Valmarecchia

The cycling route along the River Marecchia is a favourite amongst local cyclists. This itinerary is 50km and it reaches its maximum altitude at 190 metres above sea level at the sanctuary of Madonna di Saiano, the destination of this tour.

It's perfect as a cool-down cycle the day after intense activity and it's the perfect place to come into contact with the nature of the Romagna countryside because the river area is a protected natural park. Starting from the hotel, head down the promenade to Piazzale Kennedy; you'll join the Cervi Park cycling path up to the Arch of Augustus.

Cross the historic town centre of Rimini; enter the Marecchia park from where the trail begins and goes up on the left bank of the Marecchia River. The cycling path is made of gravel. It is wide and quite smooth, features many bends that go very close to the shore and from which it is possible to reach the water.
Along the cycling trail, you'll go past quarries, the Tenuta Amalia golf club and then you'll enter Villa Verucchio’s public park. Here, on the opposite side of the football field, you can stock up on water at the water station.

At the end of the cycling trail, you'll cross the river via a bridge in Ponte Verucchio; you'll then continue in the direction of Saiano, past Torriana. Go down the riverbank to the right along a dirt stretch between the fields and the river. In order to reach your destination, you have to tackle the merciless stretch of Saiano: 400 metres with a maximum 18% uphill incline and an average of 10% on cement.
At the foot of the Madonna di Saiano sanctuary, you'll find an excellent water fountain with fresh water. You can visit the Sanctuary on the rocky spur by entering through the metal gate. The return route is identical to the one you cycled along to get there, but as it is downhill in parts, it allows you to noticeably increase your average speed.