Day 1 in San Marino

Welcome to the tiny nation of San Marino, the fifth-smallest country in the world! Upon arrival, you will go through customs and immigration. Make your transfer to your destination, arrive at your hotel, check in and do not give in to jet lag! There is so much for you to see and do.

San Marino is an independent nation surrounded by Italy. It has a spectacular location, nestled in the mountains near the Adriatic Sea. The capital city, also called San Marino, is a maze of hilly, medieval streets, dotted with cafes and small shops. From the guard towers and the piazzas, the views over the surrounding countryside are gorgeous.

Start your afternoon at the Piazza Della Liberta, the most popular public square. From here, enjoy the view over the countryside, watch the changing of the guard, and explore the Palazzo Pubblico, San Marino`s town hall and its most iconic building. There is a staircase located inside the building that leads to the Council Hall on the top tower.

Afterward, wander the streets of the city of San Marino. It is small, making it possible to walk most of the city in just a few hours. It is also so clean and so picturesque. Small shops are found throughout the city, a number of perfume shops, sunglasses shops, and shops selling an assortment of weapons. Be warned that almost every street in San Marino is part of a steep hill.

Spend the evening enjoying some local Sammarinese food at one of the many delicious around the city. Enjoy the spectacular views of your surroundings while taking in the evening atmosphere.

Day 2 in San Marino

Enjoy a relaxing breakfast at one of the many quaint cafes around the city. Then head out to climb the towers of San Marino. There are three fortresses - Guaita, Cesta, and Montale, that crown the long ridge of Mount Titano. Each fortress features a tower from which there are splendid views of the Apennines, the coastal plain, Rimini, and the sea as far as the Dalmation coast. The fortresses are linked by a paved path, the lower part of which is lined with kiosks selling snacks, drinks and souvenirs. You may want to pack some piadinas (local flat-bread sandwiches), for a picnic on your journey. Many of the paths offer excellent stopping points with benches providing a tranquil place to stop and enjoy the view on your journey.

Guaita is the oldest and the grandest of the three towers, dating from 1253. Not only can you take in the view from the tower but you can also walk along the ramparts. Be prepared for lots of steps. There is one challenging, steep staircase that is more like a ladder to get to the top of the tower.

Next up, head to the highest peak of Monte Titano (2,425 ft above sea level) and the fortress Cesta (or Fratta). This tower was built in the first half of the 13th century and renovated multiple times before being restored to its original look in 1925. The fortress was erected on the ruins of a former Roman fort. The second circle of defence walls dates back to the 15th century. Cesta is home to the Museum of Historical Weapons, where armors, swords and arquebuses from medieval times to the 19th century are on display.

Montale is the third tower and dates back to the end of the 13th century. This is the smallest of the towers; however for defensive purposes, this tower played a strategic role as it has the best position for a look-out post. Inside there is a prison called `the bottom of the tower`. Montale is surrounded by very large and ancient rocks arranged to form a primitive wall structure.

Afterward, we recommend a stop at the Cava dei Balestrieri, the Crossbowmen`s Quarry. This quarry was artistically carved out of the rock and today mostly hosts performances of the feration of crossbowmen and the site of the medieval festival that takes place every July. If you get lucky with your timeing, you may be able to watch as the crossbow shooters put on a show.

Spend the remaining part of your afternoon enjoying one or a few of the several small and unique museums in San Marino. These include the Torture Museum, the Museum of Curiosity, and the World of Leonardo to name a few.

In the evening enjoy sampling some wines of the area. Thanks to a unique micro-climate, where Adriatic zephyrs whistle off sun-drenched hillsides, tiny vineyards produce outstanding harvests of great tasting Sangiovese grapes. Try the Brugneto and Tessano (cask-aged red wines), as well as the Roncale white wines.

Additional Days in San Marino

Should you be able to spend additional days in San Marino, we recommend visiting the number of small villages set on peaks and spurs throughout the Republic of San Marino. Most offer excellent views of the countryside and of Mount Titano, and several have interesting histories.

Domangnano`s fortress of Montelupo was constructed in 1463 and played a part in San Marino`s war against the Malatesta of Rimini. In the same year, Faetano was taken over by San Marino, and they also acquired the Malatesta castle in Fiorentino. And our favorite, the caste in Montegiardino, a town that dates back at least to the Roman era, the castle is absolutely stunning. Both the villages of Sarravalle and Borgo have become important residential centers of San Marino.

Your Last Day in San Marino

Depart your hotel for the airport or train station where you will head home or make your way to more European adventures. Savor the memories of a very special time spent in the republic of San Marino.