The 'Le Marche' is a region of Central Italy on the Adriatic side of the Umbria-Marches Apennines. The Marches are generally renowned for their famous seaside resorts. From north to south, the most important are: Gabicce Mare, Fano, Marotta, Senigallia (the famous `Velvet Beach'), Sirolo (situated in the rocky Riviera del Conero), Numana, Porto Recanati, Civitanova Marche, Porto S. Elpidio, Porto S. Giorgio, Cupra Marittima, Grottammare and S. Benedetto del Tronto.

The Marches is mostly comprised of hills and mountains; the region embraces the Adriatic side of the Umbria-Marche Apennines, yet in contrast features low-lying, sandy beaches.

he Marches protects its natural environment through its National and Regional nature reserves, the oases of the WWF reserves, and the Monti Sibillini and Monti della Laga National Parks are peerless in their scenery and trekking offerings. Don’t miss the Frasassi Caves, a must-see for tourists from all over Europe. Of great interest to speleologists due to their karst (or dissolved limestone layers), this underground landscape is truly awe-inspiring - especially considering that parts of it have been lived in practically since time began.

Orchards and vineyards, as far as the eye can see, cover the hills of Piceno and extend through the Esino Valley; they surround farmhouses that offer the hospitality and genuine tastes of times past. Manor houses or old sharecroppers’ farms, now used as agritourism, tell of a way of life no longer seen. Picturesque ancient villages are often found on hilltops, frequently dominated by an old castle or tower or surrounded by thick walls. From north to south, the first is S. Leo in Montefeltro, with its imposing 14th century fortress and the Romanesque parish church; to the south stands Sassocorvaro with the Fortress of Ubaldini, masterpiece of 14th century military architecture; further south Urbania, with its interesting 14th-15th century centre, and Fossombrone, with Renaissance buildings. Passing through the suggestive Furlo Gorge (Galleria Romana) one reaches Cagli, a little town of great environmental interest with its 13th-14th century Town Hall; from here one can take a short trip to the lonely Camaldolese Monastery of Fonte Avellana at the foot of Mount Catria (1,701 m.).

Le Marche is still a lesser known region of Italy but it offers several great outdoor activities.  There are plenty of hill towns to walk and explore as well small rural roads for those who love to cycle. There are a few volcanic bouldering areas and several good climbing walls.  Combined with the beaches that are less crowded then further north, there are areas to wind surf and sea kayak.

Italy is one of the most diverse places in the world to visit but there is more to the country then Venice, Florence, Roma, Cinque Terre and a couple of other top attractions.  If you plan you days well and understand how to move around within the country you can a great cost effective vacation full of activity, history, culture, and great food and wine.  Contact us to get the insights to travel in Italy.  We offer:

• Travel Consultant- book time online for a web chat to answer your questions about traveling in Italy.
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