Italy’s central region of Le Marche on the Adriatic Sea is well known for its diverse landscapes, beautiful beaches, picturesque mountain scenery, and above all is celebrated for a rich history, interesting culture and authentic cuisine. Our visit to the area will provide the opportunity for you to experience first-hand the incredible culture, arts and heritage of this picturesque region. We’ve picked out the most well-known and impressive highlights together with some lesser-known hidden gems to provide you with a wonderful experience.
Tour Inclusions
The exact order of excursions will be included in your itinerary, which you should expect to receive approximately 2-3 weeks prior to departure. Based on a minimum of 25 members travelling.
A contemporary and urban-styled beachfront hotel, Charlie at Pesaro enjoys an enviable location on Pesaro’s promenade and is a short walk from the town’s historical centre. Offering modern accommodation with beautiful sea views, enjoy drinks from the rooftop lounge bar or at the pool bar beside the hotel’s inviting swimming pool. The hotel’s stylish Botanic Bistro offers delicious regional dishes and drinks in a laid-back environment throughout the day.
Surrounded by rolling hills, olive groves and vineyards, Macerata is an important Italian hub with a rich art and musical heritage. The spectacular Sferisterio is different from other 19th century theatres with its neoclassical style Doric columns, and since the 1920s it has been an iconic home of opera. At the heart of historic Macerata is the ornate 18th century Palazzo Buonaccorsi. The palace houses incredible art collections against the backdrop of its beautiful rooms. The valuable Ancient Art and Aeneid Gallery, Modern Art, as well as a fascinating Carriage Museum are all located here. Macerata’s beautiful 16th century Palazzo Ricci showcases Italian 20th century modern art and sculptures.
Pesaro is a fascinating coastal city, famous for being a UNESCO Creative City of Music, Culture and Art with many museums and galleries. On the outskirts, the palatial Villa Imperiale di Pesaro is a Renaissance treasure trove. Considered one of the most spectacular villas of the Italian Renaissance, it features two varying buildings. One dating back to the 15th century whilst the Della Rovere features terraced architecture with courtyards, gardens and terraces. It was the residence of the Sforza family and was expanded and painted with beautiful frescos. The Rossini Museum is the birthplace of famous composer Gioachino Rossini and houses a collection of 30 printed portraits.
Loreto and Basilica of Loreto – the splendid city of Loreto bordering the Adriatic Sea and surrounded by the lush green landscapes of the Marche region is famed for the ornate Renaissance-era marbled Basilica and the Holy House of the Virgin Mary of Nazareth. Both a majestic Basilica and 15th century fortress, it is home to incredible artworks by esteemed artists.
A delightful seaside town with a sweeping sandy beach and long maritime heritage, is also a centre of art. It is also a centre of art with much to appeal to
visitors. Make sure you taste one of the local specialities created by Fano’s fishermen, a ‘Moretta Fanese’, a strong hot coffee with a mix of liqueurs – delicious!
Urbino, a UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the most important centres of the Italian Renaissance, and its beautiful architectural heritage is still well preserved. The unique sandstone walled city known for the turreted, 15th-century Palazzo Ducale is home to the National Gallery of the Marche, featuring paintings by local famous artists Titian and Raphael.
National Gallery
The world-renowned Renaissance art collections of Le Marche’s National Gallery are on display in the spectacular Urbino’s Ducal Palace including works by Raphael and Titian.
The Ducal Palace was built for the Montefeltro family and dates back to the 1400s. Added to over the centuries, the Renaissance architecture includes fairy-tale twin turrets, a splendid study, a vast library of illuminated manuscripts as well as the Chapel of Forgiveness and a Banqueting Hall.
Casa Natale di Raffaello is the birthplace of famous Renaissance artist Raphael. Now a museum, it houses copies of his incredible works of art including Madonna of the chair and Ezekiel’s Vision as well as a fresco of Madonna and Child. Other artists’ work on display include Annunciation by Giovanni Santi. The upper floor houses historic manuscripts, rare editions, coins and commemorative 19th-century portraits.
Oratory of San Giovanni – the small 14th century red-brick church which features a series of late Gothic style frescoes by the brothers Lorenzo and Giacomo Salimbeni include a depiction of the crucifixion and the life of St John the Baptist.
The Ducal Palace was built for the Montefeltro family and dates back to the 1400s. Added to over the centuries, the Renaissance architecture includes fairy-tale twin turrets, a splendid study, a vast library of illuminated manuscripts as well as the Chapel of Forgiveness and a Banqueting Hall.
San Leo is a fortified village perched on a rock in the Montefeltro area with breathtaking views of the landscapes of Le Marche. Its museum displays a fascinating collection of prints, paintings and ceramics. Piazza Dante is the location of the spectacular 12th-13th century San Leo Cathedral with its large crucifix - access is from a portal on the side of the building.
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