-
1
The Ultimate Guide to Bike Hotels: The Requirements That Make the Difference Between Welcome and True Hospitality
-
2
From Urban Tourism to Rural Cycling Tourism: A New Opportunity for Communities and Local Businesses
-
3
Intermodality and Cycling Tourism: What to Expect in 2026
-
4
Bikepacking & Gravel: Why 2026 Will Be the Year of the Off-Road Escape?
-
5
Why Join a Yoga Retreat in the Gran Sasso National Park
-
6
Mountain Weeks with ISYTRAVEL: A Unique Experience for Everyone
-
7
Journey on the Trans-Siberian Railway of Italy
-
8
Trekking on the Majella: A Wild Adventure in the Heart of Abruzzo
-
9
Navelli, the Saffron Village: A Journey Through History, Nature, and Abruzzo's Red Gold
-
10
Discovering the Trabocchi Coast Trail: 5 Days of Sea, Trabocchi, and Walking with a Friend
-
11
Gran Sasso Trail: Trekking Through Timeless Villages and Untamed Nature
-
12
Yoga Retreat in Abruzzo: Reconnect With Yourself Amidst Meditation and Nature in the Gran Sasso National Park
-
13
Bikepacking Sardinia: Exploring Sulcis Iglesiente’s Coast, Mines, and Culture
-
14
Cycling Adventure Along the Rota Vicentina: An Unforgettable Journey on the Portuguese Coast
-
15
Cycling the Camino de Santiago: The Summer We Rode to the End of the World
-
16
Wine Safari by Bike in Le Marche: Autumn Rides Through Vineyards, Villages, and Full Glasses
-
17
The Transhumance Routes: Cycling Along the Celano-Foggia Tratturo with My Friends
-
18
A Journey That Stays With You: Cycling from Termoli to Barletta
-
19
Trans-Siberian of Italy: A Journey Through Time to Discover Abruzzo and Molise
-
20
By Bike Through the Malatesta Lands and Montefeltro: A Journey Through History and Breathtaking Landscapes
-
21
Gran Canaria in its Natural State: A Journey Through Nature, Adventure, and Tradition
-
22
Trek Crossing Maiella: My Journey into the Wild Nature
-
23
The Camino de Santiago by Bicycle: The Adventure of Four Abruzzesi
-
24
Sicily by Bike in the Val di Noto: A Journey Through Baroque, Nature, and Authentic Flavors
-
25
From Gran Sasso to the Endless Blue: An adventure among friends on two wheels
-
26
The Greenway of the Trabocchi Coast: Pedaling through History, Nature, and Flavors
-
27
The Best Christmas Gifts for Travel Lovers
-
28
Experiential Tourism: A New Frontier in Travel
-
29
ISY Travel: Our Responsible Action!
-
30
Alpe Adria by bike: An unforgettable journey between the Alps and the Adriatic
-
31
Exploring Gran Canaria: An unforgettable trip by bike and trekking
-
32
Abruzzo Bike to Coast: the Abruzzo Coast Cycle Path
-
33
Sicily by Bike in the Val di Noto: the Sicilian Baroque, a UNESCO Heritage
-
34
How Bikelife Was Born and Became Isy Travel
Tag cloud
- Destination
- Europe
- Asia
- Africa
- America
- Oceania
- Types of Travel
- Adventure Travel
- Cultural Travel
- Luxury Travel
- Family Travel
- Specific Experiences
- Food and Wine
- Events
- Discoveries and Activities
- Travel Styles
- Other
- Cycling Trips
- Hiking Trips
- Nature Walks
- Food and Wine Experiences
- Tastings
- Local Cuisine
- Wine Tours
- Concerts in Nature
- Sports Events
- Events with Celebrities
- Historical Discoveries
- Natural Discoveries
- Outdoor Activities
- Sustainable Travel
- Group Travel
- Solo Travel
- Travel Tips
- Traveler Stories
- Bikelife
- Hikelife
- Italy destination
- Be True
- Be Green
- Be Isy
- Trekking
- Hiking
- cycling tourism
- Experiential Tourism
- Nature
- Travel in Winter
- Train
- Wellbeing & Spa
- Ski holiday
20/03/2025
- Author Silvia Donatiello
- Tag Cycling Trips Outdoor Activities Sustainable Travel Group Travel Traveler Stories Bikelife Italy destination Be True Be Green Be Isy cycling tourism
This adventure is told by Silvia Donatiello, who, together with her friends, had a unique experience cycling through the wonders of the Malatesta Lands and Montefeltro, exploring breathtaking landscapes and uncovering hidden history in every corner.
A Journey through Two Regions: Emilia-Romagna, Marche, and San Marino
There is something magical about cycling through history, immersed in landscapes that seem to come straight out of a painting. Last year, with a group of friends, we decided to explore the Malatesta Lands and Montefeltro by bike, crossing two regions – Emilia-Romagna and Marche – and the Republic of San Marino, in search of medieval villages, castles, and panoramic roads. This journey allowed us to discover a territory where time seems to have stood still, filled with the charm of ancient rivalries and landscapes that unfold at every turn.
The Historical Charm of Rimini and the Romagna Villages
Our journey began in Rimini, a city with two faces: on one side, its coastal charm, and on the other, a historic center rich in wonders. We strolled between the Arch of Augustus and the Tiberius Bridge, reliving the Roman and Renaissance essence of Rimini, before reaching Castel Sismondo, a testament to the power of the Malatesta family. After a delicious dinner with piadina and a glass of Sangiovese, we were ready to begin our adventure.
The Authentic Villages and the Impressive San Leo Fortress
Leaving the coast behind, we headed inland along the Uso River bike trail, passing through small, authentic villages. In Santarcangelo di Romagna, the atmosphere was both intimate and lively: cobbled streets, craft shops, and an underground labyrinth of tuff caves still shrouded in mystery. The ancient village welcomed us with its authentic spirit, offering one of the most beautiful sunsets of the trip. We then cycled towards the imposing San Leo Fortress, following winding roads through the lush valleys of the Valmarecchia. The climb was challenging, but the breathtaking view of the fortress that overlooks the surrounding landscape was well worth the effort. San Leo has hosted popes, emperors, and even the mysterious Cagliostro, who was imprisoned here. Visiting the village felt like traveling back in time, immersed in legends and fascinating stories.
San Marino: The World’s Oldest Republic
Our route then took us to the Republic of San Marino, where we crossed three borders in a single day. The roads wound between Mount Carpegna and Mount Grimano Terme, offering incredible views of the valley. Reaching the world’s oldest republic was a special experience: the view from the three towers that dominate Monte Titano extends all the way to the coast, and as we wandered through the medieval streets, we felt as though we had stepped into another era.
The Beauty of Marche’s Villages and the Story of Gradara
Leaving San Marino behind, we ventured into the Marche region, visiting villages such as Saludecio, Mondaino, and Montegridolfo, where time seems to have stopped. Silent roads, fortified walls, and frescoes depicting ancient stories made this part of the journey a constant discovery. The Gradara Castle welcomed us with its imposing structure, narrating the tragic love story of Paolo and Francesca, immortalized by Dante in the Divine Comedy.
The Adriatic Sea and the Panoramic Road of Monte San Bartolo
The final part of our journey led us to the sea, along the beautiful Monte San Bartolo Panoramic Road. This stretch, connecting Pesaro to Gabicce Monte, is one of the most captivating routes I’ve ever cycled: a road that feels suspended between the sky and the sea, with the blue of the Adriatic as a backdrop and the greenery of the Natural Park surrounding us. The villages of Fiorenzuola di Focara and Casteldimezzo provided the perfect break before returning to Rimini, where our journey ended with a toast and the realization that we had lived an unforgettable experience.
A Unique Journey through History, Nature, and Culture
This bike tour was not just a ride through extraordinary places, but a true journey through the history and culture of a region that never fails to surprise at every turn. An experience to live at least once, to feel the wind of freedom on your skin and discover the most authentic soul of Italy.