Collect your rental car at Rimini Federico Fellini Airport (check the desk location in advance); allow time for luggage and paperwork. Rental desks usually operate late but confirm your pickup time with the company.
Scenic evening drive inland to Pennabilli via SP routes (approx. 1h–1h20 depending on traffic). Roads are well-signed but mountain turns are narrow — drive carefully and use headlights after dusk.
Check in at your Pennabilli accommodation and take a short stroll through the historic center while many small viewpoints are still pleasant at dusk; note small shops may be closed by this hour.
Dine at a local family-run trattoria in town (example choices: a small trattoria near Piazza; many serve regional Marche/Apennine dishes such as tagliatelle al ragù, wild boar or mushroom risottos). Call ahead to confirm late-evening service — many kitchens close around 22:00.
Quick Italian breakfast of espresso/cappuccino and cornetto at a local bar or your hotel; most bars open by 7:00–7:30. If staying in a B&B, check if they offer early breakfast for your departure.
Drive the scenic Apennine roads to La Verna (approx. 1h–1h15). Expect mountain roads and a moderate climb toward the sanctuary; daylight travel gives best views.
Explore the Franciscan sanctuary complex, the Chapel of the Stigmata and the surrounding beech forest — the grounds are typically open in summer (usually from early morning to early evening), but museum areas and guided-convent visits have specific hours so check ahead.
Take one of the short marked trails through the beech woods (30–60 minutes) to experience the tranquil landscape where St. Francis spent time; trails are easy to moderate and generally open year-round.
Enjoy a hearty mountain lunch at the sanctuary’s refectory or a nearby rifugio — dishes often include polenta, porcini, soups and local cold cuts. Many of these venues serve lunch from about 12:00–14:30; check seasonal hours.
Return to the sanctuary for quieter visiting hours, visit the convent museum if open (museums often have restricted hours or require reservations), or simply relax in the cloister.
Overnight options include the guesthouse associated with the sanctuary (foresteria) or nearby agriturismi/guesthouses. If you prefer the spiritual atmosphere, book the foresteria well in advance.
Dine near the sanctuary on rustic mountain cuisine — try polenta with mushroom ragù, game stews or local cheeses. Confirm dinner service times (many rural kitchens serve from 19:00–21:00 seasonally).
Simple breakfast at your foresteria or nearby bar (coffee and pastry) before checkout; confirm breakfast time the night before, as hours can be earlier in convent stays.
Stroll Piazza Grande and visit Arezzo Cathedral (Duomo). The Basilica of San Francesco (home to Piero della Francesca frescos) and museums have variable opening hours — check current schedules, as some sites open around 9:00–10:00 and close in the mid-afternoon.
Lunch near Piazza Grande at a traditional trattoria — enjoy ribollita, pappardelle with hare or a light plate with pecorino and prosciutto. Most lunch services run from 12:00–14:30; reservations recommended at busy tables.
Longer drive northeast to Cesena (approx. 2h–2h30 via A1/E45 corridors). Plan fuel and a short rest stop en route; traffic near Florence/Bologna corridors can add time, so allow margin.
Check in to your Cesena accommodation at the specified address. Drop luggage and do a quick orientation — the property is in Cesena outskirts, so factor a short drive to the historic center if desired.
If time permits, visit the UNESCO-listed Biblioteca Malatestiana or take a quick drive to Piazza del Popolo and Rocca Malatestiana; check opening times (libraries and museums commonly open until 17:00–18:00).
Depart Cesena to reach Rimini Airport for your 20:00 flight. Aim to arrive at the rental return / airport by ~6:00pm to allow car drop-off and check-in/security (domestic vs international may require more time). Travel time is about 45–60 minutes; adjust if heavy traffic.
Complete rental car return and proceed to check-in/security. If you prefer to keep luggage at your Cesena address, factor extra time for the drive back — otherwise check directly from the airport.