SELF-DRIVE TOUR OF THE MARCHE Itinerary from north to south of the Marche 8 days / 7 nights
1st day: Arrival in Pesaro. Meeting with the guide to visit Pesaro, the city of music, where the great composer Gioacchino Rossini was born. Transfer to the farmhouse and overnight stay.
2nd day: Breakfast and departure for Gradara. Group visit with local guide to the village, among towers and alleys, panoramic points, churches and curiosities. Independent entrance to the Castle which was the setting for the love story of Paolo and Francesca made immortal by the verses of canto V of Dante's inferno. In the afternoon continue to Urbino whose historic center is a Unesco World Heritage Site. Meeting with the guide to visit the center, the birthplace of Raphael and the Doge's Palace. Accommodation in a hotel in the center and overnight stay.
3rd day: Breakfast and departure for Fossombrone. Meeting with the guide to visit this ancient town located in the middle valley of the Metauro river and along the route of the ancient Via Flaminia. Then visit to Corinaldo. Meeting with the guide and visit of the village with its mighty walls. Walk through the characteristic Ostra and its surroundings, rich in typical products including Lacrima wine, Verdicchio, oil and honey. Accommodation in a country house and overnight stay.
4th day: Breakfast. Visit to the Frasassi Caves with its underground paths among the most fascinating in the world. Continue to Jesi and guided tour of the city, still surrounded by a perfectly preserved 14th century wall. In addition, the Civic Art Gallery boasts a large group of works by Lorenzo Lotto. At the end, wine tasting at a local winery. Return to the farmhouse and overnight stay.
5th day: Breakfast. Free morning to explore the paths of the Conero natural park and its characteristic villages overlooking the sea such as Sirolo, Numana and Portonovo. Free walk to Loreto and Basilica of the Holy House, one of the most important Marian sanctuaries in the world. In the afternoon, meeting with the guide to visit Recanati, the birthplace of Giacomo Leopardi and the famous tenor Beniamino Gigli. Accommodation in a hotel near Macerata and overnight stay.
6th day: Breakfast at the hotel and departure for Macerata. Meeting with the guide to visit the city with its famous Sferisterio. In the afternoon free walk to the Upper Town of Grottammare, an ancient medieval village. Then visit of Offida, one of "the most beautiful villages in Italy", an indisputable jewel that boasts traditions, history and renowned wines. Wine tasting in the showroom of a famous local winery. Departure for Ascoli Piceno, accommodation in a hotel in the center and overnight stay.
7th day: Breakfast at the hotel. Meeting with the naturalistic guide and departure for a peaceful excursion on the Sibillini Mountains. Return to Ascoli Piceno in the afternoon, free time. In the evening, a typical aperitif where you can taste the delicious Ascolana olives. Return to the hotel and overnight.
8th day: Breakfast at the hotel. Meeting with the guide and visit of Ascoli Piceno, an enchanting city rich in history, architecture and traditions. Its historic center in travertine is magnificent and unique. At the end, return to places of origin.