Collect your rental car at Rimini Federico Fellini Airport; allow 30–45 minutes for luggage and paperwork and confirm the rental desk's evening hours if your arrival is late.
Scenic evening drive inland to Pennabilli (approx. 1h10). Expect winding Apennine roads—drive with headlights on and allow a bit more time if traffic or roadworks occur.
Check in at your Pennabilli accommodation, then take a brief stroll through the medieval center and viewpoints while the air is cooler; note small-town shops may close early.
Dine at a family-run trattoria—sample Apennine dishes such as tagliatelle with porcini, local salumi or wild-boar ragù; kitchens in small towns often close by 10:00–10:30, so call ahead.
Grab espresso/cappuccino and a cornetto at the local bar or take breakfast at your hotel; most bars open by 7:00–7:30 but confirm if you need an earlier option.
Drive through beech forests to La Verna (approx. 1h–1h15). Morning light gives the best views and roads are quieter—take care on narrow mountain stretches.
Explore the Franciscan sanctuary, the Chapel of the Stigmata and cloisters; the sanctuary and outdoor spaces are typically accessible daily, but the museum/convent may have limited hours—check current opening times (often open by 9:00).
Take an easy marked trail through the beechwood to the viewpoints where St. Francis prayed; trails are mostly moderate—wear sturdy shoes and allow time for photos.
Enjoy a hearty mountain lunch—polenta, mushroom dishes or local cold cuts—at the sanctuary refectory or a nearby rifugio; many serve lunch from ~12:00–14:30 but hours can vary by season.
Stroll the medieval Piazza Grande, visit the Duomo of Arezzo and, time permitting, see the Basilica of San Francesco (Piero della Francesca frescoes). Note: churches and some museums may close mid-afternoon or reopen later—check exact hours (many sites open 9:00–13:00 and 15:00–18:00).
Dine in a traditional trattoria—try pappardelle, ribollita or bistecca alla fiorentina if available; restaurants usually serve dinner from 19:00–22:30, but reserving a table in high season is wise.
Check into your hotel or guesthouse in Arezzo and relax after the day’s sightseeing; central lodging keeps you within walking distance of main sights for an early start the next day.
Quick Italian breakfast at your hotel or a nearby café—coffee and pastry—so you can depart early; if you want a fuller savory start, check café offerings before they open.
Drive northeast toward Cesena via the A1/E45 corridor (approx. 2h15–2h30). Expect tolls and possible traffic near major junctions—leave a cushion for delays.
See the UNESCO-listed Biblioteca Malatestiana, one of Europe’s earliest public libraries—opening hours vary (often morning & afternoon), so verify the schedule as it can close for midday or on certain weekdays.
Enjoy Romagna specialties—piadina, tagliatelle, or seafood—at a central trattoria; most places serve lunch 12:00–14:30 and make a great fuel stop before afternoon sightseeing.
Depart Cesena for Rimini Airport (approx. 45–60 minutes depending on traffic). Allow extra time for car return and security if you have an evening flight.
Complete rental car return and proceed to the terminal to check in and pass security; arriving 90–120 minutes before flight departure is recommended for domestic/EU flights, more for long-haul.