Collect your rental car at Rimini Federico Fellini Airport; allow 30–45 minutes for luggage and paperwork — check the rental desk evening hours in advance.
Enjoy seafood or Romagna classics such as passatelli in brodo or grilled fish; many restaurants serve dinner from ~19:00–22:30, so reserve if arriving in high season.
Scenic drive inland to the hilltop medieval town of Pennabilli (approx. 1h10). Roads are winding after dark — drive cautiously and allow extra time for narrow sections.
Quick coffee and a cornetto at a local bar or breakfast at your hotel; most bars open by 7:00–7:30 but check earlier if you plan to depart at first light.
Morning drive through Apennine foothills to La Verna (approx. 1h–1h15). Morning traffic is light and views are best; take care on narrow, twisting mountain roads.
Explore the Franciscan sanctuary, the Cappella delle Stimmate and the cloisters; outdoor areas are generally accessible daily and main sites commonly open from about 9:00 (confirm seasonal hours).
Take an easy marked trail through beech forest to the scenic lookouts where St. Francis is said to have prayed — wear sturdy shoes and allow time for photos and quiet contemplation.
Enjoy a rustic mountain lunch—polenta, mushroom dishes or local cured meats—at the sanctuary refectory or a nearby rifugio; lunch service typically runs from ~12:00–14:30 but hours vary by season.
Visit the small museum displays and additional chapels around the sanctuary (check for limited museum hours) or spend time in the cloister for a serene experience.
Take a relaxed walk on nearby trails, visit small local chapels, or simply rest at your lodging — evening light in the beech forests is beautiful for photos.
Dine on hearty mountain cuisine (soup, polenta, game or local desserts) at your rifugio/guesthouse or a nearby trattoria; note that options are limited and some places close after dinner, so check closing times or reserve.
Simple breakfast at your accommodation or sanctuary café to depart early for Arezzo; confirm breakfast service times with your host as mountain lodgings sometimes start later.
Drive southwest from La Verna to Arezzo (approx. 2h0–2h15). Morning departure avoids heavier midday traffic and gives more time for sightseeing in Arezzo.
Stroll the sloped medieval Piazza Grande and soak in the architecture; many shops and cafés open by mid-morning and the square is ideal for photos and people-watching.
Visit Arezzo Cathedral (Duomo) and, if open, the Basilica of San Francesco to see Piero della Francesca’s frescoes; check specific opening times (often 9:00–13:00 and 15:00–18:00) and ticketing for the frescoes.
Enjoy Tuscan specialties—pappardelle with wild boar, ribollita or bistecca alla fiorentina if available—at a trattoria close to the square; lunchtime service typically 12:00–14:30.
Head northeast toward Cesena via the A1/E45 corridor (approx. 2h15–2h30). Expect tolls and possible traffic near major junctions—plan buffer time for unexpected delays.
See the UNESCO‑listed Biblioteca Malatestiana, a historic humanist library; opening hours vary (often open in morning and late afternoon) — verify hours in advance as some days close midday.
Walk up to the Rocca Malatestiana for fortress history and panoramic views over Cesena; museums/sites can close by early evening so confirm local closing times.
Dine on local Romagna dishes—piadina, seafood or pasta—in the historic center; most restaurants serve dinner from 19:00, but some open earlier for guests, so reserve if preferred.
If you have an evening flight, drive to Rimini Federico Fellini Airport (approx. 45–60 minutes) allowing 90–120 minutes for car return and check-in; otherwise, stay overnight in Cesena or Rimini as desired.