Rome and the Marche

D01: ROME

The journey begins on Day 1 in Rome. Upon our early morning arrival, you will meet your local guide, followed by hotel check-in. We will immediately begin exploring the ancient city with visits to The Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. The afternoon continues with a stroll to the magnificent Pantheon, a stop at the beautiful Trevi Fountain (don't forget your coin to ensure your return to Rome!), and a climb up the Spanish Steps at Piazza di Spagna to the Trinità dei Monti church. We will enjoy an aperitivo at the famous Hotel Hassler before dinner in the lively Trastevere district.

D02: ROME

Day 2 is dedicated to the independent state of Vatican City. The morning involves a comprehensive visit to the Vatican Museums, including the renowned Sistine Chapel, followed by an entrance into St. Peter's Basilica. After lunch, the tour continues along the Tevere River to the historic Castel Sant'Angelo, concluding at the beautiful Baroque square of Piazza Navona. Dinner options include enjoying pizza in the lively Campo de' Fiori square or traditional cuisine in the historic Jewish Ghetto.

D03: ROME - ANCONA (3/4 HOURS)

Day 3 transitions from Rome to the heart of the Marche Region with a 3-4 hour journey to Ancona. We will spend the rest of the day with our local guide visiting the city center and its beauties, such as the San Circiaco Cathedral, the Lazzaretto, and the Traian Arch. We will then check into our hotel in Sirolo or Numana, known as the 'pearls of the Adriatic Sea,' situated on the hillside of Mount Conero.

D04 – D05: MOUNT CONERO REGIONAL PARK

On Day 4 and Day 5, we will explore the Mount Conero Regional Park. Depending on the weather, we can choose to spend the whole day at the beautiful beaches, 'Le Calette del Conero,' and go hiking on its lovely paths, or visit Camerano's underground caves. Another alternative is to visit Corinaldo, one of Italy's most enchanting medieval villages. At sunset on one of these days, we will enjoy Adriatic-based fish dishes in a typical restaurant along the seaside.

D06:  URBINO

Day 6 is a full-day visit to Urbino, a UNESCO Heritage site and a pivotal center of the Italian Renaissance. We will see the Ducal Palace, the National Gallery of Marche, the Oratory of the Grotto, and other marvelous places in the birthplace of the famous painter Raffaello Sanzio.

D07: MACERATA AND FERMO

Day 7 begins by visiting the Sferisterio of Macerata, an impressive open-air arena renowned for its opera festival. Afterward, we will head to Montegranaro to see one of the region's famous shoe factories. In the afternoon, we will walk in Piazza del Popolo, the main square of the medieval city of Fermo, and visit the ancient Teatro dell'Aquila and the old Roman cisterns.

.

D08: ASCOLI PICENO

Day 8 is a full day dedicated to Ascoli Piceno, a stunning gem in the Marche region, known for its elegant square, Piazza del Popolo, often called the ‘Living Room of Italy.’ We will see historic buildings and churches crafted from local travertine stone, such as the Palazzo dei Capitani del Popolo, the Loggia dei Mercanti, and the Cattedrale di Sant’Emidio. The day will conclude with a well-deserved apericena tasting the local specialty, Olive Ascolane.

D09: FRASASSI CAVES

Day 9 takes us underground to the stunning complex of the Frasassi Caves (Grotte di Frasassi). A guide will lead us to discover this fascinating cave ecosystem, boasting an astonishing array of stalactites and stalagmites within one of the most enormous cavities in Europe.

D010: RECANATI, HILLS OF INFINITY AND LORETO

Day 10 highlights the poetic and religious essence of the Marche region. We will visit Recanati, famous as the birthplace of the great poet Giacomo Leopardi, often called the "Hills of Infinity." Afterward, we will head to the nearby town of Loreto, a significant pilgrimage site, to visit the Sanctuary of the Holy House.

D011: TRIP BACK HOME

The final day, Day 11, involves heading to the airport for a happy farewell and preparing to return home.