Marche

Le Marche is an eastern region of Italy between the Adriatic Sea and the Apennine Mountains offering limestone cliffs, medieval villages, glaciated valleys and vibrant arts and culture. The town of Pesaro in this region is the birthplace of opera composer Gioachino Rossini. The countryside is full of historic fortified settlements atop hills and is dominated by the vast Monti Sibillini National Park. The capital of Ancona features the Riviera del Conero, where you’ll find sandy-cove beaches, medieval villages and limestone cliffs.

At Palazzo Ducale di Urbino, art lovers will find a collection of works spanning hundreds of years tucked inside the palace of a duke. The Frasassi Caves offer the chance to go potholing on a guided tour of a vast cave complex. The medieval cupola at Cattedrale di San Ciriaco offers stunning panoramic harbour views. The Gradara Castle medieval fortress and museum towers over the town. The stunning Gothic architecture of the Sanctuary of the Holy House of Loreto offers the chance to visit an important Catholic pilgrimage site.