Marche as a Local – “Marchigiano” Lifestyle

Arrival at your airport and private transfer to your luxury hotel; our hotel strives to provide you with the perfect vacation, offering the comforts of a standard hotel, while giving you the opportunity to be a part of the local community. Imagine the village square as the hotel lobby, the village alleyways as the hotel corridors, and the open sky as the hotel ceiling, as you wander through the borgo taking in the sights, or perhaps stopping to chat with the locals. The difference between a hotel and a stay in this Albergo Diffuso is the sense of community and warmth you will experience from the moment you arrive. Dinner and over night stay.

Your private bus will drive you to Ancona, Marche’s capital city, and important harbour founded by ancient Greek settlers in a panoramic position on a high cliff diving into the Adriatic sea. The city is a genuine port dotted with artistic masterpieces such as the Cathedral, the church of Santa Maria della Piazza and People’s Square, and our expert guide will be extremely useful to grasp the true essence of this ambiguous city. Talking about the essence of the city, as it always works in Italy it is the food to define the life of a city and we will therefore help you embark on a local pasta making class with our expert chef, a fun and lovely chef from Ancona.
After lunch you will head back to Monterado with a stop in Senigallia where you will enjoy either a free stroll in this interesting port, or a few hours on the beach.

With a 45 minute drive we will reach the Frasassi caves, the most incredible naturalistic wonder of central Italy. This karsts complex with underground routes is among the most beautiful ones in Europe. The Ancona abyss is one of the largest underground cavities in the world, while the crystallized lake, more than for its size, is striking for its colors and the charm of its stalagmites. You will enjoy a guided group visit. Head back to the coast to stop at the charming hills surrounding Jesi to savor the local delicious olive oil. Francesco is a fantastic producer that knows all the tricks about producing the best oil in the region. You will find out Francesco’s secrets and taste his different types of oil together with a light lunch of traditional products from the countryside. After lunch you will also discover the making of two superb wines of this very area in an elegant winery: the red Lacrima di Morro D’Alba and the white Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi. Transfer back to your hotel and overnight.

Transfer from Monterado to Urbino. Full day with our art historian Pierluigi. Urbino is definitely the most interesting town in Marche region, so rich of works of art. Birthplace of the painter Raphael, the Ducal Palace (ticket included) is the undisputed masterpiece of the region, a must-see that collects all the works of art accumulated over the centuries by the Dukes of Montefeltro, including Raphael’s paitings. At the end of the visit, you will transfer to Gradara to enjoy a memorable Medieval lunch with Medieval recipes (to eat with your hands if you wish!), dressed up actors, traditional dancing and other shows during the meal! Free walk around the lovely medieval alleys and fortress of Gradara after lunch. You will finally return to your hotel. Free dinner and overnight.

Today you will reach Ascoli Piceno, the pearl of Marche Region. Two main centers reflect ancient and modern Ascoli: Piazza del Popolo and Piazza Arringo, respectively. The former was the location of the old forum, the residence of the Captains of the People, and a vibrant commercial center, whereas the latter was once the political heart of town, with its Cathedral and Bishop's Palace. Our local guide Valeria will unveil all the historical treasures, and the secrets, of this lovely town, but also help you discover its street food “queen”: the Ascolana Olives. These typical big local olives are stuffed with minced meat and finally fried – a pure pleasure for the palate that you will enjoy for lunch. In the afternoon you will stop near Ancona to admire the magical production of biological honey made by Lorenzo and Alessandro, two young producers fully in love with the bee’s work. Private transfer back to Borgo Montemaggiore and overnight.

This day will be fully dedicated to enjoy the mesmerizing beauty of the Conero Riviera. The Conero is a promontory overlooking the sea that gives rise to caves, coves and creeks in between the white rock and vegetation of Conero Regional Park, where wildlife and flora alternate with stunning views. With a private transfer and our host you will marvel at the lovely towns of Sirolo and Numana, facing the high cliffs of the Conero. Free lunch and in the afternoon you will have time at leisure to either enjoy some shopping or relax at the local beaches. You will then go back to your hotel and in the evening will savor the local fish in a restaurant in Fano.

Breakfast at the hotel and check out; transfer back to your departing airport.