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Marche (translated as The Marches) lies on the eastern side of central Italy between the Apennines Mountains and the Adriatic Sea. It is bordered by the regions of Emilia Romagna to the north, Umbria to the west and Lazio and Abruzzo to the south. The region is an amazing combination of beautiful rolling countryside, mountain ranges, ancient hilltop villages, stunning coastline and beautiful cities. Marche offers the traveller a wealth of culture, art, crafts, excellent local cuisine and beautiful scenery and being fairly undiscovered you will rarely be faced with the crowds now associated with the tourist sites of Tuscany and Umbria.
The list of villages, towns and cities worth exploring is endless, each offering its own unique atmosphere, charm and attractions. Roam round the local markets, stumble upon the many local festivals or simply sit and soak it all up over a glass of local wine and some fresh pasta
Car Hire is necessary to explore this beautiful region. You can book through all the major car hire companies. However, we have arranged an excellent price reduction for our guests through Rentpro (SIXT) who we used many times previously and are reliable. To obtain a quotation please e-mail rentpro@katamail.com and quote Caserma Carina Apartments to ensure you obtain the discounted rate or alternatively telephone Enrico Ruggeri (English speaking) on 00 39 329 3704265. Private transfers are also available from the airport and local car hire can be organised. The area is very well connected by train and bus networks.
Marche's coastline offers some stunning scenery and in particular Monte Conero with its high cliffs (offering 18 walks) and small beaches tucked away in corners of natural beauty. Even closer for our guests is Porto San Giorgo, a pretty medieval fishing town with safe, sandy beaches, a lovely marina and established restaurants catering for families and couples alike. During July the locals hold the traditional Festa del Pesce (Fish Festival), where the fish is cooked in huge frying pans.
Lakes, waterfalls, deep gorges, woodlands and ancient monasteries are just some of the delights of this National Park. Whatever the season the scenery is stunning whether you choose to travel by car, cycle, on foot or even skiis! To break up your journey stop off at one of the many excellent restaurants offering delicious mountain cuisine.
One of the most complex karst systems in Italy. The caves offer an underground world of lakes, beautiful transparent alabaster formations, vaulted caverns and stalactites suspended like daggers. Guided tours are available throughout the year. Visit www.frasassi.com for more information.
Held every summer during July and August in the magnificent Sferisterio open air theatre, second only to Verona. Tickets are easily booked online at www.sferisterio.it.
The abbey, less than a 10 minute drive away was founded by Cistercian monks in 1142. Open to the public with shops, bars and restaurants, the abbey is set in acres of grounds offering walking, cycling and horseriding. Minutes away is the archaeological area of Urbs Salvia - the best preserved Roman remains in Marche dating back to the second century.
activities For those wishing to take part in more energetic activities the region offers skiing, walking, tennis, horse riding, fishing, yachting, recreational sailing, hot air ballooning, twin engine go-carting and quad biking. There is a water park within an hours drive and a zoo at Ancona.
We hope you have been tempted by our introduction to this stunning area. There are endless examples we could write about, but for more detailed information on the region, please visit Marche Voyager www.le-marche.com
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