Have any of you Italophiles spent time there? What are your thoughts and/or recommendations?

(I bring this up because of all the endless questions about the Cinque Terra and Italian Riviera. But what about the "east coast"?)

I've spent some time on a couple of occasions in Le Marche at the hotel atop Monte Conero, a bit south of Ancona. Le Marche is what Umbria was a few years ago, relatively untouristed. Towns not to miss are Ascoli Piceno, Macerata, Urbino and Osimo.

Have also spent a week on the coast of Puglia but don't talk much about it to maintain secrecy. (This April to Basilicata.)

I second all of the above. Especially Urbino. If you have the time to stay over nite a trip to San Marino can be fun (the crowds clear out at nite). And nearby is the little gem of San Leo.

Thank you for responding. I bet I'd like this - a lot.

I live in Le Marche, and I like the area a lot. It's quiet and relatively tourist-free, but there are wonderful hill towns to visit. The coast is one of the best stretches along the Adriatic--especially with Monte Conero and towns like Sirolo, Portonovo, and Numana. Monte Conero is quite nice because it is easily hikeable and there are some nice quiet hideaway beaches to find.

I agree with DRJ. Puglia is really nice, and I stay quiet about it too, for similar reasons of secrecy .

DRJ: have fun in Basilicata--I'm looking forward to eventually visiting Matera. Where will you be heading?

JACKIE:

I fly into Bari, rent a car and drive to Matera for a three night stay at Locanda di SAn Martino, a "rescued" cave complex. Their website is seductive and I can't wait. Arrive Matera 6 April, next to Sorrento for three nights then to my friends at Le Case Gialle in Umbria for three nights and finish with a week in Rome. My thirteenth trip in the last seven years and each one is better than the last.

DRJ:

sounds like a wonderful itinerary. I've heard that a lot of the cave complexes in Matera are being restored and used as houses, but i didn't know they were for use as hotels too. that would be a great place to stay!