Dine near the historic center or Marina Centro—try seafood risotto, grilled fish or classic Romagna dishes like passatelli in brodo; most good restaurants serve dinner from ~19:00–22:30, so book a table if arriving in high season.
Scenic evening drive inland to Pennabilli (approx. 1h10). Mountain roads are winding and narrower after dark—drive cautiously and allow extra time for any stops.
Check in at your Pennabilli accommodation, then take a brief stroll through the medieval center and viewpoints while the air is cooler; note many small-town shops and some restaurants close earlier in the evening.
Settle in and rest after travel—if you need a late bite or drink, verify in advance which bars/trattorie remain open in Pennabilli as options may be limited after 22:30.
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 check 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, Chapel of the Stigmata and cloisters; outdoor areas are usually accessible daily but confirm museum/convent opening hours (many open by 9:00).
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 vary by season.
Stroll the medieval Piazza Grande, visit the Duomo of Arezzo and, time permitting, the Basilica of San Francesco to see Piero della Francesca frescoes; check individual site hours (many 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, so reserve a table in high season.
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.
Quick Italian breakfast at your hotel or a nearby café—coffee and pastry—so you can depart early; if you prefer savory, 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 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.