Riccione - Villages & Castles

Five guided itineraries are offered per week covering between 40 and 60 km. Excursions are different every day and take place over two weeks. In a two-week period, you will never follow the same route. Summer cycling activities (July and August) continue with the program adapted to the number and level of participants.

Sample # 1: 

1. Arrival at Hotel Dory
2. Santarcangelo
3. Albereto Castle and Vecciano
4. Tour of the Malatesta Castles
5. Rest day
6. Roman Rimini and Tasting of typical products
7. Gradara Castle
8. Departure or extension of stay

* Routes cover between 25 and 38 miles. (40 - 60 km) a day

Saturday:  Arrival at Hotel Dory
Individual arrival to Hotel Dory. Riccione is known as the “Green Pearl” of the Adriatic, precisely for the lush greenery that distinguishes it. Whoever chooses this location not only finds himself in the most renowned, fun, and fashionable spot along the Adriatic coast but also has the chance to combine enjoyment with passions for sport, nature, and open air. In fact, apart from being by the sea, Riccione is surrounded by scenic countryside, ideal for cycling. 

Sunday: Santarcangelo
Our first destination is the unique village of Santarcangelo, an ancient medieval village in the heart of Romagna, with its fortress, ancient
town center, caves, and old press. We will follow a stretch that was where the tracks of the old Rimini-San Marino railway once lay.

Monday: Albereto Castle and Vecciano
This route follows narrow roads that wind their way through vineyards to the municipal tower of Montescudo (13th century) for a brief visit to the ancient medieval ice house and a well-earned coffee break. The small castle of Albereto is only a short distance away and offers excellent views of the ancient republic of San Marino and the sea.  You pass through Marano Nature Park, a habitat favored by majestic white herons, buzzards, and birds of prey. After a short climb, you reach Vecciano for a well-deserved lunch break at the family house in the country.  Grilled meat, typical local cheeses, pasta served with tomatoes from the vegetable garden and lots of good wine will be served. You will also pay a visit to the old vinegar cellar to try some balsamic vinegar.

Tuesday: Tour of the Malatesta Castles
Through corn fields, fields of sunflowers and olive groves, you will see some of the castles built by the powerful dynasty of the Malatesta –Montefiore, Mondaino and Saludecio – and also try some delicious “fossa cheese”.

Wednesday: Rest day

Thursday: Roman Rimini and Tasting of typical products
You visit Rimini, Tiberius’ Bridge and the Arch of Augustus, built by mighty Roman emperors. Then it is off  to the hills near Rimini to try some local products; a taste experience of the typical flavors of the land.

Friday: Gradara Castle and the love story between Paolo and Francesca
After passing through the village of San Giovanni, the ancient granary of the Malatesta,and trying some traditional country-style bread, you head to Gradara, with its imposing fortified walls, the first outpost in defense of the coast.

Saturday: Departure or extension of your stay

Sample # 2:

1. San Bartolo Park
2. The Concha Valley and Vecciano
3. The Ancient Republic of San Marino
4. Rest Day
5. The Great Marechhia Valley and tasting of local products
6. Onferno and the nature reserve
7. Departure

*Routes cover between 25 and 38 miles. (40 - 60 km) a day

Sunday:  San Bartolo Park
Heading south, through the countryside of the Marche, with its fields of intensely-fragranced onions and cabbage, you reach Mount San Bartolo, on a cliff top that drops down to the sea, to follow the panoramic route with its extraordinary views of the coast.

Monday: The Concha Vaolley and Vecciano
An easy and gently-rolling route along the Concha Valley with a visit to an ancient “wash-house” and then on to Vecciano for an outdoor barbecue, a visit to the family’s vegetable garden and the old vinegar cellar, with an opportunity to taste the famous balsamic vinegar.

Tuesday: The Ancient Republic of San Marino
You scale Mount Titano, with its traditions and well-preserved medieval sites, taking the easier route. We’ll have enough time
to visit the 3 towers and the narrow streets of one of the oldest republics in the world.

Wednesday: Rest Day

Thursday: The Great Marechhia Valley and tasting of local products
Dominated by the ancient castles that overlook it, the Marecchia Valley helps you relive the emotions of ancient wayfarers heading to Rome. On the return journey, you stop to taste some local cheeses, olive oil, wine, and typical products.

Friday: Onferno and the nature reserve
On the border with the Marche region, under wild and majestic ravines live numerous species of animals, some protected others living wild: boars, porcupines, foxes and bats. You follow a road with little traffic and from the crest of a ridge, the wind and silence accompany you throughout the journey….

Saturday: Departure
Your bike tour in Italy will end after breakfast 

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The comfortable, modern Hotel Dory