Today we visit two "orange flag" villages. There are two hundred awarded in all of Italy for villages that have retained their essential charm, with sustainable tourism and historic value.

The day starts gently downhill on the cycle path following the Marecchia River for five kilometres to Secchiano. We'll meet this same cycle path again tomorrow for the run into Rimini. Then we face a 200 metre climb out of the river valley. That will get the heart started! That't be biggest climb of the day but it is in general up and down the whole way although the "downs" are longer than the "ups". The first stopping place is Monte Leone which we will reach after around 31Km.

It is only an additional 9Km down the road to Longiano. After leaving Monte Leone we follow a ridge line with splendid views to Montenovo where there is a great looking castle, then down into the valley, and we will be able to see the second "orange flag" village of Longiano on the hill above.  Both Monte Leone and Longiano are picture-postcard images of renaissance Italian towns, with walls, towers, winding streets and a fair climb to get there! We should be there for lunch.

Accommodation

For tonight's accommodation Casa dei Grilli is booked.

For dinner, how about Braceria Da Fichera by Shakti or perhaps at Osteria la Capannina?

Route information for mobiles