Urbino is situated at 451 meters above sea level, between the rivers Metauro and Foglia. Of antique origin, it was home to well known and historically important characters such as Guido il Vecchio, famous ghibelline who figures amongst the councillors in Dante's Inferno, also Federico da Montefeltro, important character during the Renaissance period both in political and cultural terms. The characteristic old town centre is hidden inside the city's bastion brick walls. Many are the monuments and buildings of historical and religious importance worth visiting; Palazzo Ducale that overlooks Piazza Federico, the cathedral, the church of San Domenico, the Sanzio theatre and the house where Raffaello was born who, incidentally, began his extraordinary artistic career right here in Urbino.
The antique city of Gubbio is situated at 500 metres above sea level on the Umbrian Pennine Buttress. It was of great importance to the Romans who built an amphitheatre here which is still used today for local events in the summertime. Numerous architectural works of art here date back to Medieval times; towers still standing, houses, gothic churches and buildings. From the beginning of the Thirteenth century it was transformed into a beautiful and architectural complex consisting of Palazzo dei Consoli, Piazza Pensile and Palazzo Pretorio.
The city acquired importance under the Montefeltro family: Palazzo Ducale in fact dates back to that period. Of great interest also are the cathedral, the churches of Santa Maria Nuova and Sant'Agostino and the church of San Francesco, much reference to which can be found in the city.
Minimum number of participants: 20
Cost: 45,00 Euro (lunch included)
FERRARA and RAVENNA
Ravenna is a city rich in art and culture, in the past it was thrice named capital: the first time during the western Roman Empire, following that by Teodorico, King of the Goths and finally in emperor Bisanzio's European empire. Ravenna is renowned worldwide for it's characteristic monuments and religious buildings decorated with mosaics, a technique not native to the city but who's practice within the city is of such splendour that UNESCO declared it heritage to humanity. Of note the Basilica of San Vitale, the Mausoleum of Galla Placida, the Basilica of Sant'Apollinare Nuovo, the Neonian Baptistry and the Mausoleum of Teodorico.
Ferrara, like Ravenna, was also declared heritage to humanity by UNESCO. Behind the city's monumental walls are elements of great cultural, artistic, historical and natural importance. The city's gardens compliment it's elegant buildings: fruit and vegetables can still be seen growing today in the city centre. Ferrara was of particular importance during the period of the Renaissance thanks to the Estense Court that between the Thirteenth and Sixteenth century transformed this city into one of great splendour and elegance.
Worth visiting: Palazzo d'Este, Palazzo dei Diamanti, the Cathedral, the Estense Castle and the numerous churches, museums and buildings.
Minimum number of participants: 20
Cost: 45,00 Euro (lunch included)
SAN LEO, VERUCCHIO, SANTARCANGELO DI ROMAGNA
Situated in a particularly favourable geographical position Verucchio offers a splendid panorama:
Looking across towards Valmarecchia one can admire the luscious greenery studded with little towns and villages, towards the coast on a clear, bright day one can appreciate the characteristic maritime scenery. Upon entering the medieval village you will find a patchwork of different buildings belonging to traditions and times gone by. Worth visiting; Piazza Malatesta with the Town Hall, Palazzo Giungi which dates back to the seven hundreds and Palazzo Bedetti of neoclassical construction.
One can also enjoy the suggestive scenery from Fort Malestana (or Fort of Stone), testimony to this family's historical importance and influence in this particular area.
San Leo can be found in the same valley, built upon a rhomboidal mass of chalky consistency.
Through it's monuments and buildings San Leo's history can be traced. The more evident signs of change came about in Medieval times and during the Renaissance period where it was at it's most splendid. Worth visiting the Renaissance Fort, the parish (of great importance as it is the first physical evidence of Christianity in this area, the cathedral, the Campanaria tower, Palazzo Medicevo home to the Museum of Sacred Art, Palazzo della Rovere and Palazzo Nardini.
Santarcangelo di Romagna is situated nine kilometres from Rimini which apart from being famous for it's discotheques and amusement arcades, has a number of historical sites worth visiting.
The old town centre is split into two parts, one of medieval origin and the other dating back to the seven hundreds, both very characteristic. A must: the Colleggiata church, the Clock Tower and the Museum of the Customs and Traditions of the People of Romagna.
Minimum number of participants: 20
Cost: 45,00 Euro (lunch included)
