Rimini is the perfect base camp for many day-trips. Whether you are staying in the town center or near the beach, the train and bus station are a short city bus or walk away. You can leave in the morning and be back by dinner time to enjoy seafood on the beach.
Here are three great, easy day-trips:
1. FAENZA - Less than an hour away by train, Faenza is the ceramics capital of the world.
WHAT TO DO:
- The International Ceramics Museum on Viale Baccarini holds the largest and most important ceramics collection worldwide and is ground zero for anything you might want to learn on the subject. Currently showing over 100 pieces by Mimmo Paladino, the exhibit runs until October 7, 2012
- Visit a ceramics workshop - Geminiani Gino at 13 Via Nuova produces handmade works of art. Plan a visit to see artists at work and pick up a masterpiece.
WHERE TO EAT:
- Stop in for lunch at La Baita, via Naviglio, they serve local specialities made from the freshest ingredients and have a wonderful selection of local and imported wines.
2. SAN MARINO - The world’s oldest republic is perched high on a hilltop with panoramic views on either side. It boasts three towers from which enemies could be spotted in ancient times.
WHAT TO DO:
- Walk the paths from tower to tower. Don't miss the Passo della Stregha between the first and second tower for the best view. If you feel the need for more exercise there are plenty of walking paths throughout the surrounding forest.
- Visit the Torture and Vampire Museums or stop by the Tourist Office to learn the history of San Marino. While at the tourist office get a tourist visa stamped into your passport for 5€. It makes a nice souvenir and you won't have to pay a weight surcharge.
- If you’re into photography, I suggest you stay overnight. Once the tour buses leave, San Marino can become an eerie ghost town.
WHERE TO EAT:
- Taverna Righi has seating inside or on the town square. All their pasta is made in house daily and include a lovely ravioli with formaggio di fossa (aged under ground) and lasagna verde. For dessert try the chocolate/coconut cake, not too sweet but a perfect end to any meal.
3. FLORENCE - The Renaissance city is a quick 2.5 hours by train.
WHAT TO DO: There is so much to see here you may decide to spend a few days or make multiple day-trips.
- Stop by the Galleria dell’Accademia to see Michelangelo’s David. Nothing beats seeing the 17 foot masterpiece in real life.
- The Galleria degli Uffizi is another Florence gem, worth the price of admission to see Botticelli’s Birth of Venus and da Vinci’s Annunciation.
- If art isn’t your thing you may want to visit the Farmacia di Santa Maria Novella, dating from 1612, it resembles a palace more than a perfume shop.
- Take a walk across the famous Ponte Vecchio and window shop at all the jewelry stores.
- Take a bus or walk some more for the best view of the city from Piazzale Michelangelo, not too far away is San Miniato Church, if you’re lucky the monks may be chanting during your visit.
WHERE TO EAT: For a quick bite try I Due Fratellini. Grab a sandwich and a drink and hang out in the alley with tourists and locals alike.
Other interesting places to see nearby:
DOZZA - Famous for its murals, take the train to Imola then bus 101 to Toscanella and bus 143 to Dozza.
WHAT TO DO:
- Spend some time wandering through the narrow streets admiring artwork at every turn.
- Visit the Enoteca Regionale Emilia-Romagna for a wine tasting and to learn about the different wine regions of Emilia-Romagna. Ask for a taste of Pignoletto or Albana wine, two fantastic regional wines.
BRISIGHELLA - Take the train from Rimini to Faenza and then to Brisighella, you will be there in just over an hour.
WHAT TO DO:
- Walk the Via degli Asini, an elevated roadway that used to serve as a thoroughfare for donkeys.
- Hike up to the clock tower for great views of the rooftops and surrounding area.
- Attend an olive oil tasting, Brisighella has been producing olive oil since the 2nd century B.C.
Do you enjoy taking day-trips when visiting a town for more than a few days?
* We were in Rimini as part of Blogville Emilia-Romagna for more information please visit their website. The opinions in this post are our own.
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