Tour rep san marino, Medieval Days in the Republic of San Marino

Lying 657 m above sea level and only 10 km from the beaches of Rimini (Adriatic Coast), the 61-sq-km Repubblica di San Marino is Europe's third smallest state after the Vatican and Monaco. In the old town perched on a hilltop, you can wander along the well-kept city walls and the fortresses, and enjoy the spectacular views all around.

July 2006 - Medieval Days For a whole week the tiny districts of the historic centre are transformed. Amongst drum-rolls and sounding trumpets, over five hundred performers in splendid period costumes, picturesque retinues, colourful standards and swirling banners offer excitement and spectacle in the impressive setting of the "Cava dei Balestrieri". Musicians, actors, jugglers and acrobats involve the public in captivating wandering shows. The Medieval market, lit by twinkling lanterns and creating a welcoming setting, is the wonderful backdrop where the Master Craftsmen provide a fascinating demonstration of the artistic creativity of bygone crafts, and shkills the modern world hos now almost forgotten.

ITINERARY

1 Day:
Arrival in Rimini. Accommodation in hotel. After dinner, departure for the Republic of San Marino where you can enjoy the magical atmosphere of the "Medieval Days". Return to the hotel for overnight.

2 Day:
Breakfast. Departure for San Leo, in the Rimini hinterland. Visit of the menacing fortress clamped to the summit of a dizzying precipice. In the eighteenth century the fprtress was used as a prison for enemies of the Vatican; rhe most notorius was the Count of Cagliostro, a charismatic heretic (a self-proclaimed alchemist, miracle doctor and necromancer).
Continue to San Marino. Guided visit of the oldest republic in the world. Time at leisure before dinner in a local restaurant where you can tase a typical medieval meal. Return to the hotel for overnight. .

3 Day:
At disposal for optional excursions.

4 Day:
Departure for home journey.

OPTIONAL VISITS / EXCURSIONS

Gradara
This small, walled, hilltop village located not far from Rimini, boasts an impressive 14th-century castle. It's said to be the scene of a thirteenth-century scandal involving Francesca da Rimini, who committed adultery with Paolo da Malatesta, her husband's brother. The lovers were killed for their transgression. Francesca's unhappy spirit is said to wander the castle when the moon is full.

The Galleria Ferrari
The Enzo Ferrari factory is located in Maranello, 17 km south of Modena. The Galleria Ferrari is an exhibition centre dedicated to the racing dynasty. It boasts the largest collection of Ferrari cars on show in the world, including those in which Michael Schumacker won the Formula One World Championship. On display there are also the cups and trophies wan by the Ferrari team over the years. There is a Maranello/Ferrari cars Museum also in the Republic of San Marino.

Faenza
The town of Faenza give its name to the faience-ware it has been producing for the last six hundred years. The town is worth a visit for the vast "Museo delle Ceramiche". The massive collection includes early works painted in the characteristic blue and ochre, and later more colourful works. There is also a section to ceramics from other part of the world too, including ceramic art by Picasso, Matisse and Chagall.

Ravenna
Not far from San Marino and Rimini is Ravenna, declared World Heritage Site by Unesco. For centuries it was part of the Eastern Roman Empire, so that the influence of Constantinople is felt far more than that of Rome. The results can be seen in the church of San Vitale, the Baptistry of the Orthodox, and the tomb of Galla Placidia, the Basilica of St. Apollinaire (its mosaics are the last great Byzantine work.

Rimini
The Rimini riviera boasts 40 km of mostly sandy beaches, in places 200 m wide and in summer season it is "invaded" by beach lovers. Another main attraction is its frenetic nightlife: there are mote than 100 discos and clubs. But it remains a ritual family destination for many Italians and Europeans. Rimini was the birthplace of Federico Fellini, one of the most exuberant italian film director. In the old city centre of Rimini you could visit: the roman Arch of Augustus and the Tiberius' Bridge, the Tempio Malatestiano, the two main squares Piazza Tre Martiri and Piazza Cavour.

Mirabilandia