Today was really my final day of exploring as tomorrow I have to make my way back to Milan Airport and really there’s only so much exploring you can do in 30 degree heat with a backpack.
It was an early start to get to the bus stop ready for my San Marino experience.
Upon arrival in San Marino I went on the little tourist train and got an insight into the history of the independent nation.
It went through the old train tunnels and dropped me off at the gondola, to be taken up into the historical centre.
The country derives its name from Saint Marinus, a stonemason from the Roman colony on the island of Rab, in modern-day Croatia. In AD 257, Marinus, according to legend, participated in the reconstruction of Rimini’s city walls after their destruction by Liburnian pirates. Marinus then went on to found an independent monastic community on Monte Titano in AD 301; thus, San Marino lays claim to be the oldest extant sovereign state as well as the oldest constitutional republic.
Back to my trip, the capital of San Marino, San Marino is based art he top of Monte Titano surrounded by medieval walls so the gondola was the perfect way to get up. It was either that or walking.
Once at the top, the views were insane, and it was time for some exploring. It’s a very old town with narrow streets and 3 towers. You can see why the city/ republic bases its economy on tourism.
After a morning in San Marino, it was time to head back to Rimini, I didn’t really want to wait until 6pm for the other bus as that would have made my day extremely long, and the next two days making my way back to the UK are going to be long enough. I did not want to be more exhausted than before I left.
Once back in Rimini I got my aperol fix and spent my final afternoon by the pool.
I’ve had an urge for a pasta carbonara all trip – tonight was the nice. It was tasty but such a plateful. It was rich too so you didn’t want to eat too much. I was completely stuffed and defeated. Once again a food coma was on the cards.
Tomorrow is my last day in Italy before I fly back on Friday. I’m going to make a leisurely trip to Milan airport via Bologna, will not be rushing in the morning as a sleep would be ideal!
Flying Solo 