Day 1: Arrival at Castrocaro Terme
Your first day on our Romagna itinerary will be spent in Castrocaro Terme e Terra del Sole, a spa town located in the Tuscan-Romagna Apennines.
The town is regarded as one of the finest in all of Romagna for its abundant thermal waters and two historical gems – the medieval village surrounding the old Fortress of Castrocaro and the beautiful Renaissance-era “ideal city” of Terra del Sole.
Your accommodation will be in a classic Tuscan-style agriturismo, a working agricultural farm that has been upgraded to occasionally host guests with all modern comforts. The agriturismo you will be staying in is enveloped by the hills of Castrocaro and entirely dedicated to certified organic agriculture, in particular olive trees and lavender.
5:00 pm: Natural Hot Springs Experience
Enjoying a spa in the natural hot springs of Terra del Sole, soaking in warm, mineral-rich waters that are naturally heated by the earth.
Relax in the serenity of nature, and allow the therapeutic properties of the hot springs to relax the muscles, ease tension, and improve overall wellness. Some spas in Terra del Sole may also offer additional services such as massage, sauna, and steam rooms, as well as amenities like comfortable lounging areas, outdoor decks, and changing rooms. Overall, this rejuvenating experience is the ideal way to start your Romagna tour itinerary.
8:00 pm: Enjoy Dinner At A Restaurant In Castrocaro Terme, Run By A Talented, And Creative Chef From Romagna
Trained at the Hotel School of Forlimpopoli, he gained experience working at a Frasca in Milano Marittima and a 5-star Relais et Châteaux in Provence. He transformed the dining scene in Castrocaro by opening a restaurant in the heart of the medieval town, creating an elegant and inviting atmosphere where tradition and creativity are the foundation of the menu, featuring authentic local flavors.
His main culinary passion is in the preparation and serving of vegetables, but you’ll also find meat and fish dishes that are always tied to the local area and seasonal ingredients, with an emphasis on outdoor-raised and locally caught fish.
Stay overnight in the agriturismo.
Day 2: Guided Tours of Castrocaro
9:00 am: E-Bike Tour Of About 25 Km With A Cycling Expert
A guided e-bike tour of Castrocaro enables you to see the picturesque town and its surroundings up close on electric bicycles. The tour guide would take participants on a journey through the town’s historic streets, pointing out landmarks and providing information about the town’s history, culture, and architecture.
The e-bikes make it easy to cover more ground and tackle hills, allowing participants to take in more of the area in a shorter amount of time. The tour guide will provide participants with safety instructions and tips for riding the e-bikes and may make periodic stops to rest and take in the views. The tour would be a fun and active way to explore the town and its surroundings and would be suitable for people of all fitness levels.
10:30 am: Take A Guided Tour Of The “Fortress Of Castrocaro Terme”
You will be guided through the impressive Fortress of Castrocaro (11th-14th century), one of the most fascinating examples of medieval fortified architecture.
Erected on a rocky outcropping, it holds great architectural, historical, and cultural significance. You will visit the Palazzo del Castellano, which houses the city’s historical-archaeological museum, the Medici Arsenals, and the internal courtyard with a panoramic terrace overlooking the surrounding area.
1:00 pm: Sample Olive Oil And Wine At A Highly Acclaimed Winery In Terra Del Sole
The winery is situated in a picturesque location, surrounded by beautiful vineyards and olive groves. Visitors will have the opportunity to taste a variety of wines and olive oils that are produced on-site, which may include both traditional and experimental blends.
The tasting will be led by a knowledgeable sommelier to provide information about the winery’s history, the winemaking process, and the characteristics of the wines and oils being sampled. Visitors will have the opportunity to sample wines from different varietals, vintages, and blends, learning about the different flavors, aromas, and aging processes of each.
The olive oil tasting would be a similar experience, where visitors would learn about the different types of olives used, the pressing process, and the flavors and aromas of the oils.
3:00 pm: Take A Guided Tour Of Terra Del Sole
Terra del Sole is an exceptional and surprising example of a Renaissance “ideal city.”
Founded on December 8, 1564, by Cosimo I de ‘Medici, it was intended as the new capital of Tuscan Romagna. It is an extraordinary example of the urban planning model that was adopted in Italy in the 1500s, influenced by the theories of military engineers.
The city features a well-preserved wall that is 13 meters high and is surmounted by two castles. The tour will highlight the Church of Santa Reparata and the Palazzo Pretorio, which houses a helical staircase designed by Leonardo da Vinci.
5:00 pm: Grand Hotel Terme & Spa
The Grand Hotel Terme is a true gem of the Italian Art Deco style. Its design and decorations were created by Tito Chini, a representative and artistic director of the Florentine manufacturing firm “Fornaci San Lorenzo.”
The hotel has preserved its original architecture over time through skilled renovation and combines the charm of older eras with the comfort of modern luxury, with newly renovated rooms in 2020.
The Hotel Terme is the perfect place to rejuvenate the body and spirit, thanks to the exclusive wellness space, Lucia Magnani Health Clinic Long Life Formula, where one can experience an innovative culture of health, well-being, and beauty.
8:00 pm: Enjoy Dinner At A Traditional Restaurant In Dovadola
Dovadola is known for its truffles and meat dishes while tasting typical Romagna cuisine.
The restaurant is renowned for its authentic flavors, and the dishes are always served with great generosity and kindness. The chef will also recommend the best bottles of Romagnolo wine to accompany your meal.
Spend the night at an 18th-century organic agriturismo nestled in nature on the border of Parco delle Foreste Casentinesi and Romagna.
The Corte San Ruffillo resort features 14 beautiful rooms, a restaurant that serves meat from their farms, and organic products grown on 400 hectares of land. The resort also includes an outdoor pool and spa, as well as a farm and laboratory that transforms locally-grown produce into delicious organic food.
Day 3: Exploring The Best Of Alpe
8:45 am: Breakfast & Check-Out
Following breakfast at the hotel, a transfer to San Benedetto in Alpe.
10:00 am: Morning Hiking Experience
Join a guided hike to the renowned Acquacheta Waterfall, mentioned in Dante’s Divine Comedy. The hike is of medium-easy difficulty.
The highlight of the hike will be reaching the Acquacheta Waterfall, a spectacular natural feature that is fed by a nearby mountain stream. The guide would provide information about the waterfall, its history, and the geology of the area. Participants would have the opportunity to admire the waterfall from different angles, taking in the power and beauty of the cascading water.
12:30 pm: Lunch
Enjoy a lunch break with local and authentic products.
3:00 pm: Visit The Ancient San Benedetto In Alpe Abbey
The abbey is one of the oldest Benedictine abbeys in the region and has a rich history dating back to the 11th century.
Upon arriving, visitors will be able to admire the impressive architecture of the abbey, which showcases a mix of Romanesque and Gothic styles. You can explore the various rooms and chapels of the abbey, learning about the history of the religious community that once lived there. Some of the highlights of the visit could be the cloister, the church, and the frescoes on the walls.
The guide will provide a detailed explanation of the significance of the abbey and the role it played in the region’s history, culture, and art. Learn about the daily life of the monks and the monastic traditions that were practiced there.
Then, transfer to Dovadola, a small village famous for its annual Truffle fair, which has been taking place for over 50 years.
3:30 pm: Truffle Hunting Excursion
Join an expert guide and his trained dog on a truffle-hunting excursion into the untouched valleys.
Explore pine forests and oak groves in search of the elusive white truffles, while learning about the ecosystem and the sensitive approach to hunting.
6:00 pm: Artisan Workshop Experience
Visit the captivating workshop of Master Luthier, where the art and tradition of crafting, designing, and restoring stringed instruments are kept alive.
Foscolo is one of the last luthiers in Romagna to practice this profession by hand, using wood. His creations are of the highest quality, and his workshop has become a popular destination for tourists from all over Europe, allured by the charming atmosphere and skillful craftsmanship.
Transfer to Portico di Romagna, a town on the “ways of Dante” and known as an “Orange Flag” village for its rustic and environmental quality.
The town boasts the excellent preservation and uniformity of its old center, as well as a beautiful natural environment. Enjoy dinner in a hotel restaurant that specializes in local cuisine, crafted by Chef Cameli. The restaurant combines traditional Romagnole dishes with modern cooking techniques and ingredients from the hotel’s own organic vegetable garden. The wine list features 150 bottles from the region, with a special emphasis on wines from Romagna.
Day 4: Discover The Padiglione delle Feste
A Guided tour of the “Padiglione delle Feste”, is the best way to experience this magnificent example of Art Deco architecture, with its elegant and refined design and the striking glazed metallic ceramic decorations by Tito Chini, made in the Tuscan factories of Borgo San Lorenzo.
For 50 years, the Festival Hall has been the location of the renowned singing competition ‘Festival delle Voci Nuove’.
In the afternoon, guests can enjoy the spa at Castrocaro, with its thermal pools, hammam, bio-sauna, steam and salt baths, and sound diffusion, making it an immersive experience that rejuvenates the body and senses.
The following day, we can organize an airport transfer to any Italian airport in time for your departure.
