San Marino and The Adriatic Riviera Self-Guided Bike Tour

Following your morning’s cappuccino, saddle up and head out to the ancient Republic of San Marino, the fortified town characterized by three famous peaks that you can clearly discern from the coast. Along the way, your eyes will be delighted and your heart warmed by the spectacular views all around: hills dotted with colorful farms of grapes and grains. Your legs will be challenged climbing up San Marino, but the ascent will be rewarded by the views from its highest point. If you feel like adding more miles and a good amount of elevation gain, the avid option will reward you with something spectacular. Among the hills dotted with small settlements, a single road chiseled into the rock winds its way up to the village of San Leo, perched on a limestone and sandstone spur, resembling a fairy tale castle rising from the mists. Inside the old gate, the pale, sand-colored stone buildings create a tranquil, other-worldly mood with alleys and corners laced with history. Back at the hotel, enjoy some spa time or head to the hotel's private beach to rest your climbing legs. It is a great way to unwind each day after time spent on the bike. Tonight, treat yourself to another meal of your choice at the hotel or in town. If you haven’t tried it yet, savor the piadina romagnola, a flatbread typical of the region, served with a selection of cheese and dry-cured meats: you just need to stop at one of the many kiosks around town and watch as they're made in the traditional, local style.

Another fantastic day awaits today, with rolling hills stretching as far as the eye can see. The first highlight of the ride is Tavullia, the birthplace of the legendary motorcycle champion Valentino Rossi. Further along on the ride, you’ll climb up to Montegridolfo, a fortified village entirely surrounded by stout walls, its entrance protected by a tower with a medieval gateway, carefully and completely restored. After a lunch stop at your leisure, continue pedaling towards another remarkable village located on a hilltop in the middle of the Conca Valley. Its name is Mondaino, and this lovely village is mostly known for its local fossa cheese, cultivated through the natural fermentation of pecorino cheese placed in special pits during the summer to be aged. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the pits located underground, carved out of the rock under the castle of Mondaino. A few kilometers later, you'll encounter Saludecio, an elegant town with a maze of alleyways enclosed within monumental walls. From there, it will be a speedy stretch back to the hotel in Cattolica. The avid option will extend the loop to Urbino. This walled medieval hilltop village is one of the most important sites in Renaissance Italy and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Today’s journey will take you through a series of fortresses that reveal the turbulent past of the two noble families, Malatesta and Montefeltro, destined to a rivalry in which all powerful families of the peninsula took a side. Your first stop is a solitary giant immersed in the greenery of Malatesta Seignory: the Malatesta Castle of Montefiore, the defensive bastion and summer home of the noble family. It's worth climbing up to the highest terrace of the castle, where you can enjoy a splendid view of the Apennines and Romagna coasts. Then head to Montecolombo and Montescudo, both on the left bank of the Conca river, before passing by Albereto castle. Continue riding past fields planted with vines and olives, surrounded by scattered farmhouses and ancient villages until you reach the town of Coriano and head back to the hotel. Avid cyclists can retrace the roads where Marco Pantani used to train, with provided gpx tracks of Pantani’s favorite training ground, including the legendary Monte Carpegna. Additionally, your Trek Travel host is available to shuttle you on request (for an extra fee). Tonight, toast an incredible self-guided bike tour through the rolling hills of Romagna, discovering a land of exceptional culture, culinary delights, and fabulous riding.

On this final day of your self-guided bike tour in Romagna, take the morning to sleep in and relax, savoring a long breakfast and enjoying a walk on the beach. Or choose a final spin before leaving your lovely beach town. You’ll have enough time to return to the hotel, shower, and change before you depart. Your Trek Travel host will meet you at 11:00 AM at the hotel to take your bike and say farewell, concluding your self-guided journey.