Between the Villages and the Traditions of Romagna
4 days/3 nights
DAY 1: FERRARA/RAVENNA COAST
Arrival in Ferrara, a city that has preserved a complete Renaissance network, designed by architect Biagio Rossetti, unchanged since the 15th century. For three centuries, the Este Dukes embellished the city with numerous buildings and became enlightened patrons of famous painters (such as Tura, Cossa, Costa, Dossi, De' Roberti) and writers (including Ariosto and Tasso). Meet your guide for an half-day guided visit to discover the main important monuments: the Este Castle, residence of the Este family; the Cathedral; the medieval streets with their covered passages; Corso Ercole d’Este with its magnificent palaces, including the Palazzo dei Diamanti, adorned with 8,500 pointed bosses that testify to the importance of this great Renaissance city, which was named "the first modern city in Europe." Continuation to the hotel for a welcome drink, dinner, and overnight. Accommodation in a 3-stars hotel for 3 nights (on the Lidos of Ravenna: Lido Adriano, Lido di Savio, Cervia).
JOUR 2: RAVENNA/CESENA/BERTINORO
Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning transfer by bus to Ravenna for a guided tour of this splendid city, celebrated all over the world for its wonderful mosaics of the 5th and 6th centuries (UNESCO World Heritage). We will visit S. Vitale and the Mausoleum of Galla Placida, S. Apollinare Nuovo, the Mausoleum of Theodoric (exterior), Piazza del Popolo and the tomb of Dante Alighieri, the father of Italian literature and language. Return to the hotel for lunch. n the afternoon, we’ll set off for Cesena, an ancient city nestled along the Emilia consular road. Here, we’ll discover the stunning Malatestiana Library, one of Italy’s most beautiful libraries from the Renaissance era. Commissioned by the Malatesta family of Rimini and completed in 1452, it stands as one of the few fully preserved examples of a three-nave library, showcasing exquisite architecture, decor, and an impressive collection of manuscript codes from the 15th and 16th centuries (entrance fee included).
After a leisurely stroll through Cesena's charming center, we will continue our journey to Bertinoro, just 10 km away, nice village which has preserved its medieval past and its tradition of hospitality. Tasting of local wines in a local winery. Back to the hotel. Dinner and overnight.
DAY 3: SAN LEO/VERUCCHIO/SANTARCANGELO
Breakfast at the hotel marks the beginning of a delightful day exploring the villages and traditions of Romagna. Our first stop is San Leo, renowned for its stunning fortress, considered the most impregnable in Montefeltro. This historic site also served as the prison for the Count of Cagliostro, accused of witchcraft. Next, we’ll head to a local farm specializing in cashmere production. Here, we’ll tour the stable and laboratory, where we’ll learn about the fascinating process of cashmere production.A highlight of our visit will be a sheepdog demonstration featuring the resident Border Collie, who will help us guide the goats from pasture to stable. After enjoying a hearty snack, we’ll continue our journey to Verucchio, a picturesque town perched on a rocky spur overlooking the Marecchia Valley. We’ll explore the Rocca Malatestiana, which symbolizes the extraordinary power of the Malatesta family, one of the most significant noble families of the Middle Ages.We will continue to Santarcangelo, an ancient village that preserves many aspects of Romagna's daily life, art, and history. There will be a guided tour of the historic center and its monuments: the Collegiate Church, Piazza Manganelli with its triumphal arch dedicated to Clement XIV, Pope in the 18th century, and the Rocca Malatestiana (external view). We will visit the Marchi family's old textile printing works featuring its mangle (an ancient machine used to iron fabrics decorated with natural colors). Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
DAY 4 : DEPARTURE
Breakfast at the hotel. End of our services.
