angelfire

Has anyone been to the LeMarche Region of Italy? I don't seem to be able to find a lot of info on this part of Italy - we normally stay in B & B's and drive. Any info would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!

nessundorma

One of the best resources is the website of Marche Voyager. Another good resource is the Slow Travel website, where you will find lots of trip reports. There is a also a regular poster there who lives near Urbino and runs a B&B there.

I've traveled through the Marche in autumn and had a great deal of fun. I think you can still travel there at any time of year without making reservations in advance. Most towns have either at least one albergo ristorante or B&B and usually a number of agriturismos in the vicinity. But the Le Marche Voyager site also has a link to a comprehensive list of accommodations in all price ranges.

My favorite part of Le Marche were the hills of Montefeltro and Urbino, Sant'Angelo in Vado, San Leo, etc. in the northern hald. But I also really liked being in Ascoli Piceno, where I highly recommend Palazzo Guiderrochi. I didn't spend anytime on the coast and there is a LOT that I missed (small towns like Jesu, Cagli, etc.)

Roads in Le Marche are good, but it is mountain driving. Lots of twists and turns on shoulderless roads, many without guardrails.

Have fun!

jd_dallas

We were in Le Marche this summer and, while we enjoyed it, it is more challenging that the other parts of Italy we have visited (Tuscany, parts of Umbria, and Rome). We have learned some rudimentary Italian, and we needed it, because there is much less English spoken, even in hotels and restaurants, than we had found other places. This was part of the attraction - we had to use the limited Italian we knew - but I felt more like an outsider than had been the case on previous trips.

We found some great food, prices are a good deal lower than in Tuscany, for sure, and the scenery was sometimes beautiful. Overall, a mixed bag.

I definitely agree with the comment above about Ascoli Piceno; it is a little remote but a fascinating place with a beautiful, and very lively, piazza.

JBNDB

Dear Angelfire:

Le Marche is, as you mentioned a relatively unknown (unspoiled) region of Italy. My wife Silvia own a B&B in Offida, Ascoli Piceno province and we would be happy to give you more information on the region. You can consult our website: www.vinoffida.com for more information. We also have guests comments in Trip Advisor forums.

Hope you will pursue your idea of visiting our area. You will not regret it!
Jacques
Owner - Nascondiglio di Bacco

newyorker

Angelfire,

It's a fantastic region. The two highlights are Ascoli Piceno and Urbino. But there are dozens of other fantastic sights. Unfortunately I don't remember the names of them all, but a search will fill in the blanks.

1. On top of Monte Conero south of Ancona there is an old monastery, now a hotel which is beautiful. 15 minutes to the beaches below.

2. There is great hiking just west of Ascoli. Ascoli also has outstanding restaurants

3. If you can find Frontone, go there for dinner. From the ride up the winding road up the mountain to the cobblestone streets it is a joy. Go to the second restaurant on the right on the main street.

4. Generally the beaches along the Adriatic are not great. But if you need to check them out I would either go to the ones on the bottom of Monte Conero or to Pesaro. The one with the larger rocks on the bottom of Monte Conero has very good seafood restaurants. Pesaro's beach is ok, but the town is very interesting. However, overall the beaches are not the beautiful sandy ones you might expect.

5. Check out an opera in Macerata if you are there over the summer.

6. If driving from Fano toward Cagli skip the tunnel and check out the Furlo Gorge. There are old Roman swimming holes on that river, along with Etruscan tunnels. In Furlo there are two outstanding restaurants. One is the only place on the river side, which is also a hotel. The other is across the street. Discreetly ask about Mussolini and you will see things you wont believe.

7. Urbania is another beautiful small midieval town.

Enjoy

pjdscott

Part of my guide concerns Le Marche, particularly the Macerata province. You're most welcome to check it:

http://www.hidden-italy.com/marche/marche01.html

There are several B&Bs in this area - my accommodation and links sections will have entries. It makes a very pleasant stopover between northern Le Marche and the southern region.

enjoy,

Peter