Discover a Different Side to Italy in Le Marche

Italy is bursting with iconic destinations, from flamboyant Venice to cultured Rome and the pastel-hued villages of the Cinque Terre. Famed the world over for its rich cuisine, its picturesque landscapes, and blend of ancient and modern culture, there is nowhere which fires the wanderlust quite like Italy. Yet step away from Lake Como or the Amalfi Coast, and you'll discover an even more authentic Italian experience. Our destination here is Le Marche, a region of dramatic landscapes, fine white wines, and pretty hilltop towns. 

 Be Dazzled by Dramatic Landscapes

Tucked between the Apennine Mountains and the Adriatic Sea, Le Marche offers visitors the best of both worlds. The crowd-free pebble beaches are lapped by the clearest of waters, with tranquil little bays such as those in the Parco del Conero backed by white cliffs. There are impressive caves to explore - the Grotte di Frasassi standing as one of the largest cave systems in Europe - and sweeping national parks of towering mountains and foothills blanketed in vineyards. While away an afternoon at the vineyard in the Parco Regionale Monte San Bartolo, sipping delicate wines while the sun sets over the Adriatic for an experience that's impossible to forget. 

Yet if it's drama you're seeking, the wild expanse of the Parco Nazionale dei Monti Sibillini grandly fulfills dreams of hiking and biking, skiing, rafting, and canyoneering through the pristine Apennines. Summer brings with it meadows carpeted with wildflowers, gushing rivers, and brilliant blue skies, while winter lays a snowy hand over the craggy, unspoiled region which tumbles into neighboring Umbria. 

Be Enchanted by Historic Hilltop Towns

Amidst the bucolic landscape, traditions and culture flow strongly through the hilltop towns and close-knit communities. It is a chance to see Italy without the tourism spotlight, authentic and passionate in everything from art to cuisine, music to religion. The UNESCO town of Urbino was the birthplace of Raphael, and its centro storico (historic center) has been a thriving hub of the arts since the 15th century. Renaissance architecture is at every turn, and culture and charm ooze from its very pores. Sample traditional regional cuisine such as olive all'ascolana (meat stuff olives) in the medieval streets and pretty piazzas of Ascoli Piceno, or venture to the provincial town of Macerata, where summer sees its classical musical heritage truly spring to life with a month-long opera festival. 

Spirituality and tranquility wash over the sleepy town of Loreto, whose famous Basilica della Santa Casa is perched high on a hilltop. Join the pilgrims who make their way to this holy place and soak up the far-reaching views. Back down from the lofty hilltops, seaside Pesaro welcomes visitors with family-friendly beaches, Renaissance palazzi, and some of Italy's most divine sunsets. 

If you are in this region, and enjoy hiking, Zambo Trekking should be added to your itinerary.  You will get a local experience.  Environmental Excursion Guides, Carlo Passeri (@alahele_trekking on Instagram and Marco Zambelli (@zambotrekking on Instagram) lead treks and hikes  for simple enthusiasts like myself or expert hikers, such as my friends, Molly and Stephen.  This company stands out because it isn't uncommon to meet families with children, tourists, nature enthusiasts, photography enthusiasts, and more.  All Environmental Excursion Guides are certified and included in the National and AIGAE associated register.  I highly recommend the Night walks, a unique way to experience in national parks in the moonlight.  

A patchwork of mountains, beaches, meadows, and ancient towns create one of the most picturesque landscapes in a country filled with beauty. Le Marche is sure to inspire and enchant those seeking a genuine and unspoiled slice of Italian magic.

To immerse yourself in the real Italy, get in touch, and let's start planning a vacation to Le Marche that will give you experiences to talk about for years to come. ​

Plan a Tailor Made Experience in the Real Italy