Italy – Ancona/San Marino 21/8/16 to 23/8/16

So we boarded the Italian overnight ferry in Split for our departure at 8.15pm bound for Italy. The vessel was huge 2 restaurants, a bar, cinema, games room and 2 small shops. It was packed but thankfully we were able to get a cabin as it was going to take 13 hours. Ours was on the 2nd floor, under the car decks, just bunk beds and no facilities. Although cramped we were happy we had at least a bed as the whole ship was packed. When booking your price includes 1) any floor space you could find, 2) a reclining chair, 3) cabin with no facilities (inside), 4) cabin with window – no facilities (outside), or 5) cabin with everything (outside). Our choice cost us €210, so rather expensive. Being so low in the vessel we thought we would be disturbed all night by the engine noises, but this was not so, other than our neighbour’s our deck was reasonably quiet.
We’re staying at the 2* Dorico Hotel for 2 nights, as it’s opposite Ancona’s train station, (our main mode of transport for Italy). However as we found out this hotel is a 30 minute walk from the port. Once arrived there were plenty of signs stating “no eating in your rooms”, “checking in NOT before 3pm”, “no smoking in your camera”! Yep it actually said this, funny because that’s the Italian word for “room”. A walk into town and on first inspection, everywhere was closed apart from the odd shop. Ancona is a very small town with not much going for it apart from the ferry and train stations, so tomorrow were off on a day trip on the train. Nothing much to say about our hotel, other than its in a very poor area.

San Marino
We took a 1 ½ hour train ride (€15 pp), then a 1 hour bus ride (€10 pp), then a 2 minute buggy ride (€3 pp), to reach San Marino. This is an independent, self governed republic surrounded by Italy, high upon Monte Titano. It has its own flag and everything. What a great day. We took the train to Rimini then a bus. The bus takes you straight to the main village high up the hill, where you can choose to take the buggy to the very top, which is what we did. Once at the top the views are to die for, 360’ of the finest countryside i’ve ever seen, stretching as far as the eye can see. It was a beautiful clear day, the sun was shining and as we were so high up the breeze was wonderful. At the top you will find a great collection of goods, shoes, the finest Italian leather, jewellery and more. There’s also many restaurants to choose from. As it was our first full day in Italy, we decided eating a fantastic lunch of, spinach and ricotta cheese ravioli, in a cheery tomato and basil sauce, the best lasagne ever and a glass of red. What a treat! Once our stomachs were full we started the decent down the hill, back to the bus, after we had taken full advantage of the spectacular scenery. We could see for miles and miles. The township has many old buildings within its fortress, all very well maintained to a beautiful standard. It’s streets are vehicle free so easy to walk around, and are full of cobble narrow alleyways. Every corner you take, a surprise awaits to meet your “dropping jaw”. The views, the architecture, the aroma of Italian food being cooked, everything is awe inspiring. A well worth day trip, so if your ever in Rimini, take the bus and go and see San Marino yourselves.

Tomorrow we go to Bologna.
So we were woken up at 3.36am with the whole room shaking, we knew straight away it was an earthquake. Everything was shaking. We were dressed in a flash and went outside, where 1 by 1 others joined us. Although we’re used to them in NZ, this one unnerved us. The following morning it was all over the news. Our hearts go out to all the people who have been affected.