Collect your rental car promptly after arrival; most counters remain open for scheduled evening flights/trains but confirm pick-up hours with your supplier. This is your launch point for the inland drive to Pennabilli.
Drive northwest into the rolling Apennine foothills toward Pennabilli; the drive usually takes about 1–1h20 depending on traffic and route (SS258/SP roads). Take care on narrower, winding sections after dark.
Settle into a centrally located guesthouse or B&B in the medieval town — many small properties offer late check-in if notified in advance. Use this time to ask your host for dinner suggestions and local hours.
Enjoy a late dinner at a local trattoria serving regional Marche/Romagna dishes — think handmade pasta, wild boar or seasonal mushroom specialties; many restaurants in small towns remain open until about 22:00–22:30, but call ahead to confirm.
Take a short post-dinner walk to a hilltop viewpoint or the town's illuminated towers for peaceful night views over the Marecchia valley; public viewpoints are open 24/7 and perfect for photos and fresh air.
Start with an Italian breakfast of espresso and cornetto at a local bar; many open from around 7:00, giving you energy for the mountain drive to La Verna.
Leave early to enjoy cooler morning driving through Apennine scenery; travel time is roughly 1h–1h20 depending on roads and stops, with narrow, scenic mountain stretches.
Explore the Franciscan sanctuary complex, the small chapels (including the Stimmate chapel) and the tranquil forest paths; the sanctuary grounds are typically open in summer (commonly ~7:00–19:00), though museum/convent areas may have restricted hours — check before you go.
Refuel with hearty mountain cuisine — polenta, porcini-based dishes or local game — at a nearby rifugio or simple trattoria; many serve lunch from about 12:00 to 14:30 and provide robust portions ideal for hikers.
Descend from the sanctuary and drive west/southwest toward Arezzo, transitioning from mountain forests to Tuscan hills; expect about 1h–1h30 on winding country roads and regional highways.
Wander the striking Piazza Grande and visit the Duomo (check cathedral opening times, usually mid-morning to late afternoon) and the Church of San Francesco to view Piero della Francesca's frescoes — some sites require timed entry, so verify opening hours in advance.
Relax with an aperitivo or gelato at a café overlooking the square and soak up the late-afternoon atmosphere; most cafes remain open until early evening.
Savor Tuscan specialties such as ribollita, tagliatelle with wild boar or bistecca alla fiorentina at a well-reviewed trattoria — dinner service typically runs from ~19:00, and reservations are recommended on busy nights.
Grab a classic Italian breakfast at a city bar before departure; bars typically open from around 7:00 and offer quick service if you need to leave early.
Head northeast toward Cesena via A1 and E45/A14 corridors; allow roughly 2h–2h30 for the drive depending on traffic and chosen route, aiming to arrive mid-morning.
Tour the historic Biblioteca Malatestiana, a rare intact example of a medieval public library — opening hours usually include mid-morning slots but can vary, so check current times for guided visits.
Wander the lively Piazza del Popolo and visit the Rocca Malatestiana fortress and surrounding riverside areas; fortress and museum hours commonly run roughly 9:00–18:00 but confirm locally for closures or guided-tour times.
Return to Rimini along the coast (about 45–60 minutes) if your trip finishes there, or proceed to Cesena's station/airport for departure; allow time for traffic and car return procedures.
If you return to Rimini, finish with a seaside dinner on the lungomare—fresh Adriatic seafood and relaxed coastal ambiance are highlights; many seafront restaurants open from ~19:00, so check exact opening times or book ahead.