After almost three weeks, my Italian journey was coming to an end. There has been lots to discover (read here) and after crossing Italy from the Amalfi Coast to the Adriatic Sea I was looking forward to something very exciting. To me, it was visiting the Country of San Marino, before heading to Venice and finally over the alps, back to Germany.
The Country of San Marino
San Marino is a small republic situated on the slopes of Mount Titano inside Italy. It is one of the smallest independent states in Europe (after Vatican City and Monaco) but it has plenty to offer. In the case of the Country of San Marino and the City of San Marino, size certainly doesn’t matter.
Settled on top of the mountain overlooking the Adriatic Sea as well as the Emilia-Romagna and Le Marche region, the old city and the views are just stunning.
Already, as I approached the country of San Marino, could I see the famous Three Castles on top of the mountain, sitting dramatically on the edge of the cliff. How am I ever going to get up there??
The City of San Marino
The defensive towers of the City of San Marino are a great attraction. And yes, I made my way up there. Driving!
Once on top, I didn’t feel the need to buy tickets to go inside each of them. I fully enjoyed walking between the castle towers, taking in the breathtaking view overlooking the hilly land of Italy. It was such a clear day, I could basically count all the small hill-top villages with their small churches. It was a perfect morning to be in San Marino!
If my knee would have been better I would have organised a hiking trip around here. It would have been amazing. Maybe next time?
Tax-free shopping is popular in the Country of San Marino but as March is more the off-season, most tourist shops were closed. Nevertheless, I enjoyed a great pasta lunch before heading downhill again, back to Italy.
How fun was that?! Visiting a new country in one morning, and all without the need of showing a passport. (Not that I have to show it at most borders in Europe anyway).
Between the City of San Marino and Venice
It is only a 3 hours drive between the Country of San Marino and Venice but I still wanted to make a few more stops in between. I was hoping to see more idylic old cities but the towns on the Adriatic Sea Side seemed quite modern and due to the coastline, very flat.
Pescara was nothing special and I stopped there only for an overnighter. Rimini was disappointing and I only took one photo of the old gate. I was looking forward to Ravenna but it was a cold and windy morning so I didn’t like it too much. So, apart from a nice walk and lunch in Padua, I would say the most impressive stop was in Chioggia.
Rimini Gate 
Padua 
Lunch in Padua
Chioggia is a small seaside and fishing town south of Venice. Due to the canals and narrow alleys in the historic area it is also called ‚the small Venice‘. It was a cute town, perfect for a morning walk and without the hustle and bustle of the bigger town. So if you have time on your travels, it is a great spot to enjoy some local cuisine from the small market shops.
Venice
Venice is the city that many have on their bucket list. But is it overrated? I have been to Venice twice before (last time 20 years ago) and, for some reason, I can’t remember much of either of those trips. Maybe it didn‘t leave an impression worth remembering?
Train to Venice
Venice is build on more than 100 small islands in a lagoon in the Adriatic Sea. It has streets but no roads, just canals, so I entered Venice via the train. Parking can be quite expensive but I have found a cheaper (15 Euro) carpark at the Mestre Train station (Venezia Mestre). The train goes every few minutes and tickets are very easy to get and cost just below 2 Euro. I was inside Venice in no time.
I had nothing special planned in Venice. Just walking, or rather zigzagging, through the narrow roads and bridges.
Of course you can‘t miss the famous central square, the Piazza San Marco. While you are there, it is definitely worth lining up to go inside the St. Mark’s Basilica. The Byzantine mosaics are breathtaking and the queue wasn‘t too bad.
The canals of Venice
Although it was nice to walk the streets and canals of Venice once again, I wouldn’t put Venice as my favourite city to visit. (And I have been to a few last year). That said I can understand why it is a ‚must visit‘ for many. It is a unique place.
Above all Venice is an island so it is known to have a strong smell in the midst of the summer. It also floods quite regularly, so as a result the buildings look rather run down and damaged. The canals and bridges certainly create a pretty picture, especially on a sunny day, but there is a lack of colour and cleaniness all around. I guess, why invest into the exterior when it gets destroyed during the yearly floods anyway?
Although it was March, by lunchtime Venice was filled with tourists. That means it was time for me to leave this city and head back to the main land. It was a nice morning and you never know, I might be back again. Maybe in another 20 years?
Goodbye Italy
And so, finally, after one more overnight stop along the way it was time to head back to Germany.
Visiting the Country of San Marino was definitely the hightlight for me and I would highly recommend it! It had also the best Ice Cream (and I sampled a few in Italy) so make sure you have some!
Goodbye Italy, until the next time! (P.S. At the end of my trip, my car was full with Italian pasta, Balsamico, Parmesan cheese and wine of course… )
„If you can‘t get to Italy, take Italy with you.“
