Fat one” for its delicious gastronomy, and finally “the Learned” because of its prestigious university, one of the oldest in Europe. The guide will lead you through the main places of the historic centre, which keeps its medieval appearance and a particularly harmonious architecture: the famous “Piazza Maggiore” and its twin Piazza del Nettuno, with the fountain of the Neptune, giant of bronze, the Church of San Petronio, whose remarkable portal is the head of the sculptor Jacopo Della Quercia, then the Artists' District, the Asinelli and Garisenda Towers (all external views). Then, drive to the Adriatic coast, and accommodation in one of the most renowned localities, such as Rimini and Riccione. Accommodation in a 4* hotel such as Hotel Gambrinus or Hotel Rosalba. Welcome drink. Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 2: RAVENNA
After breakfast, departure by coach for a daily excursion with our tour leader. In the morning, guided tour (half-day) of Ravenna, former capital of the Roman Empire of the West, and known as the “Byzantium of the West. ” Discovery of the historic centre with the most famous monuments: the Byzantine Church of San Vitale, witness of the taste and the search for splendour, the Baptistery of the Orthodox decorated with marbles, stuccoes and superb mosaics with vivid colors that illustrate the Baptism of Christ, then the Basilica of Sant” Apollinare Nuovo, commissioned by Theodoric. This basilica is adorned with splendid mosaics on a golden background representing the life of Christ. Finally, the Mausoleum of Dante, died in exile in Ravenna. Lunch at the restaurant with a menu based on Romagna specialties. Afternoon free for a personal discovery of the city, or alternatively, possibility to visit the Basilica of Saint Apollinare in Classe, dating from the Apogee of the Byzantine period (optional, not included). At the end of the day, back to the hotel, dinner and overnight stay.
Day 3: RIMINI - SAN MARINO
Breakfast at the hotel, and departure by coach for a daily excursion with our tour leader. In the morning, drive to Rimini and guided tour of the city. Internationally renowned seaside destination, Rimini also has a rich past witnessed by the monuments of the historic centre. You will discover the Roman Arena, the Arch of Augustus, which became Rimini’s main gate, the Three Martyrs Square, then the ancient Roman Forum transformed for several centuries into a lively “piazza delle erbe”, with arcades and a beautiful 16th century temple dedicated to Sant’Antonio from Padova. Then the church of Sant’Agostino with its Gothic facade, then passing through the Place Cavour bordered by ancient palaces including the Palazzo dell’Arengo (or Palace of the Assembly), the Palazzo del Podestà, the Galli Theatre, inaugurated by Giuseppe Verdi in 1857, and finally the Palazzo Garampi and the district of San Giuliano (all external views). Free time for lunch (not included). In the afternoon, drive to San Marino, and guided tour of this small republic located on the slopes of Mount Titano. It is the oldest republic in the world, founded in 301, and today listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for the richness of its architectural heritage. Visit of the centre of the citadel, which develops around its three medieval towers, icons of the city, and is characterized by narrow streets that lead to the most hidden and suggestive corners of the town. You will discover the Liberty Square, where the Public Palace stands, a neo-gothic building dating from the end of the 19th century with its characteristic crenellations, and the magnificent panoramic terrace. Then the Basilica of San Marino, and the Gate of San Francesco, entrance to the city, also known as Porta del Loco. Late afternoon free, then back to the hotel, dinner and overnight stay.
Day 4: URBINO - SAN LEO
After breakfast, departure by coach for a full-day excursion with our tour leader. In the morning, guided tour (half-day) of Urbino, placed on two hills and surrounded by battlements. The city, the fatherland of Raphael, has retained its medieval structure which joined the highest point of its splendour under the duchy of Frederick of Montefeltro. Discovery of this magnificent city: walk through the alleys and steps that lead to the most charming and fascinating corners, lined with churches and palaces. You will stroll through the Piazza Rinascimento, where rises the magnificent Palazzo Ducale of Montefeltro. Visit of the Ducal Palace, a remarkable example of early Renaissance Italian architecture, with its magnificent courtyard of honour, its large staircase, and its lounges adorned with sculpted ceilings. The Palace houses a small stone museum and canvases of great Renaissance artists. Then, a visit to the House of Raffaello, a 15th century bourgeois residence whose furniture remembers the atmosphere of a Renaissance house. Free time for lunch (not included). In the afternoon, road to the medieval village of San Leo, and discovery of the centre with the beautiful church built by Santo Leone, then the cathedral and finally visit of the castle called the "Fort" of Francesco, set on a spur 600m above the sea level. Alternatively, depending on the interests of the guests, chance to visit Gradara, which rises a few kilometres from the beautiful coast. This medieval citadel is the setting for the love story between Paolo and Francesca sung by Dante. The old medieval village is surrounded by crenellated walls, and it’s famous for its beautiful fortress surrounded by battlements. At the end of the day, return to the hotel, dinner and overnight stay.
Day 5: DEPARTURE
Breakfast and, depending on the flight schedule, possibility to arrange a visit to Faenza, famous for its ceramics (optional, not included). Coach transfer to Bologna Airport with our tour escort. Check-in assistance and end of our services.
The price includes:
• 4 nights accommodation on H/B basis in mentioned 4* hotels or similar, in double room
• All dinners excluding beverages
• Welcome drink on the day of arrival
• Lunch with menu based on Romagna specialties (day 2)
• The service of a professional English-speaking tour leader from/to the airport and for the whole duration of the tour, accommodation and meal costs included
• Local guide services as mentioned in the program
• The transportation by air-conditioned G.T. bus according to the itinerary, including all city access fees as currently in force, and including meals and/or accommodation expenses necessary for the driver
• The minibus in San Leo
• VAT as currently in force 10% for hotels, 5% for maritime transport, 22% other services
• Our constant phone support
The price doesn't include:
• Air transport
• Tourist tax
• Luncheons (except day 2)
• Drinks at meals
• Entrance fees
• Headsets (not mandatory)
• Luggage transport service at the hotels
• All services not mentioned in our program and in "the price includes"
• The possible increase in VAT, access and parking costs for the bus, taxes in general
• Extras, optional visits, tips and personal expenses
CONTACT US
If you need more information, please feel free to contact us anytime, we will be happy to help you!
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