Founded by the Romans as a colony of Latin Law in 268 B.C. and an imperial municipality from the age of Augustus, Rimini filled with splendid monuments. Later, during the Renaissance period, it was the capital of the Malatesta family and with them the splendours of a munificent court and the presence of some of the most famous architects, artists and sculptors in Italy. The Arch of Augustus and the Tiberian Bridge, the Malatestian Temple and Sigismondo's fortress are part of the artistic and cultural heritage of Rimini. Nowadays, it is a holiday area "par excellence". Known as the "beach of Europe", Rimini has, over the last few years, experienced a noticeable increase in tourism throughout its hinterland; this is due to its natural beauty, the historical attractions, and gastronomic and its tradition of cuisine and handicrafts.

Federico Fellini, one of the most important Italian film directors, was born in Rimini. His famous films are: "La Dolce Vita", "8 ½" , "La Strada", "Giulietta degli Spiriti", "Lo sceicco Bianco", "Le Notti di Cabiria", "Amarcord".

San Leo, a Romanesque city. In 963AD, Berengario II made it the capital city of the Italian Kingdom. In 1600, the Dukes of Montefeltro built the military fortress, which was later turned into a prison by the Papal States in 1700.

It owes its origins to the illustrious legend of the Founding Saint of the San Marino community and of the Republic, when Marino sought refuge on Mount Titano in 301 AD. The small Capital houses a priceless historical and architectural heritage, also reflected in its museums. A magnet for millions of tourists every year, a place open to ongoing discoveries: a variety of shops selling hand-crafted items and souvenirs, plus boutiques and jewellers offer a variety of shopping opportunities and entertainment.

Urbino was founded by the Umbrian people in the 6th century B.C.. It was a Roman Municipality from 283 B.C.; being subsequently conquered by the Goths and then the Longobards. The Franks ceded control to the Papal States. However the city reached its greatest splendour under the rule of the Dukes of Montefeltro in the 16th century, especially during the dukedom of Federic II. It could be considered as the best conserved Renaissance Italian city. UNESCO has declared it "World Heritage" since 1998.

The Farmhouse Hotel "Le Due Torri" is situated in the heart of the Umbrian Valley, a mere ten minutes drive from the lovely medieval towns of Spello, Assisi and Montefalco. About ten ancient buildings are found within the farm boundaries, two of which are well-preserved medieval watchtowers, which give the hotel its name.
The farmhouse is surrounded by the 200-hectare farm of Dr.Fabio Ciri, the landowner who comes from a family of farmers who settled in Umbria in the early 1800's. Since 1992, some of the land has been farmed organically, and since 1994, wine, extra virgin oil, cold-pressed sunflower oil, grains, legumes, vegetables and black truffles have been organically produced. The farm also produces milk and raises Chianina cattle, an ancient local breed famed for its lean and tasty meat, nowadays in danger of extinction. The building, where we will be staying, is the remodelled farmhouse, and great care has been taken to preserve the original architectural details, such as, the solid oak and chestnut beams, the typical tiled roof, the floors laid by hand with bricks, made from the local red clay, and the exterior walls of white and pink limestone, typical of the Umbrian Appennines. The bathrooms are decorated with Umbrian ceramic tiles laid in geometrical patterns, following the tradition of this area.

"The Two Towers":
The "Torre Quadrano", close to the farmhouse, was built in the 13th century along one of the Roman roads of the ancient Municipality of Hispellum (Spello). It is one of the few well-preserved medieval watchtowers built in the Umbrian Valley, as part of the defences of the territory of Spello. "Rocca Deli" is perched on the top of a hill overlooking the small village of Scandaloro, near Foligno. It was built between 1000 and 1100 AD. Although classified as a tower, it can be considered as a "Rocca" or a fortified dwelling. The original building included the Tower, the residential quarters and the perimeter walls. The Rocca was built both to keep watch over the surrounding territory and to protect the local population in the event of danger. Now it has been renovated for use both as a restaurant and as a meeting place for groups.

In a beautiful position in the Umbrian Valley, it is a tourist destination that is most impressive. Its fame is due to the unspoilt medieval town-planning a walled city with ancient monuments.

Is perched on the top of a hill overlooking the small village of Scandaloro, near Foligno. It was built between 1000 and 1100 AD. Although classified as a tower, it can be considered as a "Rocca" or a fortified dwelling. The original building included the Tower, the residential quarters and the perimeter walls. The Rocca was built both to keep watch over the surrounding territory and to protect the local population in the event of danger. Now it has been renovated for use both as a restaurant and as a meeting place for groups.

This beautiful fortress was built between 1811-1813, by the Viceroy of Italy, Eugenio di Beauharnais, under orders from Napoleon Bonaparte.
The characteristic "lantern" shape proves that it dates from Napoleonic times. It consists of several bastions and barracks that could house up to 600 soldiers. Its function was to prevent the English fleet from breaking the continental blockade and landing at Portonovo to take on drinking water from the springs of Mt. Conero. Subsequently the vicissitudes of the Italic Kingdom and the Papal States destroyed the documents about the life and administration of the Fortress. Probably some of these documents were taken to the Monastery at Camaldoli on Mt.Corono, but from 1876 nothing more is known about them as the monastery had been suppressed at least ten years earlier.

Gradara is a Renaissance fortress and is one of the best preserved castles in North Italy.