STUNNING VILLA HOLIDAYS IN LE MARCHE

Divided from Tuscany and Umbria by the Apennines and stretching down to the Adriatic coast, Le Marche boasts 150km of beaches. From north to south the most important are Gabicce Mare, Fano, Marotta, Senigallia - the famous 'Velvet Beach', Sirolo, Numana, Porto Recanati, Civitanova Marche, Porto S. Elpidio, Porto S. Giorgio, Cupra Marittima, Grottammare and S. Benedetto del Tronto.

The presence of so many seaside resorts, often rich in artistic attractions, leads one to forget the countless other interesting places in the region. Towards the hilly inland various little towns lie, as yet, undiscovered by mass tourism in spite of their historical artistic and cultural importance. These picturesque ancient villages are often found on hilltops frequently dominated by an old castle or tower or surrounded by ancient walls.

Beautiful natural scenery is another attraction of the region and the Conero headland and Caves of Frasassi are outstanding. But Le Marche is also a mountainous region and the Sibillini mountains and national park offer fantastic hiking opportunities along with breath-taking scenery and a rich diversity of flora and fauna.

There are also several health spas: Acquasanta Terme with sodium bromide waters used in the treatment of arthritis and respiratory disorders, Sarnano with bicarbonate alkaline waters for illnesses of the urinary tract, Aspio Terme where four springs with different properties enable a wide range of treatments to be made available, and Carignano Terme with sodium bromide waters for metabolic and gastric disorders. Loreto has a special role in tourism in Le Marche, the Sanctuary Church of the Holy House rich in works of art has been the destination of millions of pilgrims for centuries.

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Ancona - Capital of the Le Marche region Ancona faces directly out to the sea. First founded by the Greeks the city is now home to the main ports of the Adriatic Sea. Ancona has a selection of churches and cathedrals, but a must-see is the Arch of Trajan, built by the Romans as a landmark for ships approaching the harbour. Considerable amounts of the province are part of the Conero Regional Park, which is home to sandy beaches, rolling hills and extensive ancient woodlands.

Ascoli Piceno - has one of the most beautiful piazzas in Italy, with its marble stone, and beautiful architecture. Visit the Duomo and the Pinacoteca Civica to see some of Carlo Crivelli's finest works. Be sure to have coffee at Caffe Meletti in the piazza

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Beaches - Sandy beaches, pebbly beaches, palm trees and rocky cliffs... this stretch of the Adriatic has it all. Le Marche offers a continuous stretch of clean, unpolluted sea and was awarded Blue flags for quality. During July and August beaches are busy with organised sun-beds and bars.

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Caldarola - Castello Pallotta at Caldarola houses collections of weapons and carriages and the castle still has its original furniture, the summer residence of the Pallotta family t: 0733 905242

Castelluccio - Way up in the mountains, the highest settlement in the Apennine mountains, surrounded by the Piano Grande (the Great Plain), cultivated with lentils and other lavish colours of wild flowers mid June.

Conero or the Riviera of Conero - near Ancona, this is the only high ground where limestone cliffs form rocky coves with green pine forests above. Visit the picturesque town of Sirolo and look at the fabulous views of the sea and beach below you. www.parks.it/parco.conero

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Fano A popular seaside resort on the Adriatic coast in the north of Le Marche.

Fermo - Lovely main square, Thursday market, cathedral built on the summit with splendid views surrounded by gardens. Underground cisterns built by the Romans between 40 - 60 AD, museums and tourist information office.

Fiastra Abbey Nature Reserve - off the SS78 at Urbisaglia, Macerata, this nature reserve covers the territory around the Cistercian Abbey of Santa Maria di Chiaravalle di Fiastra. The complex has vast farmland with the typical features of the Marche countryside and a woodland area of about 100 hectares, the only remnant of the ancient forests which used to cover most of the region's hills. Walking routes through the nature reserve, lawns to lie on, a shop and restaurant and also a tourist information office. See www.abbadiafiastra.net

Frasassi Caves - Italy's finest cave network, with dream underground landscapes and caverns, one the size of St. Pauls Cathedral dome. Fascinating and wondrous stalagmites and stalactites lit up for the guided tours. See www.frasassi.com

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Loreto A small medieval town and one of Italy's most important religious places being one of the most popular pilgrimage sites in Europe, it is believed Loreto is the location of House of the Virgin Mary, this attracts over 4 million visitors per year. The Holy House is situated inside the Basilica della Santa Casa which is also home to fantastic works or art, mosaics and sculptures. The town is relatively quiet but offers a few restaurants and shops to enjoy.

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Macerata - Provincial capital, good shopping in the old town, the home of one of Italy's oldest universities, Macerata boasts an unusual open air theatre, the sferisterio, perfect for summer concerts and the opera festival (www.macerataopera.org). Still surrounded by 16th century walls it has Palazzos, museums and cafe's.

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Pergola - Home to the amazing gilded bronzes from Cartocento of Pergola. Life size, they are the only group dated from Roman times still in existence. Combine with a trip to the Frasassi caves. www.bronzidorati.com

Pesaro The traditional seaside resort situated on the Adriatic coast is the second largest town in the region. Pesaro is perfect for those who wish to combine a beach trip with some history and culture. There is so much to see from the Palazzo Ducale cathedral to the Musei Civici, where you can admire fine collections of ceramics.

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Recanati - Elegant piazza, home of Giacomo Leopardi, museums, cathedrale, views, and beautiful theatre/opera house

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San Ginesio - Spectacular views and one of the Italian Beautiful Villages association (www.borghitalia.it). On 15th August every year the Palio takes place, medieval costumes and a tournament on horseback. See www.sanginesio.it

Sarnano A lively little town at the base of the Sibillini mountains, be sure to walk up the cobbled streets to the top of the fortified medieval town, there is a museum on the way up. Thursday market. The natural beauty of the landscape which surrounds Sarnano makes it the perfect location for walking and cycling. The medieval centre of the town is well preserved with its central Piazza Alta and ancient winding streets. Horse riding at Le Querce Stables.

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Tolentino - Known for Saint Nicholas and the Basilica di San Nicola with its 14th century frescos. Piazza has an unusual 16th century clock tower. Tuesday market. Huge battle re-enactment in summer at the nearby Castle 'Tolentino 815' t: 0733 960778

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Urbino Italy's finest Renaissance architects worked on the Duke's Palace in Urbino, also the birthplace of famous artist Raphael. Don't miss this treasure to be seen in the northern region of Marche. The small hill town has preserved its ancient Renaissance look since the 15th century. The historic centre is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its art and architecture. The Ducal Palace was one of the first to be built in Italy, it is now home to the National Gallery of Le Marche and has one of the most important Renaissance art collections in the world.

Urbisaglia - the walls of this town were built using the stones from the Roman ruins, in the centrale piazza is a castle 'La Rocca' t: 0733 506566. The Roman Ruins of Urbs Salvia - can be found on the main road from Macerata to Sarnano SS78 at Urbisaglia. There is also a museum with Roman artefacts at nearby Abbadia di Fiastra and an amphitheatre and museum at Falerone.

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Visso - Centuries of travellers have passed through Visso, on route from Marche to Umbria. Pastel-coloured houses and lovely churches, a few tiny shops and the National Park information centre.

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Medieval re-enactments, Festas and Fairs:
Too numerous to list but July and August are full of activities, concerts - all types of music, in villas and castles and even at dawn on the beach in Porto San Giorgio. Look up the San Severino Blues Festival - different dates all through July, classical music in Roman ruins and churches, and the Opera festival in Macerata. Historical re-enactments in costume include San Ginesio's Palio on 15th August every year, horse and rider compete at jousting the rings, Servigliano has its "Giostra dell'Anello" usually the Sunday closest to the 15th, and Fermo also has its Cavalcata dell'Assunta" horse race. Buy - (if we have not provided in the house) the little book available in newsagents called "Corriere Proposte" - "Eventi nelle Marche" each month with listings for What's On www.corriereproposte.it

Museums
Museionline Marche, provides updated information concerning the museums of Le Marche as well as artistic events, exhibitions, news and cultural programmes in the Region. www.museionline.it

Shopping
Le Marche is home to many designer outlets and family factories. As well as Prada and Tod's outlets. Come shopping for Italian shoes, bags and fashion. Want to shop online? Selandari's Italian Collection website here. They can host you for a Shopping tour. Email us for tour details.

Wine
Find VinoCotto , a special condensed wine made in Loro Piceno
La Murola near Mogliano. See www.murola.it/
Winetasting at "Domodimonti", Natural wine vineyard at Montefiore dell'Aso. See www.domodimonti.com
Also "Capinera" located at Morrovalle - a family run vineyard and winery. See www.capinera.com

Paper-making
at the Paper and Watermark Museum in Fabriano. See www.museodellacarta.com

Lace-Making
at Offida, where the women grow up learning how to make lace by hand, fascinating to watch, pretty town, a church that used to be a castle S. Maria della Rocca and a museum.

ACTIVITIES
Mountains
Exploring the Sibillini National Park www.sibillini.net

Forest Camp Donkey Trekking
Marco does Donkey Trekking for children and runs Forest Camp. Website link (in English) www.forestcamp.it

Horse Riding
Riding centre at Maneggio San Lorenzo. On the Fermo road out of Amandola. Shetlands for the children, hacking round lake San Ruffino for adults. Website: www.dimensionenatura.org

Mountain Bike Hire
Bike Hire from Smerillo, a hilltop town off the road from Amandola to Fermo forestcamp.it and at Montelparo, in the hills near Santa'Vittoria in Matenano. Agricamp picobello OR right up in the Sibillini Mountains near Visso and Ussita Biocycle-Sibillini.it

Adventure Park Sibillini Adventures
Kayaking, adventure park for kids, survival courses. www.sibilliniadventure.it

For Airports & Flight Information see http://www.traditionaltuscany.co.uk/info/flights/

For properties in Le Marche consider flights to - Ancona, Perugia, Bologna & Pescara airports.

BY CAR
If staying in the countryside, by far the best way to get around when on holiday is by car. It gives you the most freedom to explore and you can time your trips to suit yourself, rather than a bus or trains timetable. If going into the bigger cities (such as Florence or Rome), we would suggest parking on the outside and hopping on a bus to go into the centre, or taking the train in: both options being far less stressful that trying to drive and find parking in busy cities and trying to contend with the uniqueness' of Italian driving styles.

There is an excellent network of Autostradas in Italy, the main north-south link from Milan to Rome is the A1 (Autostrada del Sole). Toll charges apply on most of the autostradas in Italy: you take a ticket on the way onto the autostrada and you can pay by cash or credit card as you leave the autostrada. If you want to avoid queues buy a prepaid card (Telepass or Viacard) that are available from banks and ACI offices in denominations of Euro 25, 50 or 75. When leaving the autostrada it is important to note the signs above the tolls and head for the gate marked Biglietto (not those marked Telepass or Viacard) for cash and card payments if this is the way you will be paying DO NOT enter the Telepass only lane unless you have a Telepass. For information on road tolls and passes, contact Autostrade per Italia (800 26 92 69 www.autostrade.it).

Away from the autostradas you have the strade statali, represented by S or SS on maps and varying from four-lane highways (no tolls) to two-lane roads. Then you have the strade provinciali, which youll find connecting small villages in rural areas. Strade locali, are the final category and these may also be unmapped white roads. If you are looking for the scenic routes between towns and villages, the provincial and local roads are the ones to use.

The Automobile Club dItalia (ACI 80 31 16 24hr www.aci.it) is a drivers best resource in Italy. It has a dedicated 24-hour phone line for foreigners in need of emergency assistance or even tourist information.
To reach the ACI in a roadside emergency, dial 116 from a land line or 800 11 68 00 from a mobile phone. Foreigners do not have to join, but instead pay a per-incident fee.

SPEED LIMITS
50 kilometres in built up areas
90 km outside cities
110 km on highways (65 Miles per hr)
130 kms on Autostrada (motorways)

USEFUL TRANSLATIONS
Uscita - Exit
Entrata - Entrance
Tangenziale - Ring Road
Biglietto - Ticket

CITY DRIVING AND PARKING
ZTL (zona a traffico limitato) or Restricted Traffic Zones
Non-residents are prohibited from driving and parking within the ZTL areas at certain times of the day times depend on the city and if you drive through without having been cleared to do so, you will be fined. The boundaries of ZTL's are marked by special road signs and have a series of access points controlled by cameras that automatically detect the number plates of all the vehicles passing through. Transit through some of these access points is reserved exclusively for public transport and emergency vehicles only.

These specially-marked ZTL entry points are clearly signposted with a traffic-light type sign showing a green light when access is free for all and a red light when it is restricted to permit-holders only.

Outside the ZTL, the cities are divided into ZCS zones (zona a controllo sosta - controlled parking zones), where non-residents may park in the blue marked spaces using the pay and display facilities (the white marked spaces are for residents only), or in the various car parks.

Disabled permit holders who need to enter the restricted traffic zone (ZTL) with their vehicle should call the toll-free number 800 339891.

In addition to private residents vehicles, bicycles, motorcycles and mopeds may access the ZTL.

FUEL
You generally will have three choices at the tank benzina (petrol), benzina senza piombo (unleaded petrol) and gasolio (diesel).

RENTAL CARS
To rent a car in Italy you have to be aged 21 or over (although, if aged under 25 a young driver surcharge may apply) and you have to have a credit card. Most firms will accept your standard licence or IDP for idenitification purposes. If renting as car from the airport it is often cheaper to book ahead. Don't necessarily opt for the cheapest option, read the small print and see what you are getting included in your rental price, especially what you are insured against. Have a look at online reviews for the car hire firm too, we have had some bad experiences of car hire in Italy and some firms are best avoided.

RENTAL MOTORBIKES
There are numerous rental agencies in cities where youll also be able to hire a small Vespa or moped. Larger motorcycles for touring are also available. The average cost for a 50cc scooter (per person) is around 20/150 per day/week. Many rental places require a sizeable deposit and you need to check what you are insured against or you may find yourself responsible for reimbursing part of the cost of the bike if it is stolen. Most agencies will not hire motorcycles to people aged under 18. Crash helmets are compulsory.

BUS
Bus services within Italy range from local routes between villages to fast and reliable intercity connections. You will usually be able to get bus timetables from local tourist offices. In larger cities most of the intercity bus companies have ticket offices or operate through agencies. In some villages and even larger towns, tickets are sold in bars or on the bus. Buses almost always leave on time and you must buy bus tickets before you board the bus and validate them once on board. If you get caught with an unvalidated ticket you will be fined on the spot (up to 50 in most cities).

Every city or town of any size has an efficient urbano (city) and extraurbano (intercity) system of buses that reach even the most remote of villages. Call ahead if you want to travel on a Sunday, though, as many services come to a virtual halt.

Tickets can be bought from a tabaccio (tobacconist), newsstands, from ticket booths or dispensing machines at bus stations and in underground stations, and usually cost around 1. Most large cities offer good-value 24-hour or daily tourist tickets.

TRAIN
Trenitalia (800 89 20 21 in Italian www.trenitalia.com) is the state train-system that runs most services. The web site is in English and Italian but remember when using the English language site to use the Italian names (Roma for Rome, Firenze for Florence etc.) in the to and from fields when checking the timetable or you wont find what you are looking for.

There are several types of trains. Some stop at all stations, such as regionale or interregionale trains, while faster trains, such as the Intercity (IC) or the fast Eurostar Italia (ES), stop only at major cities. It is cheaper to buy all local train tickets in Italy.
Intercity and Eurostar trains require payment of a supplement (3 to 16) determined by the distance being travelled. Check up-to-date prices of routes on the Trenitalia website.