Its time to move on from San Marino and Rimini across the center of the country toward the regions of Umbria and Tuscany to our final stop of the day San Gimignano.
On our way we will make a special stop in Cortona. Cortona was put on the map by the film "Under the Tuscan Sun" from Frances Mayes's 1996 memoir by the same name.
When we leave the seaside town of Rimini we will travel through the rich green and hilly lands toward Rimini. Along the way we see the terrain change from flat to mountainess. Ancient Roman signaling towers are see upon the tops of hills used in ancient times to communicate with Rome along vast areas of land.
Cortona was founded by the Etruscans who were the ancient people of Italy dating back to 800 BC. Cortona was established around the 10th century and was just another castle hill town on the border of Umbria and Tuscany until the film was released.
Cortona Stats:
Region :Tuscany
Province :Arezzo (AR)
Mayor: Andrea Vignini (since June 2004)
Elevation: 494 m (1,621 ft)
Area:342.33 km2 (132 sq mi)
Population: (as of 31-08-2007) - Total 22,777
Coordinates: 43°16′32″N, 11°59′17″E
Dialing code: 0575 Postal code:52044
Now it attracts thousands of tourists per year but still maintains its small, castle hill town feel. Cortona is a great stop over for lunch or short visit. The area is an ideal place to base to explore the region of Umbria.
Our group arrives around lunch time for a two hour visit. Clients get to stretch their legs, eat a light lunch and take some photos of the quaint town.
Some café’s and shops have photos of Diane Lane during her free time from shooting the film, others have oil paintings from local artists.
If you want to take a break away from the shops then Cortona offers amazing views of the Umbrian and Tuscan countryside.
The weather is perfect for our visit. The coach can’t part up in the old town so we must drop the clients and take the coach down during their time exploring this unique town.
The most unique and different locations are a very important factor in the design of this tour. Learn more about the tour here. When the tour was being designed San Marino was one of the places we wanted to take our guests.
When you visit San Marino you are leaving Italy; going to a completely different country or independent republic; like Vatican City.
History (from visitsanmarino.com)
In the Republic of San Marino, the veneration of the Saint who, according to legend, founded the Republic, is extremely deep-rooted and widespread. The legend narrates how this master stone-cutter left his native island of Arbe in Dalmatia and came to Mount Titano to establish a small community of Christians anxious to escape the persecutions of the emperor Diocletian. What is certain is that the area had been inhabited since prehistoric times, but the earliest definite evidence of a Monastery, a Parish Church and a Castle, which confirm the existence of an organised community on Mount Titano, only dates back to the middle-ages. At a time when the authority of the Empire was waning and the temporal power of the Pope had not yet been established, the local population, like those of numerous other Italian city states, decided to give themselves some form of government. Hence a free city was born. And while other Italian cities each dedicated their freedom to a saint, so the small community on Mount Titano, in memory of the legendary figure of Marinus, the stone-cutter, called itself “Land of San Marino”, later “Free city of San Marino” and finally “Republic of San Marino”. This is how the social fabric of the Republic originated. Government was entrusted to an assembly of the heads of families called the “Arengo” presided over by a Rector. Always anxious to promote peaceful relations and goodwill, this assembly drew up and promulgated the first laws, the Statutes, inspired by the principles of democracy. As the community grew, a Captain Defender was appointed to share the responsibility of the executive with the Rector. It was only in 1243 that the first two Consuls, the Captains Regent, were elected to office for a period of six months; a twice-yearly appointment made regularly since then right up to the present day, thereby confirming the validity and efficiency of the institutions and, in particular, of the Regency. And it was thanks to the wisdom which inspired the ancient free city of San Marino that the community was able to overcome perilous situations and consolidate its independence. The events of history were complicated and their outcomes often uncertain. In the end though the love of freedom enabled the free city to maintain its liberty. Particularly significant were the disputes with the Bishops of Montefeltro who demanded the payment of a tribute. The people of San Marino however finally established their rights and achieved political and administrative emancipation. Neither were they fainthearted when it came to defending the walls of the town with their now legendary crossbows or to taking part in numerous struggles alongside the Montefeltros of Urbino, champions of the Ghibelline party. The territory of San Marino barely extended beyond Mount Titano in 1463 when the Republic entered into an alliance against Sigismondo Pandolfo Malatesta, Lord of Rimini who was defeated. As a reward, Pope Pius II Piccolomini gave San Marino the towns of Fiorentino, Montegiardino and Serravalle. The town of Faetano, of its own accord, joined the Republic in that same year. Since then, the size of the country has never changed. The Republic of San Marino was twice occupied by military forces, but only for a few months at a time: in 1503 by Cesare Borgia, known as Valentino, and in 1739 by Cardinal Giulio Alberoni. Freedom from Borgia came after the tyrant died, while in the case of Cardinal Alberoni, civil disobedience was used to protest against this abuse of power and clandestine messages were sent to obtain justice from the Pope who recognised San Marino’s rights and restored the state of independence. In 1797, Napoleon offered gifts and friendship to San Marino and expressed the wish to extend its territorial boundaries. The people of San Marino were very grateful and honoured by such generosity, but refused with instinctive wisdom to enlarge their territory, satisfied as they were with the “status quo” In the year 1861, Abraham Lincoln showed his friendship and sympathy for San Marino when he wrote among other things to the Captains Regent “Although your dominion is small, nevertheless your State is one of the most honoured throughout history..” San Marino boasts an exceptional tradition of hospitality. This free country has never refused asylum or help to those persecuted by misfortune or tyranny, whatever their condition or ideas. Suffice it here to mention just two of the many examples that could be quoted: in 1849, when Giuseppe Garibaldi was surrounded by three enemy armies after the fall of the Roman Republic, he found unexpected safety for himself and his surviving companions in San Marino. During the last World War, San Marino gave protection to over 100,000 refugees. Today the Republic is independent, democratic and neutral, and although it continues to remain faithful to its ancient traditions, it is becoming ever more responsive to the call of progress.
San Marino is a magical castle in the sky. High above the sea overlooking the countryside near Rimini, San Marino is one of the most unique places on earth.
The history of this country within a country is explained to our client by their own private guide during a one hour tour of the town. The clients learn the history and get to visit the church where they can see the remains of St. Marino; whose head is incased in gold and kept in a glass crypt only to be taken out one day each September for the celebration of the town.
Shops and museums abound and one unique thing you will find in San Marino is ancient armory including swords, shields, helmets and bows all dating back to ancient times. Masterful reproductions can be purchased if you want to take back a piece of history. Free time for lunch after the tour or a hike to one of three remote towers of the castle that overlook the countryside. San Marino is a photographer’s paradise. Don’t forget to catch the changing of the guard at the palace located in the main square, each day, and each hour on the half hour.
When you are in San Marino you have the feeling you are in the middle of a movie set or have gone back in time to the days of knights in shining armor. The stone walls, ancient armor museum and castle in the sky are very unique. www.visitsanmarino.com will give you more information. www.italy4real.com will tell you how you can join me on this wonderful tour.
We arrive to Rimini just after lunch time. Rimini is the largest resort area on the Adriatic side of Italy but I has a small feel. On our way to the hotel we cruise by and show the clients the best places to explore, shop and eat, then we pull into the hotel. Our hotel has won the best on the beach award for the last several years and is considered by many the best beach hotel on the entire coastline. Each guest will have a sea view room with a huge balcony overlooking the sea; a great place to relax. We check in and the group has free time until we meet for dinner in the early evening. Many will nap, walk on the sandy flat beaches or explore the shops near the hotel. The tour has a relaxed feel and pace so there is no rush to do anything which is what you need in a good vacation.
Rimini is located on the Adriatic side of Italy in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy and is the capital city of the Province of Rimini. Today is has about 138,000 people but grows several million during the summer months as Italians close their shops, schools and head to the beach every year in August.
Rimini is a pure beach resort down and when the sun goes down the city comes alive. The beachgoers of the day become the fun seekers of the night with pubs, live music and street festivals that sprout in Rimini during the summer months. Rimini is very family oriented and there are no drunken revelers about but just people enjoying themselves listening to music, strolling, talking and eating.
One of the highlights of the tour happens in Rimini on the day we arrive. “The FEAST” as we like to call it on tour. When my mother and I were scouting the route for the tour we wanted only the best local experience possible for our clients so we searched high and low for just the right place.
A friend recommended a restaurant located in the countryside outside of Rimini. After one try we were hooked. Ever since that first taste experience we never went anywhere else and have brought our clients to this special place year after year.
Located just outside of Rimini in the countryside of Rimini in an ancient farm house lies the best restraint we have ever experienced in Italy. If you want to find out the name you will have to join our tour. Learn more by clicking here.
The average night involves 14 courses over 3 or 4 hours. Each item from the wine to the cheeses are homemade fresh by the establishment. There are no menus for our group. Once we arrive we are greeted by a glass of local wine, pickled onions and breadsticks. Then comes the appetizers; 5 or 6 different platters of the best food you have ever tasted begin to come to the table. Sliced beef, cheeses, breads, pork, just to name a few. Fresh local white and red wine begins to flow. The group releases “ohhh” and “aaaaah” as the plates hit the table and “mmmmmm’s” can be heard from that point on.
As the appetizers are devoured there is a sort pause where you can talk, sip wine and relax. This is slow food at its best; there is no rush here.
Next arrives the first pasta course. Family style platters of homemade pasta and ravioli come on sliver platters to both ends of the long table. The sauces are light, fresh and so flavorful. The ravioli is stuffed with homemade cheese that is warm and creamy. The pasta has peppers, bacon and spices with just the right amount of kick. The clients are in heaven.
The pasta is enjoyed like it is the last dinner they will ever have but we are not even close to being finished. Next arrives the second course.. meat.Imagine the best beef filet you have ever tasted, sliced, cooked perfectly and sprinkled with olive oil and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. Rich lamb in gravy is next with fresh vegetables accompanying the meats. The flavors are intense and the conversation has been on how amazing the food is for the last hour.
The clients are laughing, talking and having a genuinely good time. Many are truly relaxing which is good to see.
Time to stretch your legs after the second course. Many explore the ancient farm house, take photos of the kitchen and the display of plated food for the other customers.After a few moments of rest the desert arrives. Homemade ice cream with cream sauce, chocolate sauce and a dusting of powdered sugar. The clients who has said they cannot eat one more bite are the first to dive into their new found sweet paradise placed in front of them.
The ice cream is gone before you know it and then the staff brings small clear glasses to each of the guests. “what’s next” a client asks..“a nightcap” I reply. The staff then brings fresh homemade Limoncello and grappa to the table. We begin to pour small tastes of each for everyone. Everyone sits back with their favorite after dinner drink and talks, relaxes and enjoys the unique experience.
Limoncello is a lemon liqueur produced in Southern Italy, mainly in the region around the Gulf of Naples, the Sorrentine Peninsula and the coast of Amalfi and islands of Procida, Ischia and Capri, but also in Sicily, Sardinia, Menton in France and the Maltese island of Gozo. It is made from lemon rinds (traditionally from the Sorrento lemon, though most lemons will produce satisfactory limoncello), alcohol, water, and sugar. It is bright yellow in color, sweet and lemony, but not sour since it contains no lemon juice.
Make Limoncello at home:
Ingredients
· 8 lemons
· 1 liter of etílic alcohol
· 1 liter of mineral water
· 600 grams of sugar
Soak the rinds in the alcohol for a week. Dissolve the sugar in the water (lukewarm) and add the alcohol (without the rinds). Let it get cold and put it into the refrigerator. Wait a week until you drink it.
Grappa is a fragrant grape-based pomace brandy of between 50% and 80% alcohol by volume (100 to 160 proof), of Italian origin. Literally "grape stalk", most grappa is made by distilling pomace, grape residue (mainly the skins, but also stems and seeds) left over from winemaking after pressing. It was originally made to prevent waste by using leftovers at the end of the wine season. It quickly became commercialized, mass-produced, and sold worldwide. Some grappa, known as prima uva, is made with the whole grapes. The flavor of grappa, like that of wine, depends on the type and quality of the grape used as well as the specifics of the distillation process. Grappa was originally made in the northern Italian town of Bassano del Grappa, and some contend that this is the origin of the name, rather than from the Latin graspa – from Wikipedia.
Coffee, espresso or tea for anyone who wants it as the night slows down. We have been eating for over 3 hours but is seems much shorter because everyone is so focused on the relaxing environment that time seems to stand still.
We take photos of the table and make our final toasts to the fantastic evening then we make our way back to the coach for the short late night drive back to the hotel.
