TRAVEL ITINERARIES TO THE SEA: THROUGH GENTLE HILLS, ENCHANTING VILLAGES, AND GARDENS TO DISCOVER
The route from Bologna to Rimini spans approximately 130 kilometers via the A14 motorway. Alternatively, by choosing State Road 9, also known as Via Emilia, the journey may be slightly longer, but offers the opportunity to discover charming villages, splendid gardens, and scenic hills that richly reward the traveler’s curiosity.
The first recommended stop along the route from Castel San Pietro to Rimini is Il Palazzo di Varignana. Set amidst rolling hills and centuries-old olive groves, this estate offers carefully curated landscapes and refined hospitalityan unforgettable example of Italian excellence. Continuing along the SS9, one reaches Villa La Riniera, renowned for its peony blooms which, from mid-April to late June, color the gardens and fill the air with intoxicating fragrances.
The gentle hills of Romagna accompany the traveler to Dozza Imolese, a unique village transformed by artists into an open-air gallery where every wall becomes a canvas and each home a frame. Proceeding toward Imola, the imposing Rocca Sforzesca stands as a powerful reminder of past struggles for territorial control.
A stop in Faenza is essential to visit the International Museum of Ceramics, testament to the city’s and neighboring Imola’s long-standing artisanal tradition in fine ceramic production.
Continuing the journey, Forlì offers the distinguished San Domenico Museums, frequently hosting exhibitions of significant cultural and artistic relevance within an esteemed setting. If time permits, Palazzo Romagnoli is also worthy of attention. Just 10 km away lies Forlimpopoli, a destination of particular interest to culinary enthusiasts. Founded in the 2nd century BCE by the Romans, it is best known as the birthplace of Pellegrino Artusi, renowned gastronome and author of the most influential and widely consulted cookbook in Italian history. His legacy lives on in Casa Artusi, which houses a gastronomic library, a cooking school, and a restaurant dedicated to traditional cuisine.
The Romagna region offers a wealth of cultural landmarks. Among the most significant is the Malatestiana Library in Cesena, commissioned by Novello Malatesta between 1447 and 1452. Recognized by UNESCO and inscribed in the Memory of the World Register, the library transports visitors into the atmosphere of Umberto Eco’s The Name of the Rose. Its authenticity and unique ambiance make it a truly unmissable destination.
The final stages of this journey lead to places that capture the essence of Romagna’s beauty and tradition. Poggio Berni, nestled on the slopes of the Valmarecchia, is home to Palazzo del Poggiano an exclusive residence offering accommodation in two refined suites. The elegant furnishings reflect the deep affection of the owners for the region and the estate. Each window frames breathtaking views, making this charming residence an unforgettable retreat.
Just minutes away lies Santarcangelo di Romagna, one of the most beloved towns of the Valmarecchia. With its vibrant character and warm hospitality, it invites travelers to wander through its lively streets, where artisan traditions endure. Notably, the historic Marchi printing workshop, in operation since the 1600s, still prints fabrics using an original, perfectly preserved wooden press. The Malatesta Castle, commissioned by Sigismondo Pandolfo Malatesta, Lord of Rimini and Fano, and brother of Novello Malatesta of Cesena, is a well-preserved architectural gem where overnight stays are also possible. Its historic halls exude timeless charm, offering a deeply evocative experience.
The itinerary concludes at Castello Benelli, located in Bellaria Igea Marina. Of medieval origin, the castle underwent significant 19th-century renovations and has recently been carefully restored. Today, it is open to visitors and showcases both the historic residence and its surrounding gardens.
Itinerary for one person for a weekend stay: 3 days – 2 nights. Nature 20%, Culture 50%, Food and Wine 30%., 866,00€
Day 1
Arrival and check-in at Palazzo di Varignana, a place born from a love of beauty, where nature, wellness, fine dining, and emotions come together.One of the available packages is “Evasioni di Gusto – Royal Train”: a one-night stay for two guests, including breakfast, access to Varsana SPA, and a four-course dinner served in the Royal Train – Carriage Restaurant Price: €470.00
16:00 – Afternoon visit to Villa La Riniera, a historic residence built in the mid-19th century on the site of a previous, older structure. It once belonged to the noble Rusconi Marquises, later to Giuliana Gardi, who lived there and cared for it for over 70 years. Since 2012, the villa has been owned by Niccolò Malaspina.Guided tours, which must be booked in advance by phone, hosts nearly 5 hectares of cultivated peonies for cut flowers and plant sales. Price: varies depending on the number of participants
17:00 – Visit to Dozza Imolese, exploring the Dozza Murals and the Sforza Fortress of Imola
19:00 – Return to Varignana for dinner
Day 2
Breakfast and check-out
09:00 – Departure for Faenza and visit to the International Museum of Ceramics (MIC) Admission: €10.00 per person
11:30 – Arrival in Forlì and visit to the San Domenico Museums (€14.00) and Palazzo Romagnoli (€5.00)
13:00 – Lunch at Osteria del Mercato in Forlì Estimated cost: €30.00
16:00 – Guided tour of Casa Artusi in Forlimpopoli – tailor-made experiences available. Prices range from €8.00 to €160.00, duration from 1 to 3 hours, depending on available time. This is the temple of Italian cuisine.
17:00 – Arrival in Cesena and visit to the Malatestiana Library Guided tour: €5.00 per person, duration 40 minutes Private tour: €100.00
18:00 – Visit to the Malatestiana Fortress of Cesena Admission: €5.00, duration: 50 minutes
19:00 – Arrival and check-in at Palazzo del Poggiano in Poggio Berni Overnight stay: €250.00 per night
20:00 – Dinner in Santarcangelo di Romagna at La Sangiovesa restaurant Estimated cost: €40.00
Day 3
Breakfast and check-out
09:30 – Visit to Santarcangelo di Romagna Price varies depending on group size. For details, contact the Tourist Information Office at +39 0541 624270. Indicative price: €20.00 per person, including visits to the Hypogea, Grotta, Malatesta Castle, and Marchi Printing House. Private tours with customized itineraries and guides are also available.
11:30 – Visit to the Malatesta Castle
13:00 – Lunch at Ristorante Al Lazaroun estimated cost: €40.00
15:00 – Transfer to Bellaria-Igea Marina and visit to Castello Benelli Admission: €12.00
17:30 – Return home
Itinerary for one person – 6 nights, 7 days. Nature 20%, Culture 50%, Food and Wine 30% 1687,00€
Day 1
Arrival and check-in at Palazzo di Varignana, a place born from a love for beauty, where nature, wellness, fine dining, and emotions come together in perfect harmony. One of the available experiences is the “Evasioni di Gusto – Royal Train” package: a one-night stay for two guests, including breakfast, access to Varsana SPA, and a four-course dinner on board the Royal Train – Carriage Restaurant price: €470.00
16:00 – Afternoon visit to Villa La Riniera, a historic residence built in the mid-19th century on the site of an earlier, more ancient settlement. The villa belonged to the noble Rusconi Marquises, then to Giuliana Gardi, who lived in and cared for the property for nearly 70 years. Since 2012, it has been owned by Niccolò Malaspina. Guided tours, which must be booked by phone, include the park and garden, with explanations on peony cultivation techniques. Peonies are grown on nearly 5 hectares for the production of cut flowers and plants.
17:30 – Return to Palazzo di Varignana, time to relax at the spa, followed by dinner.
Day 2
Breakfast and check-out
09:00 – Departure for Imola and visit to the Sforza Fortress
11:00 – Arrival in Faenza and visit to the MIC – International Museum of Ceramics entry: €10.00 per person
12:30 – Lunch at the Michelin-starred restaurant Il Fenicottero Rosa Gourmet average cost: €85.00 (subject to confirmation at time of booking)
15:30 – Visit to San Domenico Museum, Forlì – Entry: €14.00
17:00 – Visit to Palazzo Romagnoli – Entry: €5.00
18:30 – Arrival and check-in at Borgo Condé Wine Resort, Via delle Caminate 50, Provincial Road 125, Forlì (FC) price: €250.00 per night, just a few kilometers from the sea, nestled among the Tuscan-Romagnol hills in an ancient Florentine territory, this 110-hectare estate produces exceptional wines and olive oil. Its panoramic views, the scent of flowers, lavender, and rosemary make it an ideal place for rest and relaxation.
19:00 – Leisure time, wine tasting, and dinner at the resort
Day 3
09:00 – Check-out and transfer to Forlimpopoli, visit to Casa Artusi. Tailor-made guided tours, cooking classes, and tastings available prices range from €8.00 to €160.00 depending on experience and duration.
17:00 – Arrival in Cesena, visit to the Malatestiana Library guided tour: €5.00 (duration: 40 minutes)
Private tour: €100.00
18:00 – Visit to the Malatesta Fortress of Cesena entry: €5.00 (duration: 50 minutes)
19:00 – Arrival and check-in at Palazzo del Poggiano, Poggio Berni price: €250.00 per night
20:00 – Dinner in Santarcangelo di Romagna at La Sangiovesa Restaurant estimated cost: €40.00
Day 4
09:00 – Visit of Santarcangelo di Romagna tour price varies depending on number of participants. Contact the Tourist Information Office (+39 0541 624270) for details. Indicative cost: €20.00 per person, includes visits to the Hypogea, San Michele Cave, Malatesta Castle, and Marchi Printing House, private guided tours with customized itineraries available.
Estimated additional fee: €15.00
10:00 – Visit to Mutonia, an artistic community of sculptors and recyclers
10:30 – Visit to the San Michele Cave and Hypogea
12:30 – Lunch at Ristorante Zaghini, a historic and iconic location in Santarcangelo estimated cost: €30.00
16:00 – Visit to the Malatesta Castle Price on request
18:00 – Visit to Marchi Traditional Printing House Entry: €3.00
19:00 – Return to Palazzo del Poggiano
20:00 – Dinner at Tenuta Saiano, Poggio Torriana estimated cost: €30.00
Day 5
09:00 – Departure to Casteldelci
10:00 – Visit to Pennabilli, including: the Garden of Forgotten Fruits, the Refuge of Abandoned Madonnas, the Street of Sundials, the Angel with Moustache, and the Sanctuary of Thoughts
13:00 – Lunch at Ristorante Al Bel Fico estimated cost: €40.00
16:00 – Visit to Petrella Guidi, a picturesque medieval hamlet
16:30 – Arrival in Sant’Agata Feltria, visit to the 17th-century theatre entry: €6.00
19:00 – Return to Palazzo del Poggiano, Poggio Berni
20:00 – Dinner at Osteria del Campanone, Santarcangelo estimated cost: €20.00
Day 6
09:00 – Visit to Verucchio and the Malatesta Fortress entry (with guide): €8.00
13:00 – Lunch at Mastin Vecchio Restaurant estimated cost: €40.00
15:00 – Visit to the Villanovan Archaeological Museum, renowned for its unique exhibits such as an 8th-century BC throne and cloak, located inside a stunning 13th-century Augustinian monastery entry: €8.00
16:00 – Visit to San Leo
19:00 – Dinner in San Leo at Osteria La Corte di Berengario estimated cost: €30.00
21:00 – Return to Palazzo del Poggiano, Poggio Berni
Day 7 – A Day in the Val Conca before Departure
09:00 – Check-out and departure for Montegridolfo
11:00 – Visit to Montefiore Conca
12:00 – Stop in Mondaino with opportunity to purchase traditional fossa cheese
13:00 – Arrival in San Giovanni in Marignano, lunch at Ristorante Il Granaio estimated cost: €30.00
16:00 – Visit to Castello Benelli in Bellaria-Igea Marina entry: €12.00
18:00 – End of itinerary and return to Bologna
