Buongiorno, amici miei!

That means “Good day, my friends!” Welcome back to the adventures of your favorite globe-trotting gnome, Oliver. Today, I reminisce about my 29.7-kilometer trek from the bustling beach town of Riccione, to the picturesque city of Urbino, in the heart of Italy.

Ah, Italia! A land where the wine flows like water and every pizza slice is a work of art. My journey, though tough on my tiny gnome legs, was full of breathtaking views and mouthwatering cuisine. But, let’s not forget about the history – the lifeblood of Italy. It’s in the air you breathe, the stones you tread upon, and the very essence of its people.

While both cities are remarkable in their own right, my most interesting observation was the stark contrast between them. Riccione, with its modern beach resorts and buzzing nightlife, and Urbino, a UNESCO World Heritage site, steeped in Renaissance history. It was like stepping back in time!

“Chi non risica, non rosica” – A local saying I picked up, which translates to, “He who risks nothing, gains nothing.” A fitting philosophy for a gnome daring enough to travel the world on foot, wouldn’t you say?

Now, let’s take a moment to reflect on my journey so far. I’ve been on the road for 131 days, traversed 3694.1 kilometers, and have had the pleasure to explore the beautiful cities of Rimini, Urbania, Riccione, Urbino, and Pennabilli!

As I close this chapter of my journey, I leave you with a line from a local folk song that encapsulates my feelings perfectly, “La strada è lunga, ma io camminerò.” It means, “The road is long, but I will walk.”

Arrivederci, my friends! Until next time, when Oliver the gnome will share more tales from his grand adventure!

Urbino, a gem nestled in Italy’s Le Marche region, is a city that whispers tales of culture and history. Home to the magnificent Palazzo Ducale, this city was once the seat of the great Duke Federico da Montefeltro. A patron of the arts and a learned humanist, the Duke filled his court with luminaries such as Piero della Francesca and Luciano Laurana.

In the narrow, cobbled streets, you can almost hear echoes of the past – “Le strade sussurrano storie” (The streets whisper stories). The city is also the birthplace of the iconic painter Raphael. His childhood home, Casa Natale di Raffaello, is a testament to the city’s rich artistic heritage.

So, my dear friends, as the Italians say, “Chi viaggia vive due volte” (The one who travels, lives twice). And in Urbino, you live a thousand lives, each steeped in culture and history. A journey here is a journey through Italy’s soul.