The Adriatic Storybook, A Family Summer Adventure Marche Emilia Romagna San Marino (11 Days)

11 Days/10 Nights
Starting from
$8526
per person*

The Adriatic Storybook, A Family Summer Adventure Marche Emilia Romagna San Marino (11 Days)

Embark on an 11-day family summer adventure through Italy’s hidden gems, where every day brings new discoveries in the heart of Marche and Emilia Romagna. Wander Renaissance hill towns like Urbino and Pesaro, explore majestic castles in San Leo and Gradara, and step into the world’s oldest republic, San Marino. Marvel at Ravenna’s dazzling mosaics and let history come alive for all ages, from Raphael’s birthplace to ancient fortresses perched above rolling hills. Enjoy hands-on culinary experiences with Emilia Romagna’s legendary cuisine, relax on Adriatic beaches, and dive into the excitement of Motor Valley. With lively Bologna as your grand finale, this itinerary blends culture, fun, and authentic Italian flavors—perfect for families seeking a unique, enriching, and memorable escape.

Starting from $8,526  per person

Unforgettable Italian Journeys, Designed for You

Curated by passionate Italy experts, this sample itinerary is just the beginning of your Italian adventure. Every journey we design is unique, crafted around your interests, pace, and dreams so you can experience Italy’s beauty and culture like a true insider. Let us transform your vision into a one-of-a-kind travel experience, filled with authentic moments and lasting memories

Day 1

THE JOURNEY BEGINS

Italy’s wonder, just beyond the clouds

  • Overnight flight to Italy for your family vacation
  • Arrive ready to explore and make memories
Day 2

BOLOGNA, GATEWAY TO YOUR MARCHE ESCAPE

From Bologna to the Marche, your choice of Pesaro or Urbino

  • Land in Bologna, your first taste of Italy

  • Journey to Marche

Day 3

CASTLES AND URBINO, THE MARCHE AT ITS MOST MAGICAL

Renaissance grandeur & Hilltop Legends for Families

  • Explore Urbino, a Renaissance treasure
  • Visit the Palazzo Ducale, Urbino’s grand palace
  • Step inside Raphael’s birth house and museum
  •  Discover the San Leo Fortress and sweeping countryside views
Day 4

CONERO COAST ADVENTURES AND PESARO’S COASTAL CHARM

Nature’s Drama, Beach Bliss, and Musical Heritage

  • Explore the Conero Park’s peaks, trails, and Adriatic views

  • Enjoy family beach time, swimming, sun, and play

  • Discover Pesaro’s historic center and seaside promenade

  • Learn about composer Rossini and his musical legacy

Day 5

RAVENNA BOUND, WITH TWO STORYBOOK STOPS

Gradara’s walled village and San Marino Republic

  • Travel toward Ravenna with scenic, history-rich stops

  • Explore Gradara’s walled medieval village and castle

  • Discover San Marino, the world’s oldest republic

Day 6

RAVENNA, CITY OF MOSAICS

UNESCO Mosaics, Hidden Stories, and Family Art Adventure

  • Discover Ravenna’s dazzling UNESCO mosaic masterpieces
  • Explore basilicas and sacred spaces with Byzantine brilliance

  • Enjoy a family-paced day full of wonder and discovery

Day 7

BOLOGNA, THE CITY THAT LOOKS UP

Buzzing Piazzas, Tower Views, and Summer City Life

  • Transfer to Bologna and stroll the lively historic center
  • Marvel at the iconic Asinelli and Garisenda towers

  • Explore grand squares, medieval palaces, and Europe’s oldest university

  • Enjoy summer’s open-air events, markets, and family fun

Day 8

EMILIA ROMAGNA, ONE DELICIOUS DAY

Parma Cheese, Modena Balsamic, Family Table Memories  

  • Taste Emilia Romagna’s most prized foods where they are made

  • Tour a Parmigiano Reggiano dairy and sample authentic parmesan cheese

  • Visit a prosciutto producer and discover the secrets of curing

  • Explore a Modena acetaia for authentic balsamic vinegar tasting

  • Enjoy a regional lunch in a welcoming, family-run locale

Day 9

MOTOR VALLEY, MADE IN ITALY

Ferrari Dreams, Racing Legends, Family Thrills

  • Discover Italy’s Motor Valley featuring Ferrari, Lamborghini and Ducati

  • Visit world-class museums and interactive exhibits

  • Try driving simulators and see legendary cars up close

Day 10

FROM BOLOGNA WITH FLAVOR

Hands-on Pasta and City Strolls

  • Dive into a chef-led cooking class in Bologna

  • Enjoy your handmade pasta creations together

  • Explore Bologna’s shops, historic cafes, gardens, and lively squares

Day 11

BOLOGNA, ARRIVEDERCI

Farewell to Italy—Family Memories, Lasting Inspiration  

  • Transfer to Bologna Airport for your departure

  • Reflect on a journey rich in culture and connection

MAKE THIS ITINERARY YOURS

Turn this sample itinerary into your dream Italy vacation – tailored to your pace, passions, and budget.

Day 1

THE JOURNEY BEGINS

Italy’s wonder, just beyond the clouds

As your family boards the overnight flight from the U.S.A., excitement and curiosity fill the air. The world outside your window fades into twilight, making space for dreams of the days ahead—where ancient cities, lively piazzas, and castle-topped hills are waiting just beyond the clouds. This is the start of your Italian story: a journey where every day will bring new discoveries, hands-on experiences, and moments of wonder to share as a family. Tomorrow, Italy welcomes you with open arms, and the first taste of adventure is just a sunrise away.

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Day 2

BOLOGNA, GATEWAY TO YOUR MARCHE ESCAPE

From Bologna to the Marche, your choice of Pesaro or Urbino

Today your family lands in Bologna, a city with a proud medieval soul and a reputation as one of Italy’s great culinary capitals. Bologna’s character is unmistakable, from its famous porticoes to its beautiful brick architecture and bustling piazzas. After landing, you will continue onward into the Marche, where you will settle in for your hotel stay in either Pesaro or Urbino.

Pesaro is a wonderful fit for families who want an Adriatic setting and a relaxed, open atmosphere that makes it easy to recharge after travel. Urbino offers a completely different kind of magic, a UNESCO recognized Renaissance hill town shaped by Duke Federico da Montefeltro’s fifteenth century court and its remarkable architecture. Whichever city landscape you choose, the evening settles into a comfortable rhythm, giving your family time to unpack, take a gentle stroll, and enjoy the first tastes of Italy.

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Day 3

CASTLES AND URBINO, THE MARCHE AT ITS MOST MAGICAL

Renaissance grandeur & Hilltop Legends for Families

Begin your day in Urbino, where cobbled streets and terracotta rooftops reveal a city shaped by Renaissance brilliance. A guided tour brings history to life for all ages: admire the majestic Palazzo Ducale, once home to Duke Federico da Montefeltro, and step into the very house where Raphael, one of the world’s most celebrated painters, was born. The artist’s childhood home is now a museum filled with stories and inspiration for budding artists in the family.

 After soaking up Urbino’s culture and charm, set out for the hills and legends of San Leo. Perched dramatically on a rocky outcrop, San Leo Fortress is a real-life castle that sparks the imagination. Kids can picture knights, secret passages, and ancient sieges as they explore ramparts and towers. The panoramic views from the fortress stretch across rolling countryside, making for unforgettable family photos and a sense of adventure you’ll talk about long after your journey ends.

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Day 4

CONERO COAST ADVENTURES AND PESARO’S COASTAL CHARM

Nature’s Drama, Beach Bliss, and Musical Heritage

Begin your day in the breathtaking Conero Natural Park, where dramatic cliffs and lush forests meet the sparkling Adriatic Sea. Family-friendly trails and panoramic lookouts offer endless opportunities for photos, wildlife spotting, and spontaneous picnics, making it easy to enjoy nature at your own pace. Pause at hidden coves or charming villages perched above the coast, each offering a taste of Marche’s wild beauty. As the sun climbs higher, trade hiking shoes for sandals and unwind on one of the area’s inviting beaches. Splash in the gentle surf, build sandcastles, or simply relax as you soak in the classic Italian seaside vibe, a perfect balance of adventure and downtime for all ages.

In the afternoon, head to Pesaro, a city where history and culture blend with the relaxed rhythm of coastal life. Stroll the vibrant piazzas and pedestrian streets, browse artisan shops, or join locals on the lively waterfront promenade. Pesaro is also the birthplace of Gioachino Rossini, the famed composer behind “The Barber of Seville” and other operatic masterpieces. Visit his childhood home or spot playful musical motifs around town, making your family’s day in Marche both culturally rich and full of fun discoveries.

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Day 5

RAVENNA BOUND, WITH TWO STORYBOOK STOPS

Gradara’s walled village and San Marino Republic

Today’s journey to Ravenna is filled with adventure and discovery, starting with a visit to Gradara, a perfectly preserved medieval village crowned by its legendary castle. Walk through stone archways and along fortress walls that once inspired tales of knights and star-crossed lovers, including the famous story of Paolo and Francesca immortalized by Dante in “The Divine Comedy.” Kids can imagine life in the Middle Ages as you wander cobbled streets, explore towers, and take in panoramic views of the surrounding hills.

Next, cross into the Republic of San Marino, a tiny nation with a big sense of pride and history. Founded in 301 AD, San Marino is considered the world’s oldest surviving republic. Climb to the top of Monte Titano’s ancient towers for sweeping vistas across Italy and beyond, and discover the unique traditions, stamps, and coins that set this independent enclave apart.

Arriving in Ravenna by late afternoon, settle into your hotel and soak up the city’s tranquil atmosphere. As evening falls, gather for a family dinner featuring Ravenna’s local flavors, think handmade pasta, piadina flatbread, and sweet pastries setting the stage for the mosaic wonders and cultural treasures you’ll explore tomorrow.

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Day 6

RAVENNA, CITY OF MOSAICS

UNESCO Mosaics, Hidden Stories, and Family Art Adventure

Step into Ravenna, a city where every wall tells a story and sparkling mosaics turn sightseeing into a real-life treasure hunt. Kids and adults alike will be amazed by the city’s eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, each filled with brilliant colors, shimmering gold, and scenes of emperors, animals, and ancient legends. Imagine stepping back in time as you walk through the Basilica of San Vitale, where mosaics shine like jewels, and spot hidden symbols or try to find the famous portraits of Emperor Justinian and Empress Theodora.

 Peek inside the tiny Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, where deep blue ceilings twinkle with stars, and let imaginations run wild as you search for birds, flowers, and secret patterns in the stone. At the Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo, the long mosaic processions along the walls become a moving story; see how many different figures and animals your family can count!

 With plenty of time for breaks, gelato stops, and playful photo ops, Ravenna’s mosaic wonders become the backdrop for a day of shared discovery, creativity, and fun, making art and history come alive for travelers of all ages.

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Day 7

BOLOGNA, THE CITY THAT LOOKS UP

Buzzing Piazzas, Tower Views, and Summer City Life

Arrive in Bologna and feel the city’s pulse, a place where history, learning, and everyday life blend in a vibrant mix. As you settle in, take to the streets on foot: Bologna’s famous porticoes offer shade and shelter, making every wander comfortable, no matter the weather. Piazza Maggiore, the beating heart of the city, welcomes families with its grand medieval palaces, ancient Basilica di San Petronio, and lively outdoor cafés perfect for people-watching and gelato breaks.

 

Don’t miss the legendary leaning towers, Asinelli and Garisenda, which have watched over Bologna’s skyline since the twelfth century. For a true sense of the city’s spirit, visit the University of Bologna, the oldest in the Western world, where students from around the globe fill the streets with energy and creativity. In summer, Bologna buzzes with open-air cinema, concerts, and colorful markets, turning every evening into a celebration. Whether you join a local festival, browse artisan stalls, or simply soak up the atmosphere in a piazza, Bologna’s blend of history, culture, and youthful excitement makes it a highlight for families and a city you’ll want to return to again and again.

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Day 8

EMILIA ROMAGNA, ONE DELICIOUS DAY

Parma Cheese, Modena Balsamic, Family Table Memories

Today is a feast for the senses and a journey into the heart of Italy’s most celebrated food traditions. Start your adventure near Parma, where you’ll step behind the scenes at a Parmigiano Reggiano dairy. Discover how this “King of Cheeses” is crafted by hand, following strict rules that have earned it the prized DOP (Denominazione di Origine Protetta) label. Kids will love watching the giant wheels being turned and tasting cheese that’s aged to perfection, each bite full of flavor and history.

Next, visit a family-run prosciuttificio to see how Prosciutto di Parma is made, from the careful salting to the long aging process. Learn why these hams are so treasured, and what makes them different from imitations found elsewhere in the world. Lunch is a true highlight: gather at a local trattoria or right at one of the producers’ tables for a meal featuring the region’s specialties, fresh cheeses, cured meats, rustic breads, and maybe even homemade pasta. It’s a delicious way to experience the warmth of Emilia Romagna’s hospitality.

In the afternoon, head to Modena for a visit to a traditional acetaia, where the famous Balsamic Vinegar of Modena is aged in wooden barrels for years, even decades! Taste the difference between young and aged vinegars, and discover how patience and passion create a flavor that’s both sweet and complex.

End your day with a relaxed stroll in Modena’s city center, where the pride of Emilia Romagna’s food culture is on display in every shop window and lively piazza.

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Day 9

MOTOR VALLEY, MADE IN ITALY

Ferrari Dreams, Racing Legends, Family Thrills

Get ready for a day of speed, style, and hands-on fun in Italy’s legendary Motor Valley. This region around Modena is home to some of the world’s most famous automotive brands, making it a dream destination for car lovers of all ages. Start with the Ferrari Museum in Maranello, where families can marvel at classic and modern race cars, explore interactive displays, and even try a high-tech F1 simulator (minimum age applies) for a taste of what it feels like to be a Formula 1 driver.

Expand your adventure with visits to other icons of Italian engineering: tour the Lamborghini Museum to see dramatic supercars and learn about the brand’s bold design legacy; step inside the Maserati showroom for a glimpse of Italian elegance and innovation; or head to the Ducati Museum, where the world of high-performance motorcycles comes alive with stories of racing glory and technical mastery.

Throughout the day, discover what makes these brands so special, from the artistry of hand-built engines to the passion for pushing limits. Many museums offer kid-friendly activities, multimedia exhibits, and even factory tours where you can watch skilled craftsmen at work.

After a day packed with excitement, return to Bologna to enjoy the city’s vibrant evening atmosphere. Stroll under the glowing porticoes, dine at a lively trattoria, or join locals in the piazzas for gelato and people-watching—an energetic close to a day of unforgettable Italian innovation.

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Day 10

FROM BOLOGNA WITH FLAVOR

Hands-on Pasta and City Strolls

Immerse your family in Bologna’s world-famous food culture with a hands-on pasta class guided by a local chef. Learn how to transform simple ingredients into fresh tagliatelle and other regional favorites, picking up time-honored techniques and family stories along the way. As you mix, knead, and shape the dough, everyone gets involved making this a delicious and memorable experience for all ages. Afterward, sit down together to savor the dishes you’ve created, enjoying a meal that feels both authentic and rewarding.

The afternoon is yours to explore Bologna’s dynamic city life. Shop for Italian fashion and unique finds in elegant boutiques and artisan food stores, or wander through bustling markets for local specialties and souvenirs. Take a break in one of Bologna’s historic cafés, indulge in classic pastries like torta di riso or sip a refreshing granita as you watch the world go by. Discover beautiful churches, relax in leafy city gardens, or simply soak up the lively atmosphere in the city’s iconic squares. Whether you’re shopping, tasting, or just strolling under the famous porticoes, Bologna offers endless ways to enjoy family time and create lasting memories.

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Day 11

BOLOGNA, ARRIVEDERCI

Farewell to Italy—Family Memories, Lasting Inspiration

As your family prepares to say arrivederci to Italy, take a final moment to reflect on the adventure you’ve shared. From Renaissance towns and castle climbs to the sparkling Adriatic, hands-on cooking, and the vibrant life of Bologna, every day has woven together culture, discovery, and joyful family time. The stories, flavors, and friendships found along the way become part of your own family’s story—reminders of Italy’s power to inspire and connect across generations. With hearts full and memories made, your journey ends for now, but the invitation to return and explore more of Italy’s wonders will always remain.

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This Package Includes:

– DA RISCRIVERE
– Transportation by vehicle(s) /Train(s) as per itinerary;
– 5 nights accommodation in  3 or 4 Star Hotel in Venice;
– 3 nights accommodation in 3 or 4 Star Hotel in Rome;
– Daily Buffet Breakfast;
– 2 Local Food Experiences ( 2 Meals Included);
– 1 Vatican Museum Tour ;
– 1 Colosseum Guide Tour;
– 1 Vespa Tour;
– Guided Tours as per itinerary;
– Vat Taxes and Service Charges.

This Package Does Not Include:

– Airfare from your Country of origin.
– All Land & Air prices: Additional U.S. & Foreign Departure Taxes and Surcharges Fee(s) assessed by the Airlines.
– Hospitality city tax which varies by city and hotel category. Where applicable it must be paid locally to the hotel.
– Entrance Fees to Monuments or Museums, Tips, Extras.
– Beverages;
– Porterage service;
– All which is not listed under PACKAGE INCLUDES.

Terms and Conditions:

All itineraries are customizable. This sample is designed to inspire your own unforgettable Italian graduation celebration experience

Independent Tour package customizable to your wishes and needs.
Available all year around on request.
Minimum number of participants: 2 people.
Some transfers are operated with a private transportation with English speaking Driver. Some of the excursions are operated with private guide, others are operated in conjunction with a larger group to offer the opportunity to meet other people and maintain the cost reasonable.
(*) Rate based on two adult persons sharing a double or twin bedded room with private bathroom. Single rooms are available at an additional supplement. Childrens, triple room rates and alternative accommodation arrangements are available upon request. (Additional and different charges may apply).