Le Marche, situated in central Italy between the Adriatic Sea and the Apennine Mountains, may be regarded as Tuscany’s little sister, but this region has a charm all of its own. Resplendent art cities, medieval streetscapes, glorious countryside, tiny hilltop villages, fine shopping and incomparable coffee.
On our Le Marche tours, we'll be staying in Pesaro, a super-relaxing seaside place, surrounded by natural beauty but close enough to cultural sites for a day trips. The fact that Le Marche is relatively undiscovered also means you don’t have to fight for space when sightseeing - always a bonus! Keep on reading to discover more on what you can do on this holiday in Italy with Travel Department.
Discover Pesaro
Pesaro is one of the few towns on this part of Italy’s Adriatic Coast which can boast a historic centre just minutes’ walk from its seafront. On market day you can join a lively throng of locals shopping for clothing, kitchenware, fruits and vegetables. You might visit one of the town’s traditional grocery shops and be served by a white-coated assistant who will ask whether you want your Parmigiano aged 12, 24 or 36 months? In the main square, Piazza del Popolo, you may be lucky enough some evening to take in a music performance or festival honouring the town’s famous son, Gioachino Rossini, or just sit in a café, to soak up the atmosphere and admire the fountains with their depictions of tritons and seahorses.
Explore Urbino
Urbino, home place of the painter, Raphael. This pristine renaissance town sits atop a steep hill, less than an hour’s drive from the sandy beaches of Pesaro. You can't help but wonder if the students who attend Urbino’s renowned university are aware of how privileged they are to be part of this timeless beauty and atmosphere. Visit the remarkable Palazzo Ducale, to marvel at works by Raphael, Uccello and Piero della Francesca, in one of Italy’s finest art collections. Then your next stop is the Oratorio di San Giovanni Battista, to see a small church decorated floor to ceiling with frescoes by Jacopo and Lorenzo Salimbeni. Then, take a breather, sit in a shady piazza, drink an iced coffee and gaze at the carpet of graduated green fields, spread out below the town and stretching down to the sea.
Uncover Gradara
This medieval jewel, 142 metres above sea level, is said to be the setting of the tragic love story of Paolo and Francesca, immortalised by Dante in his Divine Comedy. You can explore the 14th-century walls which enclose the town and be transported back in time, while admiring the amazing views from the imposing fortress.
Visit San Leo
Perched dramatically on a cliff, San Leo is one of Italy’s most picturesque fortified towns. The imposing fortress offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside and the Apennine Mountains. This historic site has a fascinating past, having once been a prison for the notorious Cagliostro, an Italian adventurer, and self-proclaimed alchemist.
Step into San Marino
While technically not part of Italy, the tiny republic of San Marino is a popular excursion from Le Marche. As the world’s oldest republic, San Marino boasts medieval architecture, stunning viewpoints, and plenty of quaint shops and cafes. Spend your time exploring the Three Towers of San Marino and the winding streets of the old town.
Savour Local Cuisine
Italy never ceases to amaze with its diverse cuisine. What is the staple diet in Le Marche would be barely known in other regions; it’s as if each of the 20 regions is a foreign country when it comes to food. Marche specialities that I enjoyed were stuffed green olives; delicious mouthfuls filled with meat or cheese, breadcrumbed and fried – perfect with an aperitif. Seafood dishes abound along the coast; try a fritto misto di pesce – a pile of light, crispy seafood and shellfish, ingeniously tangled with strips of equally crispy courgette. Game is popular in season, with stuffed, rolled rabbit a favourite. Every Italian region has its own pasta shapes and recipes. Marche’s version of lasagne is called vincisgrassi - it’s a ‘special occasion’ dish, made with fresh pasta sheets layered with veal ragu, chicken liver or lamb sweetbreads, truffles or wild mushrooms, and béchamel sauce
Our guided group holiday to Le Marche has so much to offer. Its blend of art, history, and natural beauty makes it an ideal destination for those seeking an authentic Italian experience off the beaten path. This region is perfect for travellers looking to fully immerse themselves in Italy’s rich culture.
